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Learn about the 11
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11+ Advice and Guidance
This time of year, many parents ask for advice about 11+ tuition and/or entrance exams for secondary schools in the local area. There is advice out there, but some of it is very generic and not specific to an area. We are always happy to speak with parents about the help we can offer and which information they can seek via school websites. What is the 11+ exam?
The 11+ exam is a test taken in Year 6 that is used to ’select’ children for admission to some state secondary schools at age 11. It is a competitive exam and used to select the top performing students. Passing it does not guarantee a place at that school, though students must pass to apply.
The 11+ exam consists of 4 parts: Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Not all four parts are used by every school; they are free to choose which elements they wish to assess. Many private schools use the common entrance exam, which is very similar to the 11+ but may be used at 11 or 13. They may also provide scholarships that are often offered to the highest performing students.
Which local schools use the 11+?
Lincolnshire uses 11+ exams to select students for all of their grammar schools. The closest grammar schools to Peterborough are Bourne Grammar and Spalding High (girls) and Spalding Grammar (boys). The Lincolnshire schools' test usually only covers reasoning skills. In Peterborough the 11+ exam is used by The King’s School. Gaining a place at King’s through sitting the 11+ exam is highly competitive as only 12 places are normally awarded. The King’s School often uses tests in English, maths and reasoning.
What do we do at Kip McGrath?
We are experienced in tutoring children for 11+ and Common Entrance exams. Many of our students have successfully gained places at Lincolnshire Grammar Schools, The King’s School and The Peterborough School. We tailor our tuition to fit the needs of the student as well as ensuring we cover the academic requirements of the exam. We also give our students the opportunity to sit mock exams so that they can learn exam techniques and time management.
To book a free assessment visit www.kipmcgrath.co.uk/book-assessment
Tips for helping your children at home
Encourage your child to read books - this helps widen their vocabulary and improves spelling. Take your child to visit Secondary Schools well in advance - this helps with their motivation. Don’t start too soon or they will get bored.
Six months seems a very long time to 10-year-olds. Buy the 11+ books (there are plenty to choose from) and do a little bit every day. Start with easy books for younger children and build up to the harder questions. Encourage thinking skills by talking through the questions, offer explanations to tricky questions by talking out loud as you think. Concentrate on the basics of maths and English.
