Preparing for the 11 Plus exam can feel overwhelming, especially with the abundance of study materials available. Choosing the right books is essential to cover key subjects like Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. High-quality preparation books provide more than just practice, they help develop crucial exam skills, such as time management, logical thinking, and problem-solving.
In this blog, we review some of the best 11 Plus books, including trusted names like Bond, CGP, and Schofield & Sims. These publishers offer a range of targeted practice materials designed for both CEM and GL-style exams. Whether your child is working on short 10-minute tests or full-length practice papers, having the right resources can make all the difference on the journey to success
1. Bond 11+ Books
Bond books are among the most popular and widely used for 11 Plus preparation. Their 10-Minute Test series is highly regarded for helping students with time management, offering bite-sized practice across different subjects. Bond also provides online resources to complement their books, enhancing interactive learning for children preparing for the 11+ exam.
Bond books, in particular, are a staple in 11 Plus preparation, offering a well-rounded collection of practice materials for English, Maths, Verbal, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Additionally, their 10-Minute Test series helps students develop quick problem-solving abilities, making them ideal for practising under time constraints.
Moreover, Bond provides mock papers, assessment books, and access to Bond Online, which offers personalised learning paths to address specific weak areas, ensuring focused improvement throughout preparation.
Why Choose Bond Books?
- Ideal for time-constrained practice with 10-minute tests.
- Online resources complement their print materials.
- Covers key subjects comprehensively, including SATs and independent school exams.
2. CGP 11+ Books
CGP’s 11 Plus series is widely known for covering both GL and CEM exam formats, ensuring students are well-prepared for a variety of test styles. Moreover, they offer vocabulary-focused books, comprehension practice, and logical reasoning tests, making them a highly versatile option for parents and students. In addition, their 10-minute test books are particularly useful for fostering consistent study habits, helping children practise efficiently while maintaining focus.
CGP is known for providing books that align with both CEM and GL exam boards, ensuring students are well-prepared regardless of the exam format. Furthermore, their books are designed to be engaging, with step-by-step solutions and fun puzzle pages to maintain student interest. They specialise in bite-sized practice tests covering vocabulary, comprehension, and logical reasoning. CGP also offers online editions, making their content more accessible across devices.
Why Choose CGP Books?
- Aligns with multiple exam formats (CEM and GL).
- Includes interactive and puzzle elements for engagement.
- Provides detailed answer explanations to build understanding.
3. Schofield & Sims
This publisher focuses on building fundamental skills with their “Progress Papers” and “Rapid Tests” series. Their books are structured to strengthen students’ problem-solving abilities and cover over 40 question types. These resources are ideal for both systematic practice and targeted learning.
Schofield & Sims offers a range of Progress Papers and Rapid Tests, focusing on developing fluency across all subjects. Additionally, their books encourage targeted practice by covering over 40 different question types, helping students enhance logic, vocabulary, spelling, and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, with clear progress charts and answer booklets, parents can easily track their child’s performance, making it simpler to identify areas that need improvement.
Why Choose Schofield & Sims Books?
- Offers detailed assessments with structured progress tracking.
- Covers a broad range of question types for comprehensive preparation.
- Provides short, timed tests to develop speed and accuracy.
4. Letts 11+ Practice Papers
Letts offers a range of practice papers aligned with the 11+ curriculum, providing excellent mock exam experiences. These books often include detailed answer explanations, making them a good tool for independent study and progress tracking.
Letts, meanwhile, focuses on offering mock exams that closely mimic the structure of actual 11 Plus papers, making them ideal for practising key exam techniques. Additionally, their books contain practice papers with detailed answers and explanations.
As a result, students not only familiarise themselves with the exam format but also understand their mistakes and gradually improve with each attempt. Letts books are especially useful for tracking progress and building exam confidence.
Why Choose Letts Books?
- Provides realistic mock papers for comprehensive exam practice.
- Focuses on building familiarity with the exam format.
- Includes detailed answers for self-assessment and correction.
Best 11 Plus Books by Subject
Choosing the right books for each subject makes all the difference when preparing for the 11+. Every child has different strengths, so the best approach is to mix short daily practice with deeper topic review. Below, you’ll find top recommendations for English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning all tutor-approved and aligned with GL and CEM exam boards.
Best 11+ books: English
- CGP 11+ English 10-Minute Tests (Ages 10–11). Quick daily drills. Great for stamina and timing. Suits GL and CEM.
- CGP 11+ English Practice Book with Assessment Tests. Strong coverage of grammar and comprehension. Good diagnostics.
- Bond 11+ English 10 Minute Tests. Reliable progression. Clear explanations. Ideal for regular short practice.
- Schofield & Sims Comprehension, Book 5–6. Deep reading practice with graded texts. Builds inference skills.
- First Past The Post Comprehension (Eleven Plus Exams). Focused passages and evidence-based answers. Good for tricky vocab.
What are the best 11 plus books for Maths?
- CGP 11+ Maths 10-Minute Tests (Ages 10–11). Fast mixed sets. Perfect for weekday routines. GL or CEM.
- CGP 11+ Maths Practice Book with Assessment Tests. Topic-by-topic coverage. Helpful step-by-step methods.
- Bond 11+ Maths 10 Minute Tests. Consistent difficulty curve. Solid for accuracy and speed.
- Schofield & Sims Mental Arithmetic 5–6. Old-school drills that work. Sharpens number sense fast.
- GL Assessment Official 11+ Practice Papers: Maths. Closest feel to real papers. Use in the final weeks.
Top 11+ books for Verbal Reasoning
- CGP 11+ Verbal Reasoning 10-Minute Tests. Varied question types. Easy to slot into busy days.
- Bond 11+ Verbal Reasoning 10 Minute Tests. Builds technique steadily. Clear worked examples.
- GL Assessment Official 11+ Practice Papers: Verbal Reasoning. Best for GL formatting and timing.
- First Past The Post Verbal Reasoning (Eleven Plus Exams). Targeted practice by question family. Great for weaknesses.
- IPS Verbal Reasoning Technique & Practice. Classic methods and drills. Good for foundation skills.
11 plus reading: Non-Verbal Reasoning
- CGP 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning 10-Minute Tests. Regular exposure to patterns. Strong for timing.
- Bond 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning 10 Minute Tests. Clear strategies for rotations and reflections.
- GL Assessment Official 11+ Practice Papers: Non-Verbal Reasoning. Authentic layout and mix.
- Collins 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers. Extra paper sets for weekend mocks.
- First Past The Post Non-Verbal Reasoning (Eleven Plus Exams). Focus blocks by skill type. Good for last-mile gaps.
How can our tutors help
The 11+ application process may be challenging for some students. Edumentors can offer help with profesional tutors from best universities of UK. Preparing with private tutor can boost confidence and get your results to best possible. With personal approach to each student best ways to boost learning process and make it more enjoyable is through private tutoring. Check out private tutors for 11 +
Conclusion
Selecting the right 11 Plus books is a crucial step in your child’s preparation journey. With trusted publishers like Bond, CGP, Schofield & Sims, and Letts, you can find resources that cover every aspect of the exam whether it’s quick practice tests, full-length mock papers, or subject-specific learning materials. These books not only develop knowledge but also help students build essential skills like time management, logical reasoning, and exam confidence.
While books provide the foundation for learning, combining them with tutoring support enhances the preparation process by offering personalised guidance, targeted feedback, and progress tracking. With the right blend of resources and expert assistance, students can approach the 11 Plus exam with confidence and achieve their potential.
Learn more about 11 plus exams with Edumentors
Comprehensive Guide to 11 Plus Preparation
11 Plus Exam Papers [Types, Tips & Preparation Guide]
The Ultimate Guide to 11 Plus Questions
FAQs:
What are the best 11 plus books?
The best 11 Plus books depend on your child’s goals and exam board. For all-round preparation, many tutors recommend CGP 11+ Practice Books, Bond 11+ 10-Minute Tests, and Schofield & Sims series. These cover English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning with clear explanations and step-by-step guidance. They’re ideal for building confidence ahead of both GL and CEM 11 Plus exams.
Which 11 Plus books are best for beginners?
For students starting their 11 Plus journey, the Bond Starter Series and CGP 11+ Foundations Books work best. They introduce key skills gradually and help children understand question styles before moving on to timed papers. Pairing these with short daily tests builds consistent progress.
How many 11 Plus practice books should my child use?
Quality matters more than quantity. Focus on one or two trusted series like CGP or Bond per subject. Each includes multiple levels, so you can scale difficulty as your child improves. Combine these with official GL Assessment practice papers for realistic exam experience.
Are online 11 Plus books and resources useful for preparation?
Yes, online 11 Plus books and digital practice tools are very effective when used alongside printed materials. Many students benefit from interactive 11+ resources that track progress and highlight weak areas. Online 11 Plus tutoring platforms, such as Edumentors, also offer guided lessons and personalised study plans using the same 11 Plus books recommended by tutors for GL and CEM exams.
