Many parents wonder if they and their children can somehow skip the 11 Plus exam ordeal and secure spots in grammar school without taking it.
Most grammar schools have made the 11 Plus exam compulsory for student admission. There are a few exceptions, like a drop in the ocean.
This blog explores in detail the 11 Plus and other requirements for admission to grammar schools.
What are Grammar Schools?
Grammar Schools are state-funded secondary schools. Students who are 11 years old take the 11 Plus test to be granted a place in Year 7.
- History: Although grammar schools have been there since the 16th century, the Education Act of 1944 introduced the modern concept of grammar school. As a result, secondary education after the age of 14 became free.
- Total number of Grammar Schools: There are more than 160 grammar schools in England.
What is the 11 Plus Test?
- Primary school students in Year 6 in the UK take the 11 Plus test to secure a seat in the top state-funded grammar schools in their local area.
- It is a competitive exam, and thousands of students take it annually to secure Year 7 positions in the state-funded grammar schools in the UK.
- The Plus exam is different for each grammar school. Mostly, 11 Plus tests consist of only multiple-choice questions.
- Inside the 11 Plus test, you will find Maths, English, Vocabulary, Verbal and Nonverbal reasoning questions.
Have all Grammar Schools made the 11 Plus Compulsory?
No, not all grammar schools have made the 11 Plus test compulsory for admissions.
- A few grammar schools take their admission test rather than the 11 Plus test.
- A few others select students based on other criteria, such as interviews, school performance, reports, etc.
With highly qualified tutors, 11 Plus tutoring provides the best online personalised 11 Plus exam tutoring, which is tailored to the exam requirements of your child’s target grammar schools.
What are the Alternatives to Grammar Schools?
There do exist alternatives to grammar schools. Don’t stress; if our child cannot attend grammar school, there are equally good alternatives.
- Independent Schools
- Comprehensive schools
Top Effective Tips to Prepare for the 11 Plus Exam?
As said earlier, most grammar schools require the 11 Plus test, so the following are easy and effective tips for passing it.
- Make a Timetable: An effective timetable helps your child easily track how many topics they have fully prepared and what are yet to be covered.
- Take Practice Tests and Mock Exams: Practice and mock exams benefit 11 Plus test preparation.
- Hire 11 Plus Tutor: Various expert 11 Plus tutors can help your child prepare for the grammar school entrance exam.
- Teach Exam Techniques: It is crucial to learn and master exam techniques to pass the 11 Plus test and achieve high grades. Teach your child techniques like stress and time management.
- Overcome Exam Anxiety: Exam anxiety is one of the major contributors to the loss of marks in the 11 Plus test. Help your child reduce exam anxiety by practising breathing exercises, preparing effectively, and practising a lot.
Conclusion
Not all grammar schools require the 11 Plus test to grant students admission, but most do. There are only a few exceptions. 11 Plus tests help grammar schools to assess your child’s performance and eligibility for grammar school. You can prepare your child effectively for the 11 Plus test by assisting them to cover the syllabus, teaching them exam techniques, hiring professional support, and providing them with 11 Plus resources.
