11 Plus Preparation

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11-Plus

With the rising competition for grammar school places, it’s becoming increasingly important for children to demonstrate high level academic ability at an early age.

Here at ISHA Academy, we have a team of experienced and approachable tutors who offer all our students with the support and dedication they need to ensure they pass the 11-plus and other entrance exams with flying colours.

We believe that providing children with a tailored curriculum, one that’s delivered in a bespoke manner, and which takes their abilities into account, will ensure that they will see success and thrive in their education.

With our help and support, your child’s journey into grammar school will be well facilitated – and you can rest assured that they will get the very best education available.

Awarding Bodies for Grammar School Tests in the UK

In the UK, several awarding bodies are responsible for administering grammar school entrance tests. Each of these bodies has its own processes and types of assessments that schools use to evaluate prospective students. Here’s an overview of the major awarding bodies, how they operate:

1. GL Assessment (GL)

Overview: GL Assessment is a prominent provider of educational assessments in the UK, known for its wide range of tests used by grammar schools.
Types of Assessments: They offer the Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT) and various 11-plus exams, which assess verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, mathematics, and English skills.
How It Works: GL tests are designed to measure a student’s academic potential, with results helping schools identify candidates suitable for a grammar school education.

2. Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM)

Overview: CEM, part of the University of Durham, provides assessments widely used by grammar schools across England and Wales.
Types of Assessments: CEM assessments typically include cognitive ability tests along with English and mathematics components.
How It Works: The tests are adaptive, adjusting difficulty based on responses, ensuring an accurate measure of each student’s abilities.

3. National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER)

Overview: NFER is an independent research organisation that develops educational assessments for schools, including grammar school tests.
Types of Assessments: NFER assessments focus on verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning, typically used for the 11-plus entrance exams.
How It Works: NFER tests assess reasoning skills rather than subject-specific knowledge, aiding schools in selecting suitable candidates.

4. Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE)

Overview: CSSE is a consortium of several selective schools in Essex that collaborates to administer entrance assessments.
Types of Assessments: The CSSE conducts an 11-plus examination that includes verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and mathematics.
How It Works: Students take the tests in September of Year 6, and results are used by member schools for admissions.

5. Fenland and Suffolk Consortium of Education (FSCE)

Overview: The FSCE is a collaboration of selective schools in Fenland and Suffolk that coordinates grammar school entrance assessments.
Types of Assessments: FSCE administers tests that include verbal and non-verbal reasoning, mathematics, and English comprehension.
How It Works: Tests are typically held in the autumn term, and results inform member schools’ admission decisions.

6. Kent Test (Kent County Council)

Overview: The Kent Test is used by many grammar schools in Kent to assess prospective students.
Types of Assessments: The test includes sections on verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and mathematics.
How It Works: Students take the Kent Test in September of Year 6, and the results determine eligibility for grammar school admission in the Kent area.

7. Birmingham Consortium

Overview: The Birmingham Consortium is a group of grammar schools in Birmingham that collaborates on the entrance testing process.
Types of Assessments: They typically administer the 11-plus exam, which includes verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and mathematics.
How It Works: Students take the exam in the autumn term of Year 6, with results guiding admission decisions for the participating schools.

How Grammar School Tests Work

Application Process: Parents must register their children for the tests, paying attention to the specific registration processes and deadlines set by each awarding body or consortium.
Test Format: Most grammar school tests consist of multiple-choice questions focusing on reasoning skills, problem-solving abilities, and sometimes subject knowledge in English and mathematics.
Scoring and Results: After the tests, results are provided to the respective schools, which use them, along with other criteria like interviews and teacher recommendations, to make admissions decisions.
Appeals Process: If a student is not offered a place based on their test results, there may be an appeals process through the school or local authority, allowing parents to contest the decision under specific circumstances.

The landscape of grammar school assessments in the UK is diverse, with multiple awarding bodies and consortia playing key roles in the selection process. Understanding how these bodies operate and the types of assessments they provide can help parents and students navigate the grammar school application journey more effectively. Adequate preparation for these tests can significantly enhance a student’s chances of gaining admission to a grammar school that aligns with their academic goals.

All 11-plus tuition is tailored around the exams, depending on the region and child’s school/s, as well as which 11-plus exam board they follow.

Although all exam boards do cover the core subjects, there are some key differences to make note of. Get in touch with us today if you would like to find out more.

At ISHA Academy, we prepare all our students for 11-plus based on the type of examination they have applied for, so rest assured that we will be able to ensure your child is fully supported on their 11-plus journey, regardless of which exam board they are using.

From practising speed and honing accuracy to mastering exam techniques, we can help prepare your child for the 11-plus… which will stand them in excellent stead later on in their academic careers. For further information, give the ISHA Academy team a call today.

11-Plus Tuition Classes

Aims & Objectives

Year 4

Year 4 is an excellent opportunity for parents and teachers to really focus on children’s core skills, skills that will help them with their 11-plus journey.

This is the ideal time to help your child build 11-plus foundation knowledge in all subjects and to prepare them for the more complex 11-plus syllabus in Year 5.

Our classes aim to enhance and improve the fundamental core skills of our students, helping them gain a deeper understanding of what the 11-plus exam will require.

Year 5

Year 5 is where students really start to focus on the exam techniques.

Our Year 5 classes have been designed systematically in accordance with exam papers, as well as grammar and SPAG, non-verbal and verbal reasoning, maths and English, Creative writing.

Subjects are taught in more depth to help develop greater knowledge and understanding, with the focus on enhancing our students’ skill and improving any weaker areas.

Review tests are carried out every eight weeks to allow parents and teachers to analyse and evaluate areas of progress and improvement.

Feedback and encouragement are essential for driving improvement in academic performance and we ensure that our students receive all the support they need to see success with the 11-plus.

11-Plus workshops

Our revision workshops are based on past papers, with all necessary subjects covered. This helps familiarise students with exam methods and techniques.

programme is highly recommended for students support and preparation. We offer workshops throughout the year to help students cope with additional pressure.