Preparing for the 11 Plus in Surrey: What You Need to Know

The 11 Plus exam is a key milestone for many families in Surrey. It determines entry into selective grammar schools and some independent schools, shaping a child’s academic journey for years to come.

Preparing effectively means more than drilling practice papers—it requires understanding the format, the schools involved, and how to support your child’s confidence throughout the process.

Which Schools in Surrey Use the 11 Plus?

In Surrey, grammar schools are limited, with most state secondaries being non-selective. However, certain schools, particularly near the borders of Kingston and Sutton, do operate selective entry.

Families in Surrey often look at grammar schools such as Tiffin School and Tiffin Girls’ School in Kingston, as well as Sutton’s selective schools, since catchment boundaries can overlap. Some independent schools in Surrey also use their own 11 Plus assessments, which may vary in format.

Parents should carefully check each school’s admissions policy, as requirements and catchment areas change year to year.

What Does the Surrey 11 Plus Exam Include?

The exam content usually covers four main areas:

• English comprehension and writing
• Mathematics (problem-solving and reasoning)
• Verbal reasoning (working with words and logic)
• Non-verbal reasoning (patterns, shapes, spatial awareness)

Each school decides on its exam provider, meaning papers are not uniform across Surrey. Some may use GL Assessment, others may set their own papers. It is important to know the format your target school uses so that preparation can be specific.

When Should You Start Preparing for the Surrey 11 Plus?

Many families begin light preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5, building gradually towards more intensive practice closer to Year 6. Preparation too early can cause burnout, while leaving it until the last minute may add stress. A balanced approach works best:

• Introduce key reasoning skills in Year 4
• Increase exposure to practice questions in Year 5
• Focus on timed practice in Year 6

The right timing depends on your child’s current ability, confidence, and learning pace.

How Can You Prepare at Home?

Preparation at home can be highly effective if structured. Useful strategies include:

• Creating a study timetable with short, regular sessions
• Using practice papers from GL Assessment or past exam papers when available
• Incorporating verbal and non-verbal reasoning puzzles into daily routines
• Reading widely to strengthen vocabulary and comprehension skills
• Encouraging writing tasks, such as short stories or summaries

Parents should remember that consistency is more effective than cramming.

Should You Hire a Tutor for the 11 Plus?

Tutoring is common in Surrey, particularly because competition for selective places is high. A tutor can:

• Identify gaps in knowledge
• Provide structured practice
• Offer exam techniques and confidence-building

However, tutoring is not essential for every child. Some succeed with parent-led preparation or self-study. The decision often depends on the family’s resources and the child’s learning style.

What are the Key Dates and Deadlines?

Applications for secondary school places through the local authority usually close in late October of Year 6. Entrance exams for grammar and independent schools typically take place in September of Year 6, with registration opening as early as May or June.

Missing these deadlines can mean losing the opportunity to apply, so families should mark dates clearly on a calendar.

How Can You Reduce Stress During Preparation?

The 11 Plus can be intense, but supporting a child’s wellbeing is just as important as academic preparation. Parents can:

• Maintain a healthy balance between study, play, and rest
• Avoid comparing their child to others
• Encourage positive thinking and resilience
• Use mock exams to reduce anxiety about exam day
• Celebrate effort, not just results

Children perform best when they feel supported rather than pressured.

What Happens If Your Child Does Not Pass the 11 Plus?

Not passing the 11 Plus does not limit future success. Surrey offers many excellent comprehensive and independent schools. Some children thrive better in non-selective environments where they can focus on their strengths and build confidence without the pressure of a selective system.

Parents should view the 11 Plus as one pathway, not the only one.