As grammar school placement is highly limited, the 11 Plus is one of the most competitive selective examinations for primary school pupils.
Passing the 11 Plus can be especially difficult as a large part of the content of the examination is not a part of the key stage 2 National Curriculum.
Our 11 Plus tuition services are designed to dramatically increase a child’s chances of successfully securing a place in a grammar school in Birmingham.
See the timetable for students sitting the 11 Plus examination in Birmingham.
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The 11 Plus is a selective entrance examination used in some areas of the United Kingdom to determine grammar school admissions for secondary school students.
The 11 Plus examination is usually taken by students at the beginning of their final year of primary education when they are around 11 years old.
The examination itself consists of a series of tests that are designed to measure a student’s academic abilities, including Verbal Reasoning, Non-verbal Reasoning, English, and Mathematics.
- Verbal Reasoning
This section of the 11 Plus measures a student’s ability to comprehend and manipulate language. It typically consists of a series of questions that ask the student to identify relationships between words or to complete a series of sentences or paragraphs based on a given set of instructions. - Non-verbal Reasoning
This section evaluates a student’s ability to understand and analyse visual information. It is usually a series of questions that ask the student to identify patterns, relationships, or logical sequences based on diagrams, charts, or other visual materials. - Mathematics
This part of the examination determines a student’s mathematical ability and typically consists of a series of questions that cover topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. - English
A student’s reading and writing skills are assessed via this portion of the test which typically consists of questions that ask the student to read a passage of text and answer questions about it, or to write an essay or other written response.
It is worth noting that the specific tests included in the 11 Plus examination can vary depending on the local education authority administering it and the specific school the student is applying to attend.
Some schools may also include additional tests or assessments as part of their admission process.
The purpose of the 11 Plus examination is to fairly allocate the limited grammar school places to the most academically able students.
It was introduced in the 1940s as a means of providing a more merit-based system of education, to create a more equitable and fair system for all students.
It was intended to replace the traditional system of grammar schools, which were seen as elitist and exclusive, with a more inclusive and merit-based system.
The 11 Plus examination is typically taken in the final year of primary school. It is administered by the local education authority and is typically held in the student’s primary school.
All students in the relevant age range are eligible to take the examination, regardless of their socioeconomic background or previous academic achievement.
The 11-plus examination is graded on a pass/fail basis, with students who score above a certain threshold being deemed “passes” and those who score below it being deemed “failures.”
The exact grading criteria vary depending on the specific test and the local education authority administering it.
If a student fails the 11 Plus, they will not be admitted into a grammar school.
Nevertheless, they will be eligible to attend their local secondary school or a nearby non-selective school.
In some cases, students may be exempt from taking the 11 Plus if they have a specific learning difficulty or disability that would make it difficult for them to complete the tests.
Students who are eligible for this exemption will typically be placed in a suitable school, based on their individual needs and abilities.
There are a number of ways that students can prepare for the 11 Plus examination, including:
- Practising sample test questions
Many local education authorities provide sample test questions that students can use to familiarize themselves with the types of questions they will encounter on the examination. - Enrolling in a tuition course
Some private companies offer intensive preparation courses that are designed to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the 11-plus examination. - Working with a private tutor
Students can also work with a private tutor to receive one-on-one instruction and support in preparing for the examination. - Staying organized and staying on top of schoolwork
Good study habits and staying up-to-date with schoolwork can also help students prepare for the 11 Plus.
Private tuition is potentially one of the most effective approaches for 11 Plus preparation.
Preparation and revision sessions with a qualified tutor allow students to receive one-on-one instruction and personalised support.
A good tutor can help students understand the material they need to know for the examination, provide personalised feedback and guidance, and address any areas of weakness or confusion.
However, it is important to note that 11 Plus tuition is not a guarantee of success on the examination.
The effectiveness of private tuition will depend on a variety of factors, including the quality of the tutor, the student’s own motivation and dedication, and the amount of time and effort the student puts into their studies.
Tuition Tree is an independent tutoring company based in Birmingham specialising in 11 Plus tuition.
Our tutors are qualified, experienced and DRB/CRB checked, with the capability of providing your child with the tools to give them the best possible chance of succeeding in the 11 Plus.
We offer private tuition, group tuition, mock examination, and interview preparation services in the Birmingham area.
Tuition Tree is based in Edgbaston, Birmingham. You can use this link to find us.
