Parents
Is your child about to take the 11 Plus? Need some help on how to pass the 11 plus exam? Looking for handbooks and practice materials? Everything you need is available from Bond.
We understand that there is only one chance to take the 11 Plus so Bond offers a complete solution to exam preparation. Our online practice tests and book resources will provide everything your child needs.
What is the 11 Plus?
The 11 Plus exam is used to try and select the most academically able children for places in grammar schools. Similar exams may also be set for selective entrance to private schools in the UK and abroad.
The 11 Plus varies from county to county and even from school to school. It can cover up to four subjects: English, maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning.
- Contact details for all Local Authorities using selective entry
- The Bond practice range at a glance
- Listing of UK grammar schools
How to Approach the 11 Plus
Amongst the best things you can do for your child is prepare them for the exam by familiarising them with the types of questions that may come up and providing them with a toolkit to manage exam stress. It is also important that you know how the admissions process works for each school you are applying to. It is best to start with the school’s website as this is likely to contain the most up to date information. If you are unsure, email them directly for clarity. The content of 11 Plus tests is also liable to change. Finding out what the tests cover will help you know what practice material to invest in.
Your Concerns
- Learn as much as you can about the process and your potential schools.
- Invest in quality learning and practice resources and dedicate time to 11 Plus preparation to mitigate stress. Use resources such as our Bond Revision Planner and Bond Reward Chart to break down the daunting prospect of exam preparation and make it manageable in a realistic time frame.
- Maintain perspective on the potential outcomes. Children pick up on their parents’ stress and the anxiety of their peers; ensuring they stay calm is pivotal to both their wellbeing and their performance under exam conditions.
Your Child’s Worries
- Speak positively about all the schools that they might attend. Ensure that you don’t make the selective schools appear to be the only good options. Not only will this mean that the child is not too disappointed should they not pass the 11 Plus, but it also reassures them that you feel positive and invested in their future.
- Children are often worried about disappointing their parents. Reassure them that you are proud of them for attempting the exam and where possible reward the effort they put into 11 Plus it is best to reward effort as opposed to promising a present if the child passes the exam. If the child does not pass, this could be very upsetting and could add to a feeling of failure.
- Talk to them about what the exam will be like and what to do if they feel nervous. This may be the first proper test your child has done under exam conditions. Making sure they have the required equipment and know how to manage their time will help them feel relaxed. Teaching them some deep breathing techniques may also help to combat nerves.
Why Buy Bond?
Bond has helped millions of children to pass the 11 plus exam. With over 50 years of experience, it's a brand you can really trust.
Bond offers you a comprehensive range of resources available for practice and exam preparation in all four core 11 Plus subjects. Support is available in the form of practice books, mock tests, parental guidance, and advice on how to tackle question types, in print or through online practice. All Bond support has been written by experienced teachers and tutors.
How to pass 11plus exam and what you can buy:
- Assessment Papers (focused at the age of pupil)
- ‘11 Plus How to’ guides for each subject
- 10 Minute Tests for bite-sized practice
- 11 Plus Exam Test Papers for mock exam practice
- Parent guidance, helping to demystify the process
- And puzzle books for a fun approach to verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.