Welcome to the 11+ FAQs page, brought to you by the Subject Masters 11+ Team. Here, we answer the most
common questions about the 11+ exam, helping you navigate its requirements, understand the process, and
prepare effectively for 11+ exam success.
Common mistakes in the 11+ exam include misreading questions, poor time management, and inadequate
revision. To address these, Subject Masters 11+ Tuition offers timed practice sessions,
11+ mock exams, and regular progress tests with detailed feedback. We
use structured in-centre classwork, online homework (including new online videos) and regular review
sessions to enhance understanding and accuracy. Our comprehensive approach ensures our students are
well-prepared and achieve outstanding results in their 11+ exams.
The 11+ exam takes place in September when your child is in Year 6. Children born between 1st September
2013 and 31st August 2014 will take the West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test between Saturday, 14th
September 2024 and Monday, 16th September 2024 for Year 7 entry in September 2025. Each child will be
assigned a testing session in either the morning or afternoon. Confirmation of your child’s specific
testing slot should be received by early September.
We recommend beginning 11+ preparation as early as possible, as research shows that children who start 11+
preparation earlier tend to perform better in the exam. To support this, we offer tailored
11+ tuition courses for children in Year 3, Year 4, and Year 5, addressing
different stages of preparation. Effective 11+ exam preparation requires time and consistent effort, so
our approach guides children throughout their entire journey, from start to finish. Whether you start
early or a bit later, it’s never too early or too late to begin, and we’re here to assist you every step
of the way to ensure your child achieves the 11+ results they need!
Vocabulary plays a crucial role in the 11+ exam, as it is directly tested in the english comprehension
section and verbal reasoning section, which combined make up 50% of the entire 11+ exam. To support
students in mastering this essential component, Subject Masters offers the
11+ Vocabulary Builder course, specifically crafted by expert
educators to cover thousands of words frequently tested in the 11+ exam. Our 11+ Vocabulary Builder 11+
course features engaging audio-visual online activities that not only help children learn and reinforce
new vocabulary but also allow them to test their understanding. Additionally, the course includes tools
for parents to monitor their child’s progress, ensuring a comprehensive approach to vocabulary development
and exam readiness.
Candidates sitting the 11+ exam will sit two papers, each approximately 50-60 minutes long. Each paper is
divided into smaller, individually-timed sections. These assess english comprehension, maths, verbal
reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. For the West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test, all questions
are multiple choice so there are no written questions in the test. Children record their answers on
separate answer sheets. At Subject Masters 11+ Tuition, we ensure our students are familiar with using
answer sheets from day one in our tuition centres, mock exams and online courses, so they will be
well-prepared for the real exam!
For the West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test, your child’s answer sheets will be marked using
Optical Mark Technology (OMR) which uses a scanner to identify your child’s answers. Your child will
receive a mark for each correct answer. For the 11 plus exam, no marks are deducted for incorrect answers
so it is crucial that you answer every single question to maximise your overall mark.
Your child’s 11+ exam results will be emailed to you on Friday 18th October 2024. On this date, you will
find out if your child has met the minimum score required for admission to your target grammar schools.
Use these results to decide which six schools to put on your secondary school common application form. You
should only put grammar schools for which your child has met the eligible 11+ score on the application
form, otherwise they will be rejected. The application form must be submitted to your home local council
by 5pm on Tuesday 31st October 2024.
Your child should bring their own stationery (two HB pencils, an eraser and a sharpener) in a clear pencil
case or clear zip bag. No other stationery items, such as rulers and highlighters, are permitted. There is
a short break between the two 11+ papers, and your child should bring a bottle of water for hydration.
Your child does not need to wear school uniform when attending the 11+ exam and they should wear anything
they feel comfortable in. Watches, timers and stop clocks are not permitted in the test. A clock will be
present in the exam room. Any devices such as mobile phones, calculators, smart watches, tablets and iPods
are not permitted in or around the test rooms. Any failure to comply with these rules may lead to
disqualification.
You can apply for a place at a state secondary school online or by using your council’s application form.
You apply through your local council even if you’re applying for schools in another council area. When
completing the application form for schools in the West Midlands, you should rank your school choices in
order of preference. List up to six schools, with your most preferred school as number one and your least
preferred as number six. This ranking helps local authorities and schools understand your priorities and
manage placements accordingly.
If you want your child to be considered for a place at a West Midlands Grammar School, you must register
them for the local 11+ exam by visiting
this website and following the
instructions. After receiving your child’s 11+ exam results on 18th October 2024, decide which schools to
list on your secondary school application form. Before listing a school, check its admissions policy to
ensure your child is eligible. Submit the application form to your home local council by 5pm on Tuesday,
31st October 2024. On National School Offer Day, 3rd March 2025, you will find out which school your child
has been allocated. They will be placed at your highest-preferred school for which they meet the entry
criteria and where places are available.