Updated 09-December-2025
After years of running Merit Tutors centres in East London, I can tell you that the 11 Plus is not just a test of knowledge—it’s a marathon of strategy and resilience. In boroughs like Redbridge, Bexley, and Sutton, the competition is fiercer, the papers are more varied, and the logistics are more complex than anywhere else in the country. Our advice below is rooted in first-hand experience guiding hundreds of local students to their grammar school offers.
For parents across London, the 11 Plus exam isn't just a test; it's the gateway to some of the country’s most sought-after grammar schools, including those in high-competition areas like Redbridge, Sutton, Bexley, and Kingston-upon-Thames.
Securing a place is highly competitive, meaning preparation needs to be strategic, sustained, and tailored to the specific London school consortia.
At Merit Tutors, we believe the best preparation doesn't involve intense cramming, but rather a structured, consistent approach that builds both knowledge and confidence. This comprehensive guide, written by our team of qualified teachers and examiners, outlines the definitive roadmap for your child's 11 Plus success.
The single biggest mistake parents make is starting too late. The 11 Plus assesses content that goes beyond the standard primary curriculum, and mastering the required reasoning skills takes time.
|
Stage |
When to Start |
Primary Focus |
Key Activities |
|
Foundation Building |
Year 4 (Ages 8-9) |
Core Skills & Reading |
Establish strong habits in reading comprehension, vocabulary, and Key Stage 2 Maths. Introduce fun puzzles and pattern games to build reasoning skills organically. |
|
Focused Preparation |
Early Year 5 (Ages 9-10) |
Targeted Subject Practice |
Introduce structured workbooks for Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Begin practising subject-specific questions (Maths/English) that exceed the standard curriculum. |
|
Exam Technique & Speed |
Late Year 5 / Early Year 6 |
Timed Papers & Mock Exams |
The shift from learning to performing. Start timed practice papers to build speed and accuracy. Focus heavily on managing time pressure and exam technique. |
Merit Tutor Tip: The goal in Year 4 and early Year 5 is deep understanding, not speed. Only introduce timing when your child is confident with the content.
Preparation in London is unique because different boroughs use different exam providers. You must know which test your target school uses, as the format dictates your entire study plan.
The 11 Plus typically tests four core areas, but the emphasis changes based on the provider:
|
Subject Component |
What It Assesses |
Why It's Crucial in London |
|
English |
Comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, and grammar. (Some schools also test Creative Writing). |
High vocabulary is a cornerstone of the exam, especially in Verbal Reasoning. Reading widely is non-negotiable. |
|
Mathematics |
Key Stage 2 syllabus, often with more complex, multi-step problem-solving questions. |
Assesses application of knowledge, not just rote learning. Students must be comfortable with advanced fractions, decimals, and geometry. |
|
Verbal Reasoning (VR) |
Logical problem-solving, code-breaking, and word manipulation. |
A key measure of academic potential and a skill not taught in state primary schools—requires specialist tuition. |
|
Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR) |
Abstract thinking, pattern recognition, and spatial awareness using shapes and diagrams. |
Another skill requiring dedicated practice. It tests ability to spot relationships between visual items. |
GL Assessment: Often focuses on the four core subjects (English, Maths, VR, NVR). Used by many schools in boroughs like Redbridge and Bexley.
CEM (Centre for Evaluation & Monitoring): Aims to be less 'tutor-proof', often balancing English/VR and Maths/NVR in two mixed papers.
Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET): Used by the five grammar schools in Sutton, this tests English and Maths in the first stage.
Action Point: Check the admissions page for your top 2-3 target schools immediately to confirm their test provider (GL, CEM, or school-specific).
While dedicated study is essential, raw knowledge only gets you so far. The key to passing the 11 Plus is developing exam technique and a confident mindset under pressure.
The 11 Plus is a speed test. Students often only have 30–45 seconds per question.
Time Management: Teach your child to skip a question if they are stuck for more than a minute. They can always come back if time allows.
Multiple-Choice Tactics: For GL/CEM papers, teach them to eliminate the two most likely wrong answers before guessing if they run out of time.
Underlining Key Information: A simple trick to improve comprehension is to teach them to underline key words and instructions in the question stem.
Can a child pass without a tutor? Yes, but in the highly competitive London market, professional support dramatically increases the odds.
|
Feature |
Self-Study (Parents) |
Specialist Tuition (Merit Tutors) |
|
Curriculum Knowledge |
Relying on publicly available books. |
Up-to-the-minute knowledge of specific local school syllabi and test formats (e.g., Bexley vs. Redbridge). |
|
Weakness Identification |
Based on homework results. |
Diagnostic Assessments to pinpoint exact weak sub-topics and tailor learning plans accordingly. |
|
Exam Practice |
Standard workbooks. |
Mock Exams replicating actual exam day conditions, venue, and timing, which is vital for building resilience. |
|
Reasoning Skills |
Often taught inconsistently. |
Structured, weekly instruction by qualified teachers focusing on un-taught subjects like Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. |
The 11 Plus can be a stressful time for Year 5/6 children.
Praise Effort, Not Just Results: Focus on progress in challenging areas rather than simply celebrating high scores.
Routine and Rest: Ensure your child maintains a balanced routine with dedicated downtime, exercise, and at least 9 hours of sleep—a well-rested brain performs best.
Your Final 11 Plus Preparation Checklist
Before the exam in September of Year 6, ensure you have ticked off these critical items:
Target Schools Confirmed: You know the specific exam board (GL, CEM, or Consortium) for your chosen schools.
Vocabulary Log: Your child maintains a running list of new words and actively uses them in conversation/writing.
Timed Practice: Your child has completed multiple full-length mock exams under timed, supervised conditions.
Logistics Check: You know the exam venue, travel time, and exactly what your child needs to bring on the day.
The 11 Plus journey is a partnership. By combining a solid technical foundation, specialist guidance, and a supportive home environment, you give your child the very best chance to secure their dream grammar school place.
Ready to start a targeted, expert-led 11 Plus preparation plan?
Contact Merit Tutors today to book a free, comprehensive diagnostic assessment to map out your child's journey to success.
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