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
If 12 December is a Thursday, what day of the week is 12 February?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, Wednesday
How to work it out
Count the days: 19 more in December, 31 in January and 12 in February, so 62 days.
62 = 8 weeks and 6 days.
Whole weeks bring you back to Thursday; 6 more days gives Wednesday.
Why the other options are wrong
A (Monday): This treats December or January as having 30 days; both have 31.
B (Tuesday): This counts one day too few. Count the days after the start date, up to and including the end date.
D (Thursday): This counts one day too many: the start day itself is not counted.
E (Friday): Check the number of days left in December again.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
What does the word “adequate” mean?
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, good enough for what is needed
How to work it out
“Adequate” (adjective) means good enough for what is needed.
For example: We had an adequate supply of water for the walk.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
Which word can go after “hand” to make a new word?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, bag
How to work it out
hand + bag = handbag.
Say each option after “hand” and check it makes a real word.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
Which of the shapes below could join this group?
The group
Show the worked answer
Answer: B
How to work it out
Every shape in the group has the same number of dots as it has sides.
Shading and rotation change freely, so they are distractors.
Other selective schools in Newcastle & the North East
What entrance test does Royal Grammar School Newcastle use?
Royal Grammar School Newcastle 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 Royal Grammar School Newcastle?
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 Royal Grammar School Newcastle?
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 Royal Grammar School Newcastle?
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.