11+ Exam Preparation Guide for Parents and Beginners (GL Assessment Focus)

11+ Exam Preparation Guide

11+ Exam Preparation Guide for Parents and Beginners (GL Assessment Focus)

If your child is preparing for the 11+ exam for the first time, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about where to start. With so much information available, parents often feel overwhelmed by the process.

This beginner-friendly guide explains how the 11+ works, what the GL Assessment involves, and how parents can support their child step by step, without unnecessary stress.

What Is the 11+ Exam?

The 11+ exam is an entrance assessment used by many grammar schools and selective schools in the UK. It is usually taken in Year 6, with exams held between September and October.

Many schools use papers created by GL Assessment, one of the most widely used exam boards in the UK.

What Does the GL Assessment Test?

Depending on the school, the GL Assessment may include one or more of the following subjects:

  • English – comprehension, grammar, vocabulary

  • Mathematics – arithmetic, problem-solving, reasoning

  • Verbal Reasoning (VR) – word-based logic and patterns

  • Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR) – shapes, patterns, visual logic

The exam focuses on speed, accuracy, and understanding, not just knowledge.

When Should 11+ Preparation Start?

There is no single “correct” start time, but most families follow this approach:

📘 Year 4 – Light Preparation

  • Encourage regular reading

  • Build vocabulary naturally

  • Develop confidence with numbers

📗 Year 5 – Structured Preparation

  • Introduce 11+ style questions

  • Practise individual subjects

  • Build familiarity gradually

📕 Year 6 – Exam Readiness

  • Timed practice

  • Full mock exams

  • Focused revision

Starting early helps reduce pressure later.

Common Mistakes Parents Make

Many well-meaning parents accidentally increase stress by:

🚫 Starting too late
🚫 Overloading their child with work
🚫 Focusing only on scores
🚫 Comparing their child with others

The goal is steady progress, not perfection.

How Parents Can Support 11+ Preparation

You don’t need to be a teacher to help your child succeed.

Parents can:
✔ Create a calm study routine
✔ Encourage effort, not just results
✔ Review mistakes positively
✔ Balance study with breaks and fun

Emotional support is just as important as academic practice.

Why Mock Exams Are Important for Beginners

Mock exams help beginners understand:

  • How the real exam feels

  • How to manage time

  • How to stay calm under pressure

Mocks also highlight strengths and areas for improvement, helping parents guide revision more effectively.

At Exam Plus Mock, our mock exams are designed to reflect real GL Assessment standards, making them ideal for beginners.

How Often Should My Child Practise?

Quality matters more than quantity.

Recommended approach:

  • Short sessions (20–30 minutes)

  • 4–5 days per week

  • One subject at a time

Consistency beats long, stressful study sessions.

Final Thoughts

The 11+ journey can feel daunting, but with the right preparation plan and supportive approach, it can also be positive and confidence-building.

Understanding the exam, using realistic mock tests, and maintaining balance are the keys to success in the 11+ GL Assessment.

👉 Explore our 11+ GL mock exams to help your child begin their preparation with confidence.