Grammar school entrance exams

[Lovemy3kids]

My DS (10) will be going into Y6 in September, and his teachers have already told us that a grammar school would suit him next year. I was wondering if anyone knew what subjects they cover in the entrance exam, and if there are any books that I can get him to help him along the way? :)

[FriskyMare]

We found Stephen Curran (amazon) maths books great for DS when he was doing his entrance exams as they start quite simply and explain everything step by step. Bond papers are useful and you can buy practice papers.
HTH and good luck!

[HandMadeTail]

Find out which specific tests are set for the particular grammar/s you have in mind. You can down load lots of practise papers and "how to" books from this website.

[FriskyMare]

Both my dc had to do papers in maths, verbal and non verbal reasoning and some schools set a short story essay. The grammars in our area all set their own exams so the dc did 3 each.

[Lovemy3kids]

Thanks guys :-))

[letseatgrandma]

When are the 11+ exams? Ours have recently been moved to September so you need to gen up a bit on what your area covers and when you need to apply.

[breadandbutterfly]

You may have missed the application date for the exams - in our area they were due in by June, due to exams being in Sept (used to be in NOv). Check websites of schools you wish to apply for or ask teachers at school.

See www.elevenplusexams.co.uk/forum/11plus/viewforum.php?f=64 for all local info for your area - they know everything!

[Lovemy3kids]

have just checked with the local council and they have infomred me that this isn't sat until October, and that we need to apply to sit it in September when they return to school - all paperwork will be provided within the 1st week back in September. Have ordered somoe books off Amazon - so hopefully they will help him. Thanks for your input guys :)

[Honestyisbest]

I agree that Stephen Currans 11 plus books are good. We bought from Amamzon. The spelling and vocab books are quite fun and a good way to cover a lot of vocab.

[Theas18]

Please check and get in writing about local closing dates etc .round here they moved from Nov exams to second Saturday in September for 2012 and people were caught out.

Also 11+ is not standard through the UK get local specific info rather than relying on mumsnet etc as the posts might be correct for where the poster is, not your area.

Have fun. Locally getting primary to even recommend you apply is pretty much behind the bike sheds as they aren't supposed to promote them!

[oopsydaisymaisy]

The 11+ near us is different for schools. Our two local ones, and one further away have the verbal/non verbal reasoning, which all the grammar schools near us have. Verbal includes codework, sequences, word questions, things involving grammar and spelling etc; and non verbal involves shapes/patterns. It's very hard, and you really need to go and get them tutored for that sort. 3500 kids applied to the boys local one, 4000 for the girls, and for the very best one in our area, 8000. It's very competitive around us.

For some of them, they add in maths (the best two near us do at least, maths is different from non-verbal and so much easier!) and occasionally comprehension.

The amazon books are good too.