11+ Exam Boards Guide for Parents
The 11+ can be confusing because different schools and areas use different exam boards, providers and exam patterns. Some tests focus on English and Maths, while others include Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Creative Writing or mixed papers.
This guide explains the main 11+ exam patterns parents commonly hear about, including CEM, GL Assessment, ISEB, Sutton SET, CSSE and FSCE. It also shows how to use the Scholars Tutorial online platform and printed paper sets to prepare in a structured way.
What Are the Main 11+ Exam Boards and Patterns?
The 11+ is not one single national exam. Different schools and regions use different assessment routes. The main names parents may see include:
- CEM-style 11+ exams
- GL Assessment 11+ exams
- ISEB Pre-Test style assessments
- Sutton SET
- CSSE for Essex grammar schools
- FSCE-style entrance tests
Although these routes differ, most 11+ preparation is built around a combination of English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, vocabulary, SPAG, problem solving and exam technique.
Quick Comparison of 11+ Exam Patterns
| Exam Pattern | Main Preparation Areas | Useful Scholars Tutorial Focus |
|---|---|---|
| CEM-style 11+ | English, Maths, vocabulary, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, mixed skills | 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE, English, Maths, VR, NVR, SPAG, Advanced VOCAB |
| GL Assessment 11+ | Can cover English, Maths, VR and NVR, or in some schools mainly English and Maths | English, Maths, VR, NVR, Maths : Word Problems, GL CEM ISEB FSCE mixed sets |
| ISEB-style 11+ | English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning | English, Maths, VR, NVR, mixed mock-style practice |
| Sutton SET | English and Maths, with strong multiple-choice technique | 11+ SET (Sutton), English, Maths, SPAG, Advanced English, Advanced Maths |
| CSSE | English, Maths, SPAG, Creative Writing and written accuracy | English, Maths, Maths : Word Problems, SPAG, Creative Writing |
| FSCE-style 11+ | English, Maths, Creative Writing, SPAG and KS2 problem solving | English, Maths, Maths : Word Problems, SPAG, Creative Writing, Advanced English and Maths |
Scholars Tutorial Online Categories
Scholars Tutorial organises 11+ online practice into clear categories so parents can choose the correct route for their child.
11+ Mock Exams
This category is designed for mock-style and exam-pattern practice.
- 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE — mixed sets for CEM, GL and ISEB-style preparation.
- 11+ SPAG — spelling, punctuation, grammar and language accuracy practice.
- 11+ SET (Sutton) — Sutton-style selective eligibility test preparation.
11+ Core Subjects
This category supports the main academic and reasoning skills needed for 11+ preparation.
- 11+ English
- 11+ Maths
- 11+ VR
- 11+ NVR
- 11+ Maths : Word Problems
11+ Foundation
This category helps pupils strengthen basics before moving into harder exam-style work.
- 11+ Foundation English
- 11+ Foundation Maths
- 11+ Foundation VR
11+ Advanced
This category supports pupils preparing for competitive grammar, independent or super-selective style exams.
- Creative Writing
- 11+ Advanced SPAG
- 11+ Poems
- 11+ Advanced Maths
- 11+ Advanced English
- 11+ Advanced VOCAB
CEM 11+ Preparation
CEM-style preparation commonly focuses on verbal, non-verbal and mathematical skills. In practical 11+ preparation, this means pupils should build confidence across English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Children should practise:
- Reading comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Grammar and SPAG
- Arithmetic and Maths reasoning
- Maths word problems
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Multiple-choice technique
Recommended Scholars Tutorial Route for CEM
- 11+ Mock Exams → 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ English
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ VR
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ NVR
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths : Word Problems
- 11+ Mock Exams → 11+ SPAG
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced VOCAB
The Scholars Tutorial mixed sets are especially useful because they combine English with Verbal Reasoning and Maths with Non-Verbal Reasoning.
GL Assessment 11+ Preparation
GL Assessment 11+ preparation can follow different school or area patterns. Some areas, such as Buckinghamshire, require preparation across all four main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Other schools, such as Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, focus mainly on English and Maths.
Four-Subject GL Preparation
For areas such as Buckinghamshire, pupils should prepare across:
- English
- Maths
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
Useful Scholars Tutorial areas include English, Maths, VR, NVR, Maths : Word Problems, SPAG and GL CEM ISEB FSCE mixed sets.
English and Maths GL Preparation
For schools such as Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, pupils should focus mainly on:
- English comprehension, vocabulary and SPAG
- Maths arithmetic, reasoning and problem solving
Useful Scholars Tutorial areas include English, Maths, Maths : Word Problems, SPAG, Advanced English, Advanced Maths, Advanced SPAG and Advanced VOCAB.
ISEB 11+ Preparation
ISEB-style preparation commonly focuses on English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Pupils should practise all four areas consistently.
Children should practise:
- English comprehension
- Vocabulary and grammar
- Mathematics and problem solving
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Multiple-choice technique
- Timed accuracy
Recommended Scholars Tutorial Route for ISEB
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ English
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ VR
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ NVR
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths : Word Problems
- 11+ Mock Exams → 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE
- 11+ Mock Exams → 11+ SPAG
Sutton SET 11+ Preparation
Sutton SET preparation is mainly focused on English and Maths. Pupils should develop strong comprehension, vocabulary, SPAG, arithmetic, problem solving and multiple-choice accuracy.
Scholars Tutorial Sutton-style English mocks include two reading passages, with questions on both passages. Pupils also practise comparison-style questions where they compare information, ideas, language or meaning across the two texts.
Recommended Scholars Tutorial Route for Sutton SET
- 11+ Mock Exams → 11+ SET (Sutton)
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ English
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths : Word Problems
- 11+ Mock Exams → 11+ SPAG
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced English
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced Maths
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced VOCAB
VR and NVR may be useful if your child is also preparing for other exams, but Sutton-only preparation should usually prioritise English, Maths, SPAG and Sutton-style mock practice.
CSSE 11+ Preparation
CSSE preparation is mainly focused on English and Mathematics, with creative writing and written accuracy playing an important role.
Children should practise:
- Reading comprehension
- Vocabulary and SPAG
- Creative writing
- Written accuracy
- Maths arithmetic
- Maths word problems
- Clear written working
- Time management
Recommended Scholars Tutorial Route for CSSE
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ English
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths : Word Problems
- 11+ Mock Exams → 11+ SPAG
- 11+ Advanced → Creative Writing
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced English
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced Maths
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced SPAG
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced VOCAB
FSCE 11+ Preparation
FSCE-style preparation commonly focuses on English, Maths and Creative Writing. It is useful for pupils to strengthen Key Stage 2 English and Maths skills, written accuracy and problem solving.
Children should practise:
- English comprehension
- Vocabulary and SPAG
- Creative writing
- Maths arithmetic
- Maths word problems
- Written working
- Checking answers carefully
- Timed accuracy
Recommended Scholars Tutorial Route for FSCE
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ English
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths : Word Problems
- 11+ Mock Exams → 11+ SPAG
- 11+ Advanced → Creative Writing
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced English
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced Maths
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced SPAG
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced VOCAB
Printed Paper Sets for 11+ Preparation
Printed paper sets are useful because they help pupils practise with exam discipline, full-paper concentration and realistic question layouts.
Scholars Tutorial printed paper sets can support:
- Multiple Choice Format practice
- English comprehension
- Maths problem solving
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- SPAG and language accuracy
- Foundation practice
- Advanced practice
- Mixed mock-style practice
- Exam confidence and stamina
Useful printed paper set types include:
- 11+ Mixed Practice Papers
- 11+ English Practice Papers
- 11+ Maths Practice Papers
- 11+ Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers
- 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers
- 11+ SPAG Practice Papers
- 11+ Sutton Style English Practice Papers with Two-Passage Comprehension
- 11+ Maths : Word Problems Practice Papers
- 11+ Foundation Practice Papers
- 11+ Advanced Practice Papers
How to Choose the Right 11+ Preparation Route
Parents should start by identifying the exam pattern used by the target school or area. Then choose online subjects and printed paper sets that match that route.
If the exam covers all four subjects
Use English, Maths, VR, NVR, Maths : Word Problems, SPAG and mixed mock-style practice.
If the exam focuses on English and Maths
Prioritise English, Maths, Maths : Word Problems, SPAG, vocabulary, Advanced English and Advanced Maths.
If the exam includes Creative Writing
Add Creative Writing, Advanced English, SPAG and regular written practice.
If the child is preparing for multiple schools
Build a wider plan that includes English, Maths, VR, NVR, SPAG, Creative Writing where needed, and mixed mock-style practice.
Suggested Weekly 11+ Preparation Plan
A balanced weekly plan could include:
- 2 days per week: English, comprehension, vocabulary or SPAG
- 2 days per week: Maths and word problems
- 1 day per week: VR or NVR if required by the target exam
- 1 day per week: Printed paper or mock-style practice
- 1 day per week: Review mistakes and revisit weak topics
If the target exam includes Creative Writing, replace or add one weekly session for writing practice.
Common 11+ Preparation Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Assuming every 11+ exam has the same format
- Practising VR and NVR when the target school only tests English and Maths
- Ignoring VR and NVR when the target exam requires them
- Leaving vocabulary development too late
- Ignoring SPAG and written accuracy
- Forgetting Creative Writing when the exam includes a written task
- Doing papers without reviewing mistakes
- Using only online practice without printed paper discipline
- Using only printed papers without topic practice
- Focusing only on speed instead of accuracy
How Parents Can Support at Home
Parents can make preparation more effective by keeping it calm, structured and consistent.
Helpful habits include:
- Check the target school’s exam pattern early
- Encourage daily reading
- Build vocabulary gradually
- Practise mental arithmetic regularly
- Review mistakes after each test
- Keep a notebook of weak topics
- Use online practice to target gaps
- Use printed papers for exam discipline
- Add Creative Writing practice where needed
- Avoid last-minute cramming
- Praise progress, not just scores
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all 11+ exams the same?
No. Different schools and areas use different exam boards and patterns. Some tests cover English, Maths, VR and NVR, while others focus mainly on English and Maths or include Creative Writing.
Which subjects should every 11+ pupil practise?
Most pupils should build strong English and Maths skills. VR, NVR and Creative Writing should be added depending on the target school or exam route.
What is the best Scholars Tutorial subject for mixed exam preparation?
11+ Mock Exams → 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE is useful for mixed preparation because it combines English with Verbal Reasoning and Maths with Non-Verbal Reasoning.
What should pupils use for Sutton SET preparation?
Pupils should use 11+ Mock Exams → 11+ SET (Sutton), supported by English, Maths, SPAG, Advanced English and Advanced Maths practice.
Do CSSE and FSCE need Creative Writing?
Creative Writing is important for many CSSE and FSCE-style preparation routes. Parents should check the target school’s exact requirements and include writing practice where needed.
Are printed paper sets useful if my child already practises online?
Yes. Online practice helps build skills and target weak areas. Printed paper sets help pupils practise exam discipline, paper layout, time management and full-paper concentration.
Should my child practise multiple-choice questions?
Yes, especially if the target exam uses multiple-choice format. Multiple-choice practice helps pupils improve speed, accuracy, answer selection and confidence.
How do I know which 11+ route to follow?
Start with the target school or local area exam pattern. Then choose the Scholars Tutorial online subjects and printed paper sets that match the required subjects.
Final Advice
The best 11+ preparation plan depends on the exam pattern used by your target school or area.
Some pupils need broad preparation across English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Others need a stronger focus on English, Maths, SPAG and Creative Writing.
The Scholars Tutorial online platform helps pupils build skills through organised subject categories, while printed paper sets help children practise with realistic exam discipline.
By combining online practice, printed paper sets, timed work, careful mistake review and a clear understanding of the target exam board, pupils can build the confidence and accuracy needed for 11+ success.