How to choose before you buy
Check the subjects used by your target school and whether the test resembles GL-style multiple-choice, school-written papers or another format. Then buy a small number of resources with different jobs: one teaching book, one question-practice book and later one set of timed papers.
Buying seven overlapping workbooks can create repetition without improving technique.
1. CGP 11 Plus range
CGP is a strong all-round choice for clear explanations and accessible layouts. Its subject books cover Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, while separate practice papers allow children to move into timed work.
Best for children who benefit from concise teaching before practice.
2. Bond 11+
Bond offers a large graded range, which is useful when parents want to build difficulty gradually. Assessment papers and subject books make it possible to stay within one consistent system while moving from foundation work to exam practice.
Best for long-term structured preparation.
3. Schofield & Sims 11+
Schofield & Sims resources are methodical and well suited to children who need techniques explained step by step. They are particularly useful for reasoning because question families can be practised separately before being mixed together.
Best for technique building.
4. GL Assessment familiarisation and practice
If your target test uses GL Assessment, use official familiarisation material first so your child understands instructions, answer sheets and question presentation. Commercial papers can then add volume.
Best for matching the mechanics of a GL-style test.
5. Collins 11+ practice
Collins produces subject and practice materials that can work well as an alternative to CGP or Bond. They are useful when your child needs another set of questions after finishing a first series.
Best as a second source of practice rather than buying multiple nearly identical introductory books at once.
6. Letts 11+ materials
Letts practice books and papers can be useful for timed sessions and mixed revision. Choose editions that clearly state the subjects and exam style rather than assuming every 11 Plus book fits every selective area.
Best for additional timed practice.
7. School- or consortium-specific familiarisation material
The most important resource may be free: official sample or familiarisation papers published by the school, consortium or testing authority. These show the format your child will actually encounter.
Use them carefully. Do not exhaust the only official paper too early. Save at least one for later benchmarking.
Books or apps?
Use both if they solve different problems. Apps are excellent for frequent short practice and tracking, while paper materials are better for written working, annotation and full mock conditions. Compare our interactive options and our app roundup.
Avoid the biggest workbook mistake
Do not measure progress by pages completed. Review errors, identify the question type, teach the missing method, and revisit it after a gap. Ten corrected questions are more valuable than fifty rushed questions.
