There is no single hardest 11 Plus subject because every child has different strengths. However, many pupils find verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning the most challenging because schools spend less time teaching these skills. Others struggle more with English, Maths or creative writing, depending on the exam format and their learning style.
Understanding which subject your child finds hardest helps you build a more effective revision plan. Rather than spending the same amount of time on every topic, focus on weaker areas while continuing to practise the subjects they already enjoy. If you’re new to the exam, our guide to 11 Plus Exams: Everything You Need to Know explains the format, subjects and admissions process in more detail.
What Are the 11 Plus Subjects?
Since we already mentioned the main 11 Plus subjects, now we will go through what they consist of. Here’s a quick look at what each paper involves:
English
This paper often includes reading comprehension, spelling, punctuation, grammar (SPaG) and sometimes creative writing. The exam expects children to analyse texts, understand vocabulary in context and answer questions clearly.
Children who struggle with comprehension, vocabulary or creative responses often improve through regular reading and targeted practice. Extra support from an 11+ English Language tutor can also help build confidence before the exam.
Maths
The Maths section focuses on Key Stage 2 content and beyond. It covers topics like arithmetic, fractions, percentages and even early algebra. The exam usually presents problem-based questions that children must complete without a calculator. Some papers include up to 50 questions in 50 minutes.
If your child finds multi-step questions or problem-solving particularly difficult, working with an 11+ Maths tutor can help strengthen core skills while improving exam technique.
Verbal Reasoning
This section tests how well your child can work with words, patterns and logic. It includes things like codes, sequences, analogies and vocabulary puzzles. Strong reading skills are helpful here, as many questions rely on spotting word-based patterns quickly.
Verbal reasoning becomes much easier once children recognise the common question types. A specialist 11+ Verbal Reasoning tutor can help students build these skills through regular practice and targeted exercises.
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Non-verbal reasoning tests visual thinking. Children must spot patterns in shapes, sequences and diagrams. They may also need to recognise rotation, symmetry and changes in position.
Schools do not always teach these skills, so the questions can feel new at first. Most 11 Plus exams also use strict time limits. As a result, children need both speed and accuracy. Early practice can help them feel more confident on exam day.
Many children improve quickly once they become familiar with visual reasoning questions. An experienced 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning tutor can help students develop strategies for the most common question types.
Creative Writing
Some 11 Plus exams include creative writing. This is more common in independent schools and a small number of grammar schools.
Many children find it hard because they must think of ideas, plan their work and use correct grammar in a short time. Unlike comprehension, there is no single right answer. Instead, pupils need to write clearly, stay organised and show creativity under exam conditions.
If your child’s target schools assess creative writing, regular practice and personalised feedback can make a significant difference. Working with an 11+ Creative Writing tutor can help develop planning, vocabulary and writing confidence.
Latin
Most 11 Plus exams do not include Latin. However, some independent schools may test it in their own entrance exams.
Latin can feel hard for children who have not studied it before. The words and grammar may seem unfamiliar at first.
Only focus on Latin if your chosen school includes it. Otherwise, your child should spend more time on English, Maths and reasoning.
If Latin is required, an 11+ Latin tutor can provide targeted preparation for school-specific entrance exams.
Accountancy
Accountancy is not part of the standard 11 Plus. However, a few specialist schools may include simple business or money topics in their own tests.
Before adding Accountancy to your child’s revision plan, check the school’s admissions details. Most children preparing for the 11 Plus will not need to study this subject.
Where Accountancy is assessed, an 11+ Accountancy Tutor can help students understand the required concepts and prepare for school-specific assessments.
Which 11 Plus Subject Should Children Revise Most?
There is no single subject that every child should revise most. Start by finding your child’s weakest area. Give that subject more time, but keep practising the rest as well. A balanced plan usually works better than focusing on one subject only.
For example, one child may struggle with verbal reasoning. Another may need more help with Maths or English. Practice papers and mistake reviews can show where your child needs the most support.
If several subjects feel difficult, an 11+ Tutor can help find weak areas, build a clear plan and improve confidence before the exam.
What Is the Hardest 11 Plus Subject?
Many children find Non-Verbal Reasoning the hardest part of the 11 Plus. English and Maths feel more familiar because schools teach them often. Non-Verbal Reasoning can feel new because it uses shapes, patterns and logic puzzles.
This can cause confusion, especially when the questions are timed. At first, children may not know which method to use. As a result, their confidence may drop. However, regular practice and clear support can make this section much easier.
Some children may find Verbal Reasoning or Maths harder, especially if they struggle with speed or problem-solving. Even so, Non-Verbal Reasoning often feels the most difficult because it is unfamiliar, not because the content is always harder.
Understanding Non-Verbal Reasoning in the 11 Plus
Non-Verbal Reasoning is not only about shapes and pictures. It tests how well your child can spot patterns, use logic and work quickly.
It also checks skills such as spatial awareness and attention to detail. Your child may need to find changes, match shapes or complete a visual sequence. Common question types include:
| Odd-one-out | Choosing which shape doesn’t follow the same rule as the others |
| Shape sequences | Working out what comes next in a visual pattern |
| Cube nets | Visualising how flat shapes fold into 3D cubes |
| Folding and rotating | Predicting how shapes change when turned or flipped |
| Analogies | Finding links between sets of diagrams or symbols |
| Codes and reflections | Solving visual puzzles using logic |
GL 11 Plus exams often include 12 question types. Most use multiple-choice questions and strict time limits. In some tests, children may have only 30 minutes to answer a large set of questions.
This pressure can make the section harder, especially for children who have not seen these puzzles before. Non-Verbal Reasoning is not usually taught in school, so the format may feel unfamiliar at first. However, steady practice and simple strategies can make the questions much easier to manage.
How Does Non-Verbal Reasoning Compare to Other 11 Plus Subjects?
| Subject | Why It May Feel Easier | What Makes It Challenging |
| English | Children see reading, writing, and SPaG daily at school | Comprehension texts can be hard and limited in time |
| Maths | Based on Key Stage 2 content already taught in class | Includes problem-solving, fractions and early algebra |
| Verbal Reasoning | Relates closely to English and vocabulary skills | Puzzle formats and logic questions may feel unfamiliar |
| Non-Verbal Reasoning | Tests logic and spatial skills not covered in school | Entirely new format, fast-paced and visually demanding |
How to Make Non-Verbal Reasoning Easier?
Non-Verbal Reasoning can become easier with the right tools and a clear routine. Many children go from feeling stuck to solving these questions with more confidence.
Start by teaching the main question types. Go through simple examples first, then move to harder ones such as folded shapes, cube nets and sequences. Once your child understands the rules, they can spot patterns faster and answer with greater accuracy.
Regular practise is important. Use 11 Plus past papers to build speed and accuracy. These will also help your child become familiar with the format and pressure of timed questions. Start with a few questions at a time, then work up to full sections.
There are also plenty of free guides, visual examples, and tutor-led walkthroughs available online. If you’re unsure where to begin, this comprehensive guide to 11 Plus preparation breaks it down into manageable steps.
Tips for Other 11 Plus Subjects
Help your child build confidence across every 11 Plus subject with these simple tips:
- Maths: Practise word problems, mental maths and problem-solving little and often. Use 11 Plus practice papers to improve speed and accuracy.
- English: Encourage your child to read every day. Talk about new words, practise comprehension and write short answers in full sentences.
- Verbal Reasoning: Build vocabulary through reading and word games. Practise different question types regularly to improve logic and speed.
- Creative Writing: Write short stories from picture prompts or simple titles. Focus on planning ideas, using varied vocabulary and checking punctuation.
- Latin: If your child’s school tests Latin, revise key vocabulary and basic grammar. Regular short practice sessions usually work better than long revision sessions.
- Accountancy: If Accountancy is part of your child’s entrance assessment, focus on the topics listed by the school. Build confidence by practising calculations and simple financial concepts little and often.
Conclusion
No single subject is the hardest for every child. Some pupils struggle with reasoning because they are unfamiliar with the question styles, while others find English, Maths or creative writing more demanding.
The best approach is to identify weaker areas early, build a balanced revision routine and practise consistently. With the right preparation, even the most challenging 11 Plus subject can become much more manageable before exam day. If you are looking for 11 Plus online tutors who can guide your child through every step, Edumentors is here to help. For more practical advice, this complete guide on how to pass the 11 Plus offers extra tips.
FAQs
What is the hardest 11 Plus subject?
There is no single hardest subject for every child. However, many pupils find verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning the most difficult because these skills are not always taught directly in school.
Is verbal reasoning harder than Maths?
For many children, yes. Verbal reasoning often introduces unfamiliar question types that require logic, vocabulary and pattern recognition. Children who read regularly may find it easier than those with weaker vocabulary.
Is non-verbal reasoning the hardest part of the 11 Plus?
Many pupils find non-verbal reasoning challenging because it relies on visual patterns rather than knowledge learned in class. Regular practice usually makes these questions much easier over time.
What is a good score for 11+?
A standardised score of 110-121 is often seen as strong. But “good” varies by school, as some require higher marks than others. You can learn more about how 11 Plus scores are calculated and what they mean in this helpful breakdown from Explore Learning.
Does every 11 Plus exam include the same subjects?
No. Different grammar schools and exam providers assess different combinations of English, Maths, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and creative writing. Always check the requirements for your chosen schools.
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