Preparing for the 11+

The purpose of the 11+ test is to select the children who have the potential to thrive in an environment which provides a highly academic curriculum and a range of challenging pursuits.  Such children will have demonstrated some of the following:

• curiosity, enjoyment of learning and problem solving
• perseverance and completion of challenging tasks
• understanding of all concepts taught at primary school
• enjoyment of a wide range of literature and/or non-fiction texts
• creativity in sustained writing
• ability to make connections between various areas of knowledge
• good memory
• imagination and original ideas
• ability to work at pace and assimilate information quickly.

The Headteachers of the CSSE schools believe that in addition of the above, children should:

• have a sound understanding of the National Curriculum Mathematics and English (Stage 2  Level 4/5)
• be familiar with reading and responding to texts with a reading age greater than 11
• understand the rudiments of spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Whilst it is advisable for children to spend a few hours familiarising themselves with the style of responses required in the papers, this can be done at home, using materials and papers available on the CSSE website.

Headteachers share a concern that extensive coaching for the 11+ is inappropriate, ultimately counterproductive and may jeopardize a child’s ability to cope with the demands of a grammar school education.

Consortium of Selective Schools Administrative Office

P.O. BOX 3087, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 3SY

Tel: 01245 348257, Fax: 01245 350522