Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning
Competition
Super-selective
Prism’s suggested target
88% in practice (our estimate, not a school figure)
About the Independent school 11+ (own papers)
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.
How to prepare
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.
Practice questions in the style of the test
Written by Prism in the style of the test, not taken from any school’s papers.
Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds
What is 316 as an improper fraction?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, 196
How to work it out
Each whole is 66, so 3 wholes are 186.
Add the 16: 18 + 1 = 19, giving 196.
Why the other options are wrong
A (96): This multiplies the whole number by the top instead of by the bottom.
C (46): This just adds the whole number to the top. Each whole is worth 6 parts, not 1.
D (186): This leaves out the 16.
E (16): This drops the whole number altogether.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
Which word correctly completes the sentence?
___ raining again!
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, It's
How to work it out
“It's” is correct here.
“It’s” = it is.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
Complete the analogy.
wheel is to car as wing is to ?
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, plane
How to work it out
Say the link between “wheel” and “car” as a sentence.
The same sentence links “wing” and “plane”.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
The first figure changes into the second. Which option changes the third figure in the same way?
?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C
How to work it out
The figure gains two dots, and then turns 180°.
Apply both changes to the third figure.
Other selective schools in Birmingham & West Midlands
What entrance test does King Edward VI High School for Girls use?
King Edward VI High School for Girls uses the Independent school 11+ (own papers), which tests maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning and includes a piece of writing. Check the school’s admissions page for the current arrangements.
What score does my child need for King Edward VI High School for Girls?
Schools do not publish pass marks. As a guide, Prism suggests a child aims to score around 88% consistently in practice for a super-selective school. This is Prism’s own estimate, not a figure from the school, and no score guarantees a place.
When should my child start preparing for King Edward VI High School for Girls?
Most families start in Year 4 or early Year 5, then practise timed papers during the summer before the test, which usually takes place in January.
Preparing for King Edward VI High School for Girls?
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.
Prism Learning is not affiliated with King Edward VI High School for Girls. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.