Most independent schools set their own maths and English papers in January of Year 6, often with a reasoning test, creative writing and an interview.
| Stage | Paper | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11+ assessment | Maths | 25 | 60 minutes |
| 11+ assessment | English | 12 | 60 minutes |
| 11+ assessment | Reasoning | 40 | 40 minutes |
| 11+ assessment | Puzzles & Problem Solving | 15 | 30 minutes |
Paper formats are indicative and change from year to year. Always check the current arrangements with the school or local authority.
The Independent school 11+ (own papers) covers maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Most families start steady preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5, building accuracy first and speed later, then sit timed papers through the summer before the test, which usually takes place in January.
For maths, secure the Key Stage 2 arithmetic, fractions, ratio and problem solving before moving to the multi-step questions that separate the strongest candidates.
For English, read widely every day and practise comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar; selective tests reward precise word knowledge.
Verbal reasoning is a set of learnable question types, such as letter codes, hidden words and word analogies. Learning each type, then practising it against the clock, lifts scores quickly.
Non-verbal reasoning is about spotting patterns in shapes: rotations, reflections, sequences and matrices. Short, regular sessions work better than long ones.
This test includes a piece of writing, so practise planning and writing a short story or description in a set time.
What is 316 as an improper fraction?
Answer: D, 196
Which word best completes the sentence?
The baby was _____ because it was hungry.
Answer: B, crying
“crying” is the word that fits: The baby was crying because it was hungry.
The first pair of letters changes into the second in a certain way. Which pair completes the second set in the same way?
GK is to EI as EI is to ?
Answer: E, CG
Which figure comes next in the series?
Answer: C
The flag turns 90° anticlockwise each step and the shading alternates; one dot is added each time.
The Independent 11+ tests maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, and includes a piece of writing.
The main test usually takes place in January. Dates change each year, so always confirm them with the school or local authority.
Build the core skills in Year 4 and 5, learn each question type, then practise timed papers in the Independent 11+ format. Prism builds this plan automatically from a free starting assessment.
Prism starts with a free assessment across maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, then builds a weekly plan for your target schools. Parents follow progress free.
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