11+ subjects
Maths, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning: what each subject covers, how to prepare, and where to practise with topic quizzes, timed tests and mock papers.
Number, fractions, ratio, measurement, shape and data — the maths skills grammar and independent schools test, practised one topic at a time.
What’s tested
How to prepare
- Secure times tables and mental arithmetic early — a few minutes every day makes a big difference.
- Learn one topic at a time with untimed quizzes, then move on to timed tests.
- Practise word problems: read the question carefully and set out working clearly.
- Finish with mixed 10- and 20-minute tests to build speed and stamina.
Comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar — reading and language skills for the English and verbal sections of the exam.
What’s tested
How to prepare
- Read widely every day — stories, non-fiction and poetry — and talk about what you read.
- Grow vocabulary little and often with 5-a-Day words and flashcards.
- For comprehension, always find evidence in the passage, especially for inference questions.
- Polish spelling, punctuation and grammar with short timed SPaG tests.
Codes, letter series, hidden words, analogies and logic — problem solving with words, letters and numbers.
What’s tested
How to prepare
- Learn each question type on its own first — most have a reliable method.
- Good vocabulary and spelling help in verbal reasoning too.
- Use untimed practice to learn the method, then timed practice to build speed.
- Mix question types with short 5- and 10-minute tests.
Shapes, patterns and spatial puzzles — spotting rules in sequences, pairs, codes, rotations, reflections and nets.
What’s tested
How to prepare
- Start untimed to learn the common rules — shape, size, number, shading, rotation and position.
- Check one feature at a time and rule out wrong answers.
- Spatial skills like cube nets and reflections improve quickly with regular practice.
- Build up to 20-minute mixed practice tests.
Put it all together with mock tests
Once your child is confident topic by topic, mock tests build exam stamina and show where to focus next.
Online mock tests
Full mock sets and timed subject papers at home, with answers and worked solutions.
Exam-day mocks
- 8 Sunday mocks, 14 March – 22 August 2027, at Langley Academy, Slough
- Detailed performance report and video solutions
Guides for parents
Practical advice on preparing for each part of the 11+. More guides are on the way.
Start with any subject
You can begin with any subject and follow your own path. Each subject has clear topic lists, explanations and progressively harder practice, so it’s easy to see improvement over time. Not sure where to start? Email us at help@testlife.co.uk — we’re always happy to help parents, tutors and students.
TestLife is independent and not affiliated with GL Assessment or any other exam board. Our papers follow the multiple-choice format used by most 11+ exams.
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