Introduction
If your child is preparing for grammar school entry, you’ve probably heard of the 11 plus exam. It’s a key part of the admissions process for many selective schools, and while it might seem a bit intimidating at first, good preparation can make a real difference. At Cardiff Tutor Company, we help families get ready with expert advice and access to trusted 11 plus practice papers that reflect the style of the real test.
What Is the 11 plus Exam?
The 11 plus is a test that grammar schools and some independent schools use to decide who gets a place in Year 7. It usually takes place in September of Year 6, though the exact timing can vary depending on the school and the local area.
The structure of the exam can change based on which exam board the school uses. Most follow GL Assessment or CEM, while others may create their own papers. Regardless of the provider, the subjects your child will be tested on are fairly consistent.
What Do 11 plus papers Cover?
Most 11 plus papers include questions from four key areas:
- English – covering comprehension, grammar, punctuation and vocabulary
- Maths – including arithmetic, reasoning and multi-step problems
- Verbal reasoning – focused on word-based logic and code-style questions
- Non-verbal reasoning – based on patterns, shapes and visual sequences
Some tests combine subjects. For instance, English and verbal reasoning might be grouped together, or maths might appear alongside non-verbal reasoning. That’s why using a variety of 11 plus practice papers is so important, it helps your child get used to different types of questions and formats.
When to Use 11 plus exam past papers
It’s a good idea to start building skills early, ideally in Year 4 and continuing through Year 5. From about six months before the actual test, 11 plus exam past papers can be introduced to work on speed, accuracy and exam technique.
Jumping into full past papers too early can be unhelpful, especially if your child hasn’t mastered the basics. Start with shorter tasks, then gradually build up to complete timed papers as their confidence grows.
Why Choose MME for 11 plus Practice?
MME offers a brilliant collection of 11 plus practice papers that match the look and feel of real exams. The papers are carefully designed, clear to follow and suitable for all the main exam boards.
Whether you need topic-based revision, full-length mocks or familiarisation packs, MME has a wide range of resources to choose from. All their papers come with mark schemes and answers, making it simple for parents to track progress and spot areas for improvement.
If you’re looking for trustworthy 11 plus exam past papers, MME is a great place to start. Regular use of high-quality 11 plus papers can give your child a strong advantage when it comes to tackling the real thing.
At Cardiff Tutor Company, we believe that the right support and consistent practice can make the 11 plus a far less stressful experience. By using carefully chosen 11 plus practice papers, your child can feel more confident, more prepared and ready to succeed.