Top 11 Plus Publishers and How to Choose the Right Materials

When it comes to preparing for entrance exams, 11 Plus publishers play a vital role in helping children get ready with confidence. The market is filled with a wide range of resources, but finding the right publisher — and more importantly, the right materials — can make all the difference in a child’s success.

This guide explores the most reputable names in the field and offers insight into choosing the best resources that balance effectiveness with engagement.

CGP: Accessible, Humorous, and Straightforward

One of the most popular choices among parents and tutors is CGP. Known for its student-friendly tone and clarity, CGP’s 11 Plus materials are easy to follow and often peppered with light humour that keeps young learners engaged.

While the colourful pages and casual style may seem laid-back, the content itself is robust and well-aligned with common 11 Plus syllabuses. They cover Maths, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, and many of their practice books include fully explained answers — a bonus for parents who wish to guide their children through each topic.

Bond: Trusted Classics with a Structured Approach

For those looking for a more traditional, structured route, Bond has long been a trusted name in the world of 11 Plus preparation. Their materials are designed to gradually build skills over time, beginning with introductory levels and advancing to more challenging workbooks.

Bond books tend to follow a clear, no-nonsense format that suits learners who thrive with consistency and discipline. Their focus on gradual skill progression is ideal for early starters, and their mock test books are particularly valuable in building exam stamina.

GL Assessment: Official and Comprehensive

GL Assessment is a name that carries authority, especially considering that they are one of the main providers of 11 Plus exams used by grammar schools across the country. Their materials offer a deep dive into the exact styles and formats used in real tests.

This makes them a crucial choice for parents aiming to mirror the experience their child will face on exam day. However, GL materials are often more formal and might benefit from supplementation with more engaging resources to keep motivation high throughout longer study periods.

The Exam Coach: Digital Support with a Modern Twist

Blending traditional content with modern delivery, The Exam Coach provides a wide range of digital resources, including videos and interactive content that make 11 Plus revision feel more accessible.

While not a publisher in the print sense, their presence in the 11 Plus prep world is growing, especially for families looking for flexible, tech-friendly learning. They often use humour and relatable explanations to break down tricky concepts, making them a hit among children who might otherwise struggle with concentration or confidence.

Schofield & Sims: A No-Frills, High-Focus Option

Schofield & Sims take a more understated approach with their clean, black-and-white books and a clear focus on academic rigour. Their practice papers and workbooks are favoured by many teachers for their sharp focus on skills development, particularly in Maths and English.

What they lack in flair, they make up for in quality content and precision. These materials are ideal for learners who prefer a calm, distraction-free layout and a get-down-to-business tone.

How to Choose the Right 11 Plus Materials

Selecting the best resources depends greatly on your child’s learning style, your timeline, and the format of the 11 Plus exam they’ll be sitting. Begin by identifying whether the exam board is GL, CEM, or school-specific, as this determines which formats and skills to focus on.

For GL-style exams, official GL materials provide essential practice. For broader skills or CEM-style exams, Bond and CGP offer more varied question types and accessible instruction.

Consider how your child best absorbs information. If they need humour and colour to stay interested, CGP could be your go-to.

If they respond well to neatness and logic, Schofield & Sims might suit them better. Those who benefit from digital interaction may thrive with a platform like The Exam Coach. It’s also wise to combine materials: use GL or Bond for core test prep and blend in CGP or digital options for revision and confidence-building.

Lastly, think about how much support your child needs. If you’re planning to guide them closely, opt for materials with full answer explanations. If they’ll be working more independently, choose books that gradually increase in difficulty and come with self-assessment features.

By combining the strengths of different 11 Plus publishers, you can create a well-rounded prep experience that’s both effective and enjoyable.