How your child can prepare for the 11 Plus
If your child is preparing for the 11 Plus exam set by GL Assessment, it’s important to understand exactly what’s involved. The GL test is used by many grammar schools across the UK to select pupils for Year 7 entry and is designed to assess a wide range of academic skills.
At Teachitright, we’ve been helping children prepare for the GL Assessment 11 Plus for nearly two decades. In this guide, we’ll explain what subjects and question types are covered and how you can support your child’s preparation effectively.
What is the GL Assessment 11 Plus?
GL Assessment is one of the main exam boards used for the 11 Plus. It is commonly used in areas like Buckinghamshire, Slough, and parts of Berkshire. Each school or local authority can choose which elements of the test to use, but the exam typically covers four key subject areas:
- English
- Maths
- Verbal reasoning
- Non-verbal reasoning (including spatial reasoning)
The test is multiple-choice and answers are marked on a separate sheet using a pencil. This format rewards speed, accuracy and familiarity with exam technique.
Subjects and skills tested
English
The English section usually includes:
- Reading comprehension
- Vocabulary and word meanings
- Grammar and punctuation
- Sentence completion
- Spelling
To help your child prepare, we recommend that you encourage wide reading, including fiction and non-fiction. Talk about unfamiliar words and practise comprehension questions, and build awareness of different writing styles and language techniques.
Maths
The maths section is based on the Key Stage 2 national curriculum, often covering Year 6 content by the time of the test. Topics include:
- Arithmetic and number operations
- Fractions, decimals and percentages
- Worded problems
- Algebra and ratio
- Data interpretation
Verbal reasoning
Verbal reasoning tests how well your child understands and uses language. Question types may include:
- Word codes and sequences
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Letter relationships
- Logical connections between words
You can support your child by expanding their vocabulary and spelling. Word puzzles, crosswords and logic games are useful. Teach techniques for identifying patterns and solving codes.
Non-verbal reasoning and spatial reasoning
These sections assess problem-solving using shapes, patterns and visual logic. They may include:
- Odd one out
- Shape sequences
- Analogies
- Folding shapes
- Hidden shapes
- Spatial awareness tasks
Use visual puzzles and pattern games with your child to practise these skills. Encourage attention to detail and spatial thinking.
How Teachitright helps children prepare
At Teachitright, our courses are specifically designed around the GL Assessment exam format. Whether your child is in Year 4 or Year 5, we provide the structured support they need to build subject knowledge, exam technique and confidence.
Our tuition includes:
- Step-by-step coverage of all 11 Plus subjects
- Vocabulary-building activities
- Practice using multiple-choice answer sheets
- Timed assessments and strategy coaching
Give your child the best preparation
Getting familiar with the GL Assessment exam style and building the right skills takes time and practice. That’s why Teachitright offers:
- Year 4 and Year 5 grammar school tuition courses
- Mock exams and revision camps for realistic practice and last-minute preparation
The GL Assessment 11 Plus tests a broad range of skills in English, maths and reasoning. With the right preparation and support, your child can face the exam with confidence. Teachitright’s expert-led tuition helps pupils master the content, understand the format and perform at their best.
Contact us for full course information or join our mailing list to receive updates and free resources.
