Top Exam Resources Recommended by the 11 Plus Forum Community
The 11 Plus forum community is an invaluable resource for parents and students preparing for the entrance exams. Members actively share their insights, recommendations, and experiences, helping others navigate the challenging selection process.
Over time, certain exam resources have consistently emerged as top choices among forum discussions, praised for their effectiveness in boosting skills across key subjects. Below is a closer look at some of the most highly recommended materials.
Bond 11+ Series
A longstanding favourite among 11 Plus parents, the Bond 11+ series provides structured practice across Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. These books are known for their progressive difficulty, allowing students to build confidence gradually.
Many forum users highlight the series’ clear explanations and well-paced exercises, making it a solid foundation for early-stage preparation. Additionally, Bond offers online tests and mock exams, which some parents find useful for simulating real exam conditions.
CGP 11+ Study Guides and Practice Papers
CGP is another highly recommended brand on the forums, particularly for its concise yet comprehensive study guides. The CGP 11+ range covers all tested subjects with engaging explanations and a touch of humour, which helps keep students motivated.
Forum users appreciate the inclusion of step-by-step answers, enabling both students and parents to understand the reasoning behind each question. CGP’s practice papers are frequently praised for their similarity to actual exam formats, making them a staple in many households.
GL and CEM Practice Papers
Since different schools and regions use either GL or CEM exam formats, parents on the 11 Plus forum strongly recommend working with practice papers that match the specific test their child will be sitting.
GL practice papers tend to focus on traditional question types with a predictable structure, while CEM papers emphasise time-pressured problem-solving and comprehension.
Forum discussions often stress the importance of choosing the right format early on, ensuring students are adequately prepared for the type of questions they will encounter.
Exam Papers Plus
A trusted name among forum members, Exam Papers Plus offers high-quality practice papers tailored to different exam boards. These papers are often commended for their realistic difficulty levels and detailed answer explanations.
Many parents find them particularly useful for identifying weaker areas, as the papers are designed to challenge students while mimicking actual exam conditions. Forum contributors also mention that the online accessibility of these resources allows for flexible learning and progress tracking.
Atom Learning
As online learning becomes increasingly popular, Atom Learning has emerged as a leading digital platform for 11 Plus preparation. Forum members frequently discuss its adaptive technology, which tailors questions to a child’s ability, making revision more efficient.
Atom Learning provides interactive lessons, mock tests, and instant feedback, making it a favourite for tech-savvy families looking for a modern approach to exam preparation. Many parents find the gamified aspects of the platform particularly helpful in keeping their children engaged.
Schofield & Sims Workbooks
For parents looking to strengthen core subject skills, Schofield & Sims workbooks are often recommended. These books are known for their no-nonsense approach, breaking down concepts into manageable sections with plenty of practice exercises.
Forum discussions highlight the workbooks’ effectiveness in reinforcing essential Maths and English skills, especially for younger students who need a strong foundation before tackling full-length practice papers.
ISEB 11+ Pre-Test Practice Papers
For students sitting the ISEB pre-test, forum members strongly advise using official ISEB practice materials. These resources closely replicate the adaptive nature of the online test, helping children familiarise themselves with the format and question styles.
Forum discussions often mention the importance of timed practice, as the ISEB pre-test requires quick thinking and efficient time management.
Independent School Past Papers
For those targeting selective independent schools, past papers from specific institutions are a highly recommended resource on the forums. These papers provide insight into the level of difficulty and the types of questions commonly set by individual schools.
Parents who have gone through the process often suggest obtaining as many past papers as possible to ensure thorough preparation.
Summary
With so many resources available, the 11 Plus forum community continues to be a vital hub for sharing recommendations and advice. Whether through books, online platforms, or past papers, these top-rated materials have helped countless students approach the exam with confidence.
