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.
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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
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