If you’re a parent in West London with a child in Year 4 or 5, the Eleven Plus exam is probably already on your radar — and possibly keeping you up at night. You’re not alone.
At Spot On Learning in Feltham, we help dozens of families every year navigate the 11+ journey — from that first anxious conversation to the moment your child opens their results letter. We’ve put everything we know into this guide.
By the end, you’ll know exactly what the 11+ involves, which grammar schools are within reach, when to start preparing, and how to build a study plan that works without burning your child out.
What Is the 11+ Exam?
The Eleven Plus (11+) is a selective entrance exam taken by children in Year 6 (typically aged 10–11) to gain admission to grammar schools and selective independent schools. In West London and the surrounding boroughs, competition for grammar school places is fierce — which is why early, structured preparation makes such a big difference.
The exam typically tests four key areas:
- Verbal Reasoning — language skills, word patterns and problem-solving using words
- Non-Verbal Reasoning — identifying patterns and relationships using shapes and diagrams
- Mathematics — arithmetic, problem-solving and data interpretation at KS2 level
- English — comprehension, grammar, punctuation and creative or descriptive writing
GL Assessment vs CEM: Which Test Will Your Child Sit?
This is one of the first questions parents ask us — and the answer depends on the specific school.
GL Assessment papers are the most common in West London. They tend to have more predictable question formats, which means children can practise effectively with past papers and workbooks.
CEM (Centre for Evaluation & Monitoring) papers are used by some grammar schools, particularly in the Kent and Bexley areas, which many West London families also apply to. CEM tests are designed to be harder to “tutor to” — they reward strong foundational skills and reading speed.
Spot On Learning tip: Always check the admissions page of every school your child is applying to — not just the area. Different schools in the same borough can use different test providers.
Grammar Schools Near West London Worth Knowing About
West London families are fortunate to be within reach of some of England’s highest-performing selective schools. Here are the key ones to research:
Sutton Grammar Schools (the “Sutton Consortium”)
This group includes Wilson’s School, Sutton Grammar School, Wallington County Grammar School, Wallington High School for Girls, and Nonsuch High School for Girls. These are amongst the most competitive grammar schools in the country.
Slough & Windsor Grammar Schools
St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar, Upton Court Grammar and Langley Grammar are popular choices for families in West and South West London.
Kingston Grammar School
A high-performing independent school that holds its own selective entrance exam — worth considering alongside state grammar options.
Bexley & Kent Grammar Schools
Families willing to travel or relocate often consider schools in the Bexley consortium or Kent — particularly if their child performs exceptionally well.
When Should You Start 11+ Preparation?
This is the question we’re asked most often at our Feltham tuition centre, and the honest answer is: it depends on your child’s starting point.
Here’s a general framework we use with our students:
Starting in Year 3 (age 7–8)
Ideal for building strong foundational skills in Maths and English without exam pressure. Focus on times tables, reading widely, spelling and basic comprehension. No formal 11+ content yet.
Starting in Year 4 (age 8–9)
The sweet spot for most families. Begin introducing verbal and non-verbal reasoning concepts. Work through KS2 curriculum gaps. Establish a regular, manageable study routine.
Starting in Year 5 (age 9–10)
Still very achievable — but the preparation needs to be structured and consistent from day one. This is where targeted 11+ tutoring becomes particularly valuable.
Starting in Year 6 (age 10–11)
Possible for high-ability children who need mostly exam technique and confidence-building, but a tight timeline requires a clear, focused plan.
At Spot On Learning, we recommend starting no later than the beginning of Year 5 for most grammar school targets in West London.
A 12-Month 11+ Study Plan
Here’s a broad plan we follow with our Year 5 students at our Feltham centre:
Months 1–3: Foundations
- Identify gaps in Maths (focus on fractions, word problems, data handling)
- Build vocabulary through daily reading — fiction, non-fiction and newspapers
- Introduce verbal reasoning question types gradually (start with the easier formats: odd one out, word connections)
- Begin non-verbal reasoning with shape patterns and sequences
Months 4–6: Skill Building
- Work systematically through all verbal reasoning question types
- Practise non-verbal reasoning under light time pressure
- Strengthen written English: comprehension techniques, grammar and punctuation
- Introduce timed Maths drills to improve speed and accuracy
Months 7–9: Consolidation
- Complete full topic-by-topic revision across all four subjects
- Identify weak spots from practice questions and target them directly
- Introduce short mixed-topic practice papers to build stamina
Months 10–12: Exam Preparation
- Complete full past papers under timed, exam-style conditions
- Review every paper carefully — mark schemes are as important as the papers themselves
- Work on exam technique: time management, checking answers, handling unfamiliar questions
- Build confidence and reduce anxiety with positive, low-pressure practice sessions
5 Things That Separate Successful 11+ Students
After years of preparing children for grammar school entry in West London, here’s what we consistently see in children who succeed:
- They read — a lot.
Wide reading is the single biggest predictor of strong verbal reasoning and English scores. Encourage your child to read every day, across different genres and topics. - They practise consistently, not in bursts.
Twenty minutes of focused practice five days a week beats a three-hour marathon on a Sunday. Little and often is the key. - They learn from their mistakes.
Going over wrong answers is more valuable than completing new papers. Understanding why an answer was wrong is where real progress happens. - They’re not anxious about the exam.
Anxiety kills performance. Children who understand that the 11+ is just one opportunity — not their only path to success — tend to perform better on the day. - They have consistent, personalised support.
Every child has different strengths and gaps. Generic prep resources are a starting point; personalised tutoring is what closes the gap for most children.
How Spot On Learning Can Help
At Spot On Learning, based in Feltham, West London, we specialise in personalised 11+ tuition for children in KS1, KS2 and KS3. Our tutors are experienced, DBS-checked and genuinely passionate about helping every child reach their potential.
What sets us apart:
- Personalised lesson plans tailored to your child’s individual strengths and weaknesses
- Regular progress updates after every session so parents always know how their child is developing
- Practice paper marking and review — not just completion, but genuine understanding
- A calm, supportive learning environment that builds confidence alongside ability
- Flexible session times to fit around family life
We’ve helped children gain places at Wilson’s School, Sutton Grammar, Langley Grammar and schools across the Bexley consortium.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours per week should my child study for the 11+?
In Year 4 and early Year 5, 30–45 minutes per day is plenty. As the exam approaches in Year 6, aim for one to two hours on school days and one full practice paper per week at weekends.
Are there free 11+ resources available?
Yes — websites like Bond Assessment Papers, CGP Books and BBC Bitesize offer useful practice material. However, free resources work best alongside personalised guidance so your child’s specific gaps are being addressed.
What happens if my child doesn’t pass the 11+?
The 11+ is one option, not the only one. Many excellent secondary schools in West London offer outstanding education. A child who doesn’t get a grammar school place is not a child who has failed — they’re a child whose journey simply looks a little different.
Can tutoring really make a difference?
Yes — but it works best when it’s consistent, personalised and starts early enough. Cramming in the final weeks rarely produces the same results as a well-planned, year-long programme.
Final Thoughts
The 11+ doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right preparation, the right support and the right mindset, it can be a genuinely rewarding experience for your child — one that builds skills, confidence and a love of learning that lasts long beyond the exam itself.
If you’d like to talk through your child’s 11+ journey with one of our tutors, we’re always happy to have a no-pressure conversation.
📍 Spot On Learning | 2 Sherringham Avenue, Feltham, TW13 7JT
📞 +44 7577 580634
✉️ info@spotonlearn.co.uk
🌐 www.spotonlearn.co.uk
Add comment