Schofield & Sims

Preparing for the 11+ can feel daunting, but starting early with the right foundation makes all the difference.

Our 11+ Study and Practice Books are designed to help children build confidence from day one. Rather than just testing them, these books actually teach the core skills, breaking down every question type with clear, child-friendly explanations, step-by-step techniques, and worked examples.

Explore the full Study and Practice range: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0xsNzc0

Written by tutors, recommended by teachers. Explore the full Schofield & Sims 11+ series: https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0x0HCS0

Before you buy a single 11+ book, it helps to know where your child actually is.

Our free online 11+ quiz gives you a quick, honest read on your child's current level, so you start in the right place instead of guessing. A few minutes, no cost, nothing to buy first.

Try it here:

11+ Test Practice: Schofield and Sims 11+ Test Practice : Schofield And Sims - Buy educational workbooks, dictionaries, posters, reading books, homework books, school books, textbooks and more.

Handwriting is a movement skill. That means consistent practice across the week is more effective than the occasional longer lesson, and it means the order in which skills are taught really matters.

WriteWell is built around that principle, with four cumulative stages taking pupils from letter formation all the way through to fluency and personal style. Find out more in our new FAQ blog:

WriteWell: what school leaders ask us most Considering WriteWell for your school? We answer the questions primary school leaders ask us most about the programme, from structure to assessment.

In a mixed-age class, you can't give every group your attention at once. The key is making sure that when one group is working independently, they're doing something purposeful, not just keeping busy.

Our new blog looks at how to make that work in practice, including why core skills like mental maths and handwriting need a consistent, structured approach regardless of what else is on the timetable:

Teaching mixed age classes: a practical guide for primary schools Teaching mixed age classes brings real challenges around differentiation, curriculum coverage and time. This practical guide for small primary schools sets out strategies that work, including structured resources to support independent practice in maths and handwriting.

Thinking about WriteWell for your school? We've put together answers to the questions we hear most from primary teachers and school leaders, covering how the programme is structured, what teaching sessions look like, and how assessment works across the stages. 👉

WriteWell: what school leaders ask us most Considering WriteWell for your school? We answer the questions primary school leaders ask us most about the programme, from structure to assessment.

Teaching a mixed-age class in a small school brings real challenges: managing differentiation, time and curriculum coverage across year groups.

Our latest blog sets out practical strategies for small primary schools, including how to build independent practice into your routine so every group keeps moving forward. 👉

Teaching mixed age classes: a practical guide for primary schools Teaching mixed age classes brings real challenges around differentiation, curriculum coverage and time. This practical guide for small primary schools sets out strategies that work, including structured resources to support independent practice in maths and handwriting.

11+ preparation looks different for every family.

Some children thrive with a structured routine from an early stage. Others do better with shorter, more frequent practice closer to the exam. Some work best independently; others need a tutor to keep them on track.

There is no single formula, and what works for one child often does not work for another.

If you have been through the 11+ process, what made the biggest difference for your child? And if you are just starting out, what is the question you most want answered?

One of the first decisions parents face when preparing for the 11+ is whether to hire a tutor, take charge of preparation at home, or combine the two.

There is no single right answer. A lot depends on your child's learning style, your own availability, and the specific demands of the exam at the school you are applying to.

What is worth knowing is that the subjects covered, particularly Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, are not part of the standard primary curriculum. Most children need structured, regular exposure to these question types well in advance of the exam, however that preparation is organised.

We explored the pros and cons of each approach in a recent blog post, if it is useful:
https://eu1.hubs.ly/H0tVKd20

How did you approach 11+ preparation, or how are you planning to? Tutor, home learning, or a mix of both?

Tutor vs. home learning: how to prepare for the 11+: Schofield and Sims Tutor vs. home learning: how to prepare for the 11+ : Schofield And Sims - Buy educational workbooks, dictionaries, posters, reading books, homework books, school books, textbooks and more.