At LearningPOD, our 11+ Exam Preparation programme is designed to build the knowledge, reasoning ability and exam confidence students need to succeed in selective school entrance exams.
Our structured, expert-led tuition covers the four core subjects tested in most 11+ exams, equipping students with the skills and strategies needed to approach entrance tests calmly and confidently.
We support students from the early stages of preparation through to exam readiness with personalised learning plans tailored to each child’s strengths and learning pace.
11+ Exam Formats We Prepare For
Grammar schools and selective schools across the UK use different assessment formats. At LearningPOD, we prepare students for the most widely used exam providers.
GL Assessment
GL exams are widely used by grammar schools and test students across:
- Maths
- English
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
Students must demonstrate strong reasoning ability, vocabulary knowledge and mathematical problem solving.
CEM (Centre for Evaluation & Monitoring)
CEM exams focus heavily on reasoning ability and vocabulary development.
These assessments typically include:
- Numerical reasoning
- Verbal reasoning
- Non-verbal reasoning
- Reading comprehension
Students must be able to solve unfamiliar problems quickly and accurately under timed conditions.
ISEB
ISEB exams are commonly used by independent schools and selective institutions.
These assessments typically include:
- Maths
- English comprehension
- Reasoning skills
- Written communication
What We Cover
Our 11+ programme comprehensively prepares students across all core entrance exam subjects.
Maths
Students develop strong numeracy skills, logical reasoning and problem-solving techniques required for grammar school entrance exams.
Topics include:
- Number and arithmetic
- Fractions and percentages
- Word problems and logic puzzles
- Mathematical reasoning
English
Students strengthen reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary to perform well in English sections.
Focus areas include:
- Vocabulary development
- Grammar and punctuation
- Reading comprehension
- Creative and structured writing
Verbal Reasoning
Students practise solving logic-based word puzzles including:
These assessments typically include:
- Analogies
- Codes and patterns
- Letter sequences
- Logical reasoning questions
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Students develop spatial and visual reasoning skills required for pattern-based questions.
These assessments typically include:
- Shapes and rotations
- Symmetry and sequences
- Pattern recognition
- Spatial reasoning problems
Our 11+ Programmes
LearningPOD offers structured programmes designed to support students at different stages of their preparation.
Year 4 – 11+ Foundation Booster
Our Year 4 booster programme introduces students to the skills required for the 11+ exam. This stage focuses on building strong foundations in reasoning, vocabulary and mathematical thinking.
Students benefit from:
- Number and arithmetic
- Fractions and percentages
- Word problems and logic puzzles
- Mathematical reasoning
Starting preparation early helps students gradually build the thinking skills required for the 11+.
Year 5 – 11+ Intensive Booster
The Year 5 booster programme prepares students directly for the entrance exam. Lessons focus on strengthening exam technique, speed and accuracy.
Students receive:
- Full syllabus revision
- Timed exam practice
- Mock exam preparation
- Exam strategy coaching
This stage helps students become familiar with the format and pressure of the real exam.
1-to-1 Tuition
Our 1-to-1 tuition provides personalised learning tailored to each student.
This option is ideal for students who:
- Need targeted support in specific subjects
- Require faster progress
- Benefit from individual instruction
Lessons are customised based on the student’s assessment results.
11+ Intensive Revision & Mock Exams
Mock exams are an essential part of our preparation programme.
Students experience:
- Real exam conditions
- Timed test practice
- Detailed performance reports
- Identification of strengths and gaps
Parents receive feedback to help guide further preparation.
Small Group Tuition
Our Small group sessions (maximum 3–4 students) provide a collaborative learning environment while maintaining strong individual attention.
Students benefit from:
- Peer discussion and shared learning
- Healthy academic challenge
- Greater engagement and motivation
Many students find small groups encouraging and stimulating.
Grammar Schools Our Students Prepare For
LearningPOD supports students preparing for grammar and selective school entrance exams across the UK.
- Trafford & Greater Manchester
- Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
- Altrincham Grammar School for Girls
- Sale Grammar School
- Stretford Grammar School
- Urmston Grammar School
- Midlands
- King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys
- King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls
- King Edward VI Five Ways School
- Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls
- Bishop Vesey's Grammar School
- London & South East
- Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet
- Henrietta Barnett School
- Latymer School
- St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School
- Dame Alice Owen’s School
- City of London School
- Haberdashers’ Boys’ School
- Haberdashers’ Girls’ School
- Lancashire & North West
- Lancaster Girls’ Grammar School
- Lancaster Royal Grammar School
- Clitheroe Royal Grammar School
- Bolton School
- Rugby & Warwickshire
- Rugby High School
- Lawrence Sheriff School
- Ashlawn School (Selective Stream)
“Our preparation focuses on the core reasoning, vocabulary and mathematical skills required across these competitive entrance exams.“
How Our 11+ Programme Works
Step 1 – Free Consultation
We begin with a consultation to understand your child’s academic level and target schools.
Step 2 – Initial Assessment
Students complete an assessment to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Step 3 – Personalised
Learning Plan
Based on the assessment results, we design a structured preparation plan.
Step 4 – Structured Lessons
Lessons combine concept teaching with guided exam practice.
Step 5 – Mock Exams & Feedback
Regular mock exams help track progress and build exam confidence.
Why LearningPOD’s 11+ Preparation Works
Expert Tutors
Our tutors specialise in 11+ preparation and understand how to teach reasoning skills effectively.
Small Group or 1-to-1 Options
Students can choose between:
- Small group sessions (maximum 3-4 students)
- Personalised 1-to-1 tuition
Exam Board Awareness
Our programme prepares students for multiple exam formats including:
- GL Assessment
- CEM
- ISEB
- Bond-style preparation
Confidence & Motivation
We help students build:
- Exam confidence
- Logical thinking skills
- Time-management strategies
Flexible Learning Options
- Online tuition – ideal for busy schedules
- In-person lessons (where available)
- 1-to-1 personalised sessions
- Small group classes