How many 11 Plus mock exams should my child sit?

Understanding 11+ Mock Exams

11+ mock exams are timed practice tests replicating real grammar and independent school entrance exams, covering GL Assessment, CEM, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths, and English sections. These 11+ practice tests help children aged 10-11 familiarise themselves with the format during year 5 and year 6 preparation. They build stamina for 60-90 minute sessions across 4-5 sections.

Providers like Bond papers, CGP books, and ExamNinja offer accessible resources for home use. School mock tests or exam centre mocks simulate real conditions with proctoring. The main purpose is exam familiarisation, technique improvement, and confidence building through timed conditions.

Parents play a key role in child exam preparation by setting up home mocks or analysing scores for progress tracking. Regular mocks assess readiness and highlight areas like VR sequences or NVR puzzles needing work. This supports a balanced 11+ study schedule with weekly or monthly frequency.

Understanding regional variations, such as London 11+ mocks for CEM or Birmingham mocks for GL, ensures targeted practice. Experts recommend spacing mocks to avoid burnout while maximising benefits like diagnostic feedback.

What Are 11+ Mock Exams?

11+ mock exams simulate real selective school tests from GL Assessment (Birmingham, Manchester) and CEM (London, Kent) boards, typically lasting 60-90 minutes across four papers: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. These grammar school tests and independent school exams prepare children for competition levels. For example, a London GL mock might include 80 questions in a 50-minute limit.

Structure varies by section: English covers comprehension and vocabulary with reading passages; Maths focuses on problem-solving like fractions or geometry; VR includes sequences and word pairs; NVR features puzzles and patterns. Formats range from multiple choice practice to comprehension exercises. This builds stamina for long exams through repeated simulation.

Scoring converts raw marks to age-standardised percentiles, with top grammars often targeting higher ranks. Online mock exams like PreTestPlus provide instant feedback, while paper-based from Bond mimic traditional answer sheets. Proctored exam centre mocks or school tests offer realistic pressure.

Post-mock error analysis aids revision, such as reviewing maths problem-solving mistakes or practising NVR puzzles. Parental guidance in 11+ involves tracking mock exam scores for personalised plans. This supports 11+ success strategies like spaced repetition and anxiety reduction tips.

Factors Influencing the Ideal Number

The ideal number of 11 plus mock exams (typically 6-20 total) depends on your child's baseline performance, months until exam, and regional competition levels. With UK grammar school pass rates often around 20-30%, selecting the right number of practice papers helps build exam readiness. Parents must consider four key factors to avoid over-preparing risks or exam burnout.

First, assess your child's current preparation level with a diagnostic test. This sets a clear baseline for how many 11+ practice tests are needed. Tools like CGP books provide quick insights into strengths and weak areas.

Second, factor in time remaining until the real exam. A structured 11+ study schedule ramps up mock exam frequency as the date approaches. This ensures steady progress without overwhelming your child.

Third, account for regional variations. Areas like London demand more mocks due to higher competition, while regional spots may need fewer. Finally, school type matters, with CEM exams requiring extra verbal reasoning practice.

Your Child's Current Preparation Level

Begin with a diagnostic mock using CGP 11+ Practice Papers Book 1 to establish baseline percentile (target: 75th+ for grammar entry). This first 11+ mock exam reveals gaps in maths, English, verbal reasoning, or non-verbal reasoning. Score it under timed conditions for realistic feedback.

Next, categorise performance to guide the total number. Children below 60% often need 15-20 mocks to build skills, while 60-80% may require 10-12 for refinement. Those at 80%+ can focus on 6-8 for technique polishing.

Track progress weekly with a simple tool like Google Sheets. Use columns for date, subject scores, weak areas, and percentile. For example, a Year 5 child at the 55th percentile might aim for 18 mocks over 20 weeks, adjusting based on gains.

Incorporate exam readiness assessment tools like PreTestPlus diagnostics for detailed reports. Review errors post-mock to prioritise revision, such as extra 11+ maths practice or VR sequences. This personalised approach boosts confidence and exam technique.

Time Remaining Until the Real Exam

With 6 months until exam, schedule 2 mocks/month initially; ramp to weekly mocks in final 8 weeks (total 12-15 mocks). This 11+ exam frequency balances practice with rest, preventing child stress management issues. Adjust for Year 5 starters by adding extra mocks early.

Use a time-based schedule to organise mock exam timing. For 6+ months, do 1 mock per month with Bond basics. In 3-6 months, increase to 2 per month mixing GL and CEM styles.

For a Birmingham CEM exam on 10th October, start in June with 12 mocks total. Include holiday mocks and school term sessions for consistency. This builds stamina for long exams through repeated practice under timed conditions.

Recommended Number of Mock Exams

Most 11+ students need 8-12 full mocks for grammar readiness, per ExamNinja's analysis of 5,000+ successful candidates. This range builds exam familiarity and technique under timed conditions. Parents should adjust based on regional demands and child's progress.

Top providers like CGP and Bond recommend covering GL Assessment, CEM, and hybrid formats. Start with diagnostic tests in Year 5, then increase frequency in Year 6. Track scores to ensure steady improvement across verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths, and English.

A regional table helps tailor the number of practice papers. London areas need more due to competition, while others focus on quality over quantity. Combine online mock exams with in-person sessions for balanced 11+ preparation.

Use this as a guide for 11+ study schedule. Include mock exam timing every 2-3 weeks to avoid burnout. Parental guidance ensures effective progress tracking.

Minimum Requirement for Most Students

Complete minimum 6 full mocks: 2 GL Assessment, 2 CEM Select, 2 mixed Bond/CGP papers to cover all major formats. This baseline exposes children to 11+ verbal reasoning, non-verbal puzzles, maths problem-solving, and English comprehension. It suits families starting 11+ preparation in September.

Structure as follows: Mock 1-2 for GL verbal and non-verbal (45 minutes each), Mock 3-4 for CEM maths and English (60 minutes), Mock 5-6 as full 2.5-hour simulations. Providers like CGP offer complete practice papers at low cost. Time one every 3 weeks for retention.

• Focus on multiple choice practice in GL papers.
• Build vocabulary building through CEM English.
• Practice NVR sequences and VR patterns consistently.

Aim for steady scores across subjects to gauge exam readiness assessment. Review errors post-mock for technique improvement. This prevents over-preparing risks while building confidence.

Optimal Range for Strong Preparation

Target 10-12 mocks total: 4 GL, 4 CEM, 2-4 Bond/CGP hybrids, spaced across 20 weeks for maximum retention. This schedule enhances stamina for long exams and familiarisation with format. Ideal for selective school entry in competitive areas.

Follow this plan: Weeks 1-8 for 4 diagnostic mocks, Weeks 9-16 for 6 building mocks, Weeks 17-20 for 2-3 exam simulations. Include 2 full-day stamina tests with papers back-to-back. Resources like ExamNinja GL Pack and PreTestPlus CEM suit this approach.

• Add +2 mocks for Birmingham or Kent regions.
• Incorporate practice under timed conditions weekly.
• Use diagnostic feedback for personalised learning plans.

Balance with child stress management through holiday mocks and rest days. Track percentile rankings and peer group averages for motivation. This optimal mock count supports 11+ success strategies without exam burnout.

Benefits of Sitting Multiple Mocks

Students doing 12+ mocks improve scores by 18-25 percentile points, per Atom Learning's 2023 study of 2,500 candidates. These 11 plus mock exams build essential skills for the real 11+ entrance exams. Parents often see clear progress in their child's exam readiness assessment.

Take Sophie, a Year 6 pupil from Birmingham. She boosted her scores from 62% to 84% after 10 ExamNinja mocks, earning a place at Wilson Stuart Grammar. This shows how multiple 11+ practice tests turn preparation into real results.

Key gains come from technique improvement, better stamina, and fewer errors. Regular mock exam timing under timed conditions mimics grammar school tests or independent school exams. Families track progress with percentile rankings and diagnostic feedback.

• Technique: Mastering 11+ verbal reasoning sequences and NVR puzzles.
• Stamina: Handling long sessions like CEM exams or GL assessment papers.
• Error reduction: Spotting mistakes in maths problem-solving or English comprehension.

Investing time in weekly mocks or monthly mocks pays off with higher target scores. Parents guide 11+ preparation by reviewing answer sheets and planning revision. This approach supports confidence building exams without over-preparing risks.

Signs Your Child Needs More Practice

Schedule additional 11 plus mock exams if scores stagnate below the 75th percentile for three consecutive tests or VR/NVR gaps exceed 15%. These patterns signal gaps in 11+ preparation that targeted practice can address. Parents often spot them through consistent review of mock results.

Common warning signs include frequent math errors that suggest a need for focused drills, such as those in CGP Maths books. Look for VR sequences mishandled often, where Bond VR book number 2 provides structured help. Time overruns by ten or more minutes per section also indicate poor exam technique.

Test anxiety shows up as shaky handwriting or complaints during practice under timed conditions. Create an analysis sheet using a simple Excel template with columns for subject, percentage correct, weak topics, and next mock focus. This tool supports progress tracking 11+ and personalised adjustments.

• Math errors exceeding typical levels: Target with CGP Maths practice for problem-solving.
• VR sequences wrong frequently: Use Bond VR book number 2 for sequences and codes.
• Time overruns by 10+ minutes per section: Practice mock exam timing with weekly mocks.
• Test anxiety signs like shaky handwriting: Introduce child stress management techniques before sessions.

One parent shared how their child stayed at 68% after four mocks. They added six targeted 11+ practice tests, focusing on weak areas, and scores rose to 82%. This highlights the value of diagnostic feedback from mocks in building exam readiness.

Risks of Overdoing Mock Exams

More than 18-20 mocks risks burnout in 11 plus preparation. Research suggests the testing effect peaks after around 12-15 exposures, as noted in educational psychology reviews. Pushing beyond this can lead to diminishing returns in exam readiness assessment.

Children aged 10-11 often show score plateaus after excessive 11+ practice tests. Irritability and fatigue become common, affecting focus during 11+ maths practice or 11+ verbal reasoning. Parents notice reduced enthusiasm for grammar school tests.

Recovery starts with 1-week mock breaks and play-based days. This allows mental recharge before resuming 11+ study schedule. Experts recommend balancing mock exam frequency to sustain progress in 11+ non-verbal reasoning.

Over-preparing risks harming child exam preparation overall. Track mock exam scores closely and adjust the number of practice papers. This prevents long-term demotivation in year 5 year 6 prep.

Avoiding Burnout and Anxiety

Limit to 1 mock every 5-7 days maximum during 11+ preparation. Research suggests frequent testing beyond this raises anxiety levels. Focus on quality over quantity in weekly mocks or monthly mocks.

Burnout appears as score drops and exhaustion. Introduce mock-free weeks and a reward system, like ice cream after a strong 11+ English practice session. This keeps motivation high for CEM exams or GL assessment formats.

Anxiety shows in pacing or shaking during practice under timed conditions. Teach the 4-7-8 breathing technique: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8. Follow with parental debriefs to discuss error analysis post-mock.

• Demotivation from too many 11+ practice tests: Gamify with a marble jar system, adding marbles for 80%+ scores.
• Case study: A Year 6 child quit after 22 mocks but recovered with a 2-week break and 4 lighter practices, reaching 88% in finals.
• Parental guidance: Use progress tracking 11+ to spot issues early.

These strategies build confidence building exams without stress. Incorporate spaced repetition mocks in a balanced 11+ study schedule for lasting 11+ success strategies.

Creating an Effective Mock Exam Schedule

Follow this 24-week schedule: 12 full mocks (1 every 2 weeks) + 6 targeted mini-mocks, aligned to school holidays. This approach balances 11+ practice tests with rest to build stamina and exam technique. Parents can adapt it for GL assessment or CEM exams based on target grammar schools.

Start with a diagnostic mock using CGP Book 1 to set a baseline score. Track progress in 11+ verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths, and English. This reveals weak areas like NVR puzzles or maths problem-solving early.

During the build phase, space monthly mocks to allow revision after each. Alternate between Bond papers and online mock exams for variety. Include rest days to prevent exam burnout.

Total time commitment is around 30 hours, including review. Use tools like Google Calendar for scheduling and Notion for a progress board. Common pitfalls include no rest days or ignoring weak subjects like comprehension exercises.

1. Diagnostic Phase (Week 1)

Begin with one full 11 plus mock exam at 9am to mimic real conditions. Choose CGP Book 1 for a baseline in 11+ maths practice and English. Score it immediately for diagnostic feedback on percentile rankings.

Analyse errors in 11+ non-verbal reasoning sequences or vocabulary building. Create a personalised learning plan from this exam readiness assessment. Parents note patterns, like repeated mistakes in multiple choice practice.

This step takes 4-5 hours total. It sets realistic target scores 11+ and builds confidence through familiarisation with format. Avoid over-analysing; focus on one or two key improvements.

2. Build Phase (Weeks 3-16)

Schedule 2 mocks per month, alternating GL and CEM styles for broad 11+ preparation. Space them every two weeks to fit school term mocks around homework. Use past papers practice for regional variations like London 11+ mocks.

After each, do error analysis post-mock with spaced repetition for weak spots in VR sequences. Incorporate 11+ tutoring sessions targeting low scores in English practice. Track improvements on a Notion board.

This phase hones practice under timed conditions over 12-14 hours. It prevents over-preparing risks by including holiday mocks sparingly. Children gain stamina for long exams through consistent exposure.

3. Peak Phase (Weeks 17-22)

Shift to weekly full simulations starting at 9am, using proctored exams or home mock setup. Include multiple sessions to build endurance for independent school exams. Focus on exam day strategy like answer sheets 11+ handling.

Review with progress tracking 11+, comparing to peer group averages from mock exam scores. Refine technique in 11+ exam frequency drills for maths and NVR. Parental guidance 11+ helps with anxiety reduction tips.

This intense period totals 10 hours. It boosts confidence building exams and exam technique improvement. Monitor for child stress management signs and adjust as needed.

4. Taper Phase (Weeks 23-24)

Reduce to 2 light mocks with review only, no heavy timing pressure. Use mini-mocks for targeted 11+ English practice or verbal reasoning refreshers. Align with half-term breaks for balanced study routine.

Emphasise child motivation techniques like celebrating small wins in percentile rankings. Avoid new material; focus on revision after mocks. This prevents fatigue before real 11+ entrance exams.

Spend 4 hours here on light adaptive practice tests. It sharpens focus without overload, aiding 11+ success strategies.

5. Exam Week

Rest fully with no full 11 plus mock exams; do technique drills only. Practice quick timed test drills for familiar multi-page papers. Ensure sleep and nutrition for peak performance.

Review top mock test benefits like stamina gained from weekly mocks. Use parental involvement exams for final pep talks on pass mark mindset. Keep sessions under 2 hours total.

This minimises over-preparing risks and supports exam burnout prevention. Children enter grammar school tests calm and prepared.