11 Plus Subjects
The Main Takeaway
11 Plus Subjects are designed to test primary-level skills applied quickly and accurately, and moving too far ahead often leads to shallow understanding rather than strong performance. Children preparing for independent school exams may see a few harder questions, but even these rely more on reasoning than advanced content. Staying within KS2 and building confidence, speed and accuracy is almost always the most effective approach.
11 Plus Maths
11 Plus Maths stays within the primary school curriculum, but it does include topics children often learn in Year 6, so 11 Plus preparation needs to stay slightly ahead of school. While it’s important to cover the full KS2 syllabus, going beyond it is rarely helpful and can even be counter-productive.
If your child is already confident in maths, it’s better to use extra time to strengthen literacy, vocabulary, verbal reasoning or non-verbal reasoning skills. For independent school applicants, a few harder questions may appear at the end of the paper, but these rely more on quick thinking than on higher-level maths.
Our advice:
- Start early, make practice consistent, and focus on weaker areas!
11 Plus English
11 Plus English exams look a little different across the country, but they all rely on strong literacy skills and, in particular, a wide vocabulary. Most tests include comprehension, vocabulary work, use of English and some punctuation, which means preparation often takes longer than in other subjects.
English is a core part of almost every 11 Plus exam, even in areas where it appears under a different heading. Because these skills take time to build, strong English can gain a lot of marks, while weaker literacy can hold children back. Taking a steady approach and using reliable resources gives your child the best chance to develop the language skills they need.
Our advice:
- Start early, read regularly, and write often!
11 Plus Verbal Reasoning
Verbal reasoning is an important part of the 11 Plus and focuses on how well children can understand, manipulate and work with language. GL-style verbal reasoning tests use a range of traditional, word-based question types that rely heavily on strong vocabulary, spelling and logical thinking. No matter how many questions children practise, genuine progress depends on steadily building a wide vocabulary and confident use of language, making regular reading and vocabulary development essential parts of preparation.
All children are different, however we find that when it comes to preparing for 11 Plus Verbal Reasoning, we recommend aiming for at least half an hour of reading each day. Make sure to get involved too; take turns reading paragraphs, ask questions about the story like ‘What do you think comes next?’. But most of all, the main aim is to have fun, you included!
Our advice:
- Start early, read together, and build up your child’s vocabulary.
11 Plus Non-verbal Reasoning
Non-verbal reasoning tests logic and pattern recognition using shapes and visual sequences, requiring very little English or maths knowledge. While some preparation helps children understand the question styles and improve speed, progress tends to plateau quickly. Both areas are used alongside English and maths to give a balanced view of a child’s potential.
This is not the topic to get bogged down in. One problem we find with 11 Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning preparation is that the natural pressure of study and time stress creates a drop in the performance in a child’s ability to think quick and their attention to detail. Letting your child prepare flexibly will boost their confidence, making facing tests much less stressful.
Our advice:
- Start early, don’t over-work, get the basics down, i.e. numeracy and literacy comes first!
11 Plus Spelling and Creative Writing
In 11 Plus preparation, spelling is often overshadowed by test papers and new reasoning skills, yet strong spelling underpins success in almost every part of the exam. It develops slowly and needs regular practice, especially because it links closely with vocabulary and homophones.
Creative writing, which may appear as part of the English paper or as a separate task depending on the school, also improves through steady revision rather than quick fixes. Children benefit most when they revisit their work after a few days and learn how to improve it themselves. Consistent spelling practice and reflective writing habits build long-term skills that tuition centres and workbooks alone cannot fully provide, so adding small, regular tasks at home gives children a real advantage.
Our advice:
- Read, write, and talk! Catch the spelling mistakes early and encourage your child’s creativity.
11 Plus Subjects FAQs
Which subjects are included in the 11 Plus exam?
Most 11 Plus tests assess a combination of English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, though the exact mix varies by region and exam board.
Do all areas test the same 11 Plus Subjects in the same way?
No. Different regions and exam boards focus on different skills, so the structure and style of each subject can vary depending on where you live.
Why is it important to understand the 11 Plus Subjects before starting preparation?
Knowing what each subject involves helps parents choose the right materials, plan a balanced routine and make sure no key skill is overlooked.
How much do primary school lessons cover the 11 Plus subjects?
English and maths largely follow the primary curriculum, but verbal and non-verbal reasoning are often new to children and require extra practice.
Are some subjects more heavily weighted than others?
Yes. In many regions, English and verbal reasoning carry significant weight, making vocabulary and comprehension particularly important.
How can parents support learning across all 11 Plus subjects?
Short, consistent practice, regular reading, logical puzzles and the right resources for your region help build confidence across the full subject range.