Free 11+ Assessments: Book Your Child's Success

Preparing for the 11+ exam can feel overwhelming for many parents and children. This exam often determines entry into selective secondary schools, shaping a child’s educational path. Offering free 11+ assessments can be a valuable step to help your child succeed. These assessments provide insight into your child’s current abilities and highlight areas for improvement before the actual exam.

In this post, we explore how free 11+ assessments work, why they matter, and how you can use them to support your child’s success.

A child focused on completing an 11+ practice test at home

What Are 11+ Assessments?

The 11+ exam is an entrance test used by many grammar and independent schools in the UK. It usually covers:

• Verbal reasoning

• Non-verbal reasoning

• Mathematics

• English

  
  

An 11+ assessment is a practice test designed to simulate the real exam environment. It helps identify strengths and weaknesses in these key areas. Many providers offer free assessments to give parents and children a clear starting point.

Why Free 11+ Assessments Matter

Free assessments offer several benefits:

• Early identification of gaps

Knowing where your child struggles allows you to focus revision on those topics. For example, if your child finds verbal reasoning challenging, you can prioritize that area.

• Familiarity with exam format

The 11+ exam has a unique style. Practice tests help children get used to the types of questions they will face, reducing anxiety on exam day.

• Tracking progress

Taking assessments at different stages shows how much your child has improved. This motivates children and helps parents adjust study plans.

• Cost-effective preparation

Free assessments reduce the need for expensive tutoring initially. They provide a clear picture of what support your child needs.

How to Use Free 11+ Assessments Effectively

Simply taking a test is not enough. Here are practical tips to get the most from free 11+ assessments:

1. Create a Quiet, Timed Environment

Replicate exam conditions by timing the test and minimizing distractions. This helps your child build focus and time management skills.

2. Review Results Together

Go through the answers with your child. Celebrate correct responses and explain mistakes clearly. Use this as a learning opportunity rather than a moment of criticism.

3. Plan Targeted Practice

Use the assessment results to create a study plan. For example, if your child scored low in non-verbal reasoning, include puzzles and pattern recognition exercises in daily practice.

4. Repeat Assessments Regularly

Schedule assessments every few weeks to monitor improvement. This also helps your child become more confident with the exam format.

Where to Find Free 11+ Assessments

Several resources offer free 11+ practice tests online and offline:

• School websites

Some grammar schools provide sample papers for free download.

• Educational websites

Platforms like Bond, GL Assessment, and others offer free sample questions or full practice papers.

• Local libraries

Many libraries stock 11+ practice books that include free tests.

• Tutoring centres

Some centres offer free initial assessments to new students.

Make sure to choose assessments that match the exam board your child will face, as formats can vary.

What to Expect from a Good 11+ Assessment

A quality free 11+ assessment should:

• Cover all relevant subjects: verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths, and English

• Include a variety of question types similar to the real exam

• Provide clear marking schemes or answer explanations

• Offer feedback on performance, highlighting strengths and weaknesses

  
  

Avoid tests that only focus on one subject or lack detailed answers.

Supporting Your Child Beyond Assessments

Assessments are just one part of preparation. To boost your child’s chances of success:

• Establish a consistent study routine

Short, regular sessions work better than last-minute cramming.

• Use a mix of resources

Combine books, online games, and worksheets to keep learning engaging.

• Encourage reading

Reading widely improves vocabulary and comprehension, essential for verbal reasoning and English.

• Practice exam techniques

Teach your child how to approach different question types and manage time.

• Maintain a positive attitude

Celebrate effort and progress to build confidence.

Real-Life Example: How Free Assessments Helped One Family

Sarah, a mother of an 10-year-old, used free 11+ assessments to prepare her child. After the first test, she noticed her son struggled with non-verbal reasoning puzzles. She found online games and worksheets focused on shapes and patterns. Over three months, regular practice and repeated assessments showed steady improvement. On exam day, her son felt calm and ready, having practiced under similar conditions.

This example shows how free assessments can guide effective preparation and reduce stress.

Final Thoughts on Booking Your Child’s Success

Free 11+ assessments provide a clear, practical way to understand your child’s readiness for the exam. They reveal areas that need work and build familiarity with the test format. Using these tools early and often helps your child approach the 11+ with confidence.

Start by booking a free assessment today. Use the results to create a focused study plan and support your child every step of the way. Success in the 11+ exam is within reach when preparation is clear and consistent.

Your child’s future starts with the right preparation. Take advantage of free 11+ assessments and give them the best chance to succeed.