What is the 11+ exam and will my child have to sit it?
The 11+ exam is an entrance test for our local grammar schools. It consists of two different exams; the first exam will cover English skills including comprehension, vocabulary, punctuation, grammar and spelling, with Verbal Reasoning questions. The second exam will cover Maths and Non-Verbal reasoning questions and all of the questions are multiple choice. All students in the area will be automatically entered for the exam however parents do have the option to withdraw their children.

When will my child sit the exam?
All students sit the exam on the same day which is usually in the first few weeks of September when they are in Year 6. The results are then released a few weeks later in October.

How many children pass the exam?
The data for 2021/2022 suggests that, of all the children that sat the exam in Buckinghamshire, roughly 30% passed.

Will my child need tuition?
The reality is that competition for Buckinghamshire grammar schools is intense as more and more students are being prepared for the exam. Therefore, giving your child focused tuition, either by yourself or with a private tutor, will give them the boost they need to compete and help them feel more confident and at ease with the whole exam process. The Non-Verbal and Verbal Reasoning elements of the exam will be brand new to them as the skills are not taught in state schools.

Can I tutor my own child?
Absolutely! There are lots of resources out there to help parents come up with a structured plan. However, the reality is that life is busy and carving out a couple of hours a week to work with your child and oversee their homework can be a challenge. Also, we all know that our darling children behave for other people much better; getting my own children to do homework with me is like pulling teeth!

Is a grammar school suitable for my child?
The honest answer is that grammar schools are not suitable for every child so it’s important for parents to realise this. Grammar schools are highly academic and competitive which will allow many students to thrive but equally this type of environment simply won’t suit every child. The student not only needs to be able to pass the exam but then cope with the demands for the next seven years!

When should we start tutoring?
The vast majority of students start their tutoring journey at the beginning of Year 5 which gives them a full year to prepare. It is not always necessary or beneficial to start tutoring from a younger age as by the time the child comes to sit the exam they may be feeling burnt out from over tutoring! However, if you want to help your child before Year 5 then focusing on things like times tables, widening your child’s vocabulary with a ‘word of the day’ and reading comprehension will all help.

Do I need to get on a waiting list?
Yes, I would suggest contacting a few tutors and having a chat with them to see which one will suit your child. It is very common for tutors to have waiting lists so if possible, sign them up with a couple to ensure you get a place. If you’re panicking as you’ve not anything sorted yet and your child will need one from September then it is always worth contacting local tutors to see if any spaces have opened up.

Should I worry if my child doesn’t get into a grammar school?
Not at all! We are very fortunate to live in an area where we have excellent state and private schools. It is better for your child to go to a school that suits them, their abilities and be somewhere that they can thrive and feel confident. Sending a child to a grammar school where they might struggle to keep up will inevitably cause more harm than good.