11+ Entrance Exams
The 11+ exam marks one of the most significant academic transitions in a child’s early education, determining entry into grammar and selective independent schools. It tests more than just subject knowledge; it measures reasoning, timing, and adaptability under pressure. At Think Forward, we prepare students across all four key areas: Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Our lessons are designed to develop both accuracy and depth of understanding, combining curriculum mastery with exam-specific strategy.
Year
2025-26
Services
Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning
The Problem
Many bright students find the 11+ format challenging because it goes beyond what is taught in school.
In Maths, questions often require multi-step reasoning - linking arithmetic, logic, and pattern recognition under time limits. Students who rely on memorised steps often struggle when faced with unfamiliar phrasing or multi-layered problems.
In English, comprehension passages can be dense, with questions requiring inference, tone analysis, and evidence-backed responses. Creative writing sections demand structure, imagination, and controlled language, areas where students often lose marks for pacing or expression.
Verbal and non-verbal reasoning introduce an entirely new skill set, asking students to spot visual patterns, analogies, and language sequences they have never practised before.
The result? Even capable students can underperform not due to lack of intelligence, but lack of familiarity, timing, and strategic preparation.
The Solution
At Think Forward, our 11+ preparation focuses on pattern recognition, precision, and confidence under pressure.
In Maths, we use step-mapping, breaking complex multi-step questions into logical stages while training students to verbalise reasoning before solving. This develops fluency, resilience, and adaptability for unfamiliar problem types.
In English, our method combines structure and style: we teach paragraph frameworks for creative writing (opening, build-up, climax, resolution) and analytical reading techniques using colour-coded annotation. Students learn how to infer meaning, identify tone, and use evidence naturally, essential for high-mark responses.
For Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, we focus on pattern fluency; timed drills, visual reasoning puzzles, and logic decoding exercises that sharpen speed and accuracy. We also simulate real exam environments, tracking results and pacing to build exam stamina and confidence.
By balancing challenge with encouragement, we help students not only reach selective-school standards but develop habits of calm focus, clear reasoning, and strategic thinking. Skills that last well beyond the exam.
