What the 11+ covers
The 11+ is used by selective schools and grammar school areas to assess pupils before Year 7 entry. The exact format varies by school and region, so preparation should focus on strong foundations and exam technique rather than memorising one narrow paper style.
Coach Dean Tutoring covers 11+ Maths, 11+ English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Where relevant, preparation can reflect GL-style skills and CEM-style demands such as vocabulary, speed, problem solving and flexible reasoning.
- 11+ Maths
- 11+ English
- Verbal reasoning
- Non-verbal reasoning
- Timed practice
- Mock exams
- Correction questions
When pupils should start
Many families begin serious preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5. Some children need longer to build vocabulary, arithmetic fluency and reasoning speed, while others need a shorter, focused plan to sharpen exam technique.
The first step is an assessment that identifies strengths, gaps and confidence under timed conditions.
Trafford and Greater Manchester focus
Coach Dean Tutoring supports families preparing for selective school routes across Trafford and Greater Manchester, including Altrincham, Sale, Stretford, Urmston, Bowdon, Hale Barns and nearby Manchester areas such as Wythenshawe.
Current published reports say Trafford Grammar School Consortium is moving from GL Assessment to FSCE for 2028 entry, with a curriculum-led test expected to focus more on Key Stage 2 English and Maths. Preparation will therefore keep supporting current GL routes while strengthening the deeper KS2 skills pupils need for the new direction.
Preparation focuses on the skills pupils commonly need for selective school assessments: strong foundations, reading accuracy, mathematical fluency, reasoning, timing, careful checking and confidence under exam conditions.
Trafford 11+ changes from 2028 entry
For 2027 entry, reported information indicates that the Trafford test remains GL-based. From 2028 entry, FSCE is expected to take over with a curriculum-led format. From 2029 entry onward, the test is expected to move earlier into the summer term of Year 5.
That means Trafford families should avoid waiting too late. Year 3 and Year 4 should be used to build reading, vocabulary, arithmetic and problem-solving strength, while Year 5 should become more diagnostic and test-aware.
- 2027 entry: GL route still relevant
- 2028 entry: FSCE curriculum-led transition
- 2029 entry onward: test expected in summer term of Year 5
- Earlier preparation matters more
- Maths and English foundations become even more important
UK-wide grammar school preparation
Although the local focus is Greater Manchester and Trafford, online tutoring can support families across the UK who are preparing for grammar school, independent school or selective entrance routes.
Because grammar school tests vary by region, the programme builds transferable skills for GL-style papers, CEM-style demands, FSCE-style curriculum-led preparation and school-specific formats: Maths, English, vocabulary, reasoning, timing and correction work.
Example weekly plan
A typical week may include one live online lesson, one timed practice task, correction questions, vocabulary or arithmetic practice and a short parent update. The balance changes depending on the pupil's starting point and target schools.
- Teach one priority topic
- Practise exam-style questions
- Review errors in correction mode
- Set timed homework
- Update parents on next steps