11 Plus Entrance Exams
How do we help prepare children for the exam?
We specialise in what we call '11+ and Academic Improvement' courses. These are designed to prepare your child for the exam whilst also boosting their all round academic performance. Throughout, we build close links with parents and provide feedback so that you are able to make informed choices about whether the exams are right for you and your child.
We know that the 11+ is wide-ranging and challenging - it is designed to be this way.
There is no denying that this test takes a bit of getting used to. That's what we are here for.
What are the Trafford 11 Plus Exams?
The Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium is a group of five grammar schools in Trafford. These include Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, Sale Grammar School, Stretford Grammar School and Urmston Grammar School.
To gain entry to the one of the schools, children sit the 11 Plus exam at the beginning of Year 6. The exam takes place every September. All the schools use the the same GL Assessment, so children only take one exam. Results will then be passed on to families in October with time for them to apply for a place at their chosen school.
The tests are designed to test children in a range of disciplines and aim to seek out children who have broad academic and reasoning skills. These are usually broken down into verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and mathematics.
The children sit two test papers, each lasting one hour. All of the questions are multiple-choice; children place their answers in a separate answer booklet, which is marked electronically.
What can parents do to help at home?
Of course, you as a parent can help at home as well. Here are some simple tips that will help boost performance:
- Play word games (wordl , crosswords and language association)
- Provide a range of reading materials and instil a love of reading
- Use practice materials at short but frequent intervals (for example 5 questions every other day)
- Mock tests are a good way to gauge how well your child is coping with the prep. We are here to guide you through this and point you in the direction of quality resources.
What if my child does not pass?
Gaining entry into one of the Trafford grammar schools is highly competitive. Many children who achieve the pass mark may not be successful in gaining a place. We can provide support and advice about the appeals process.