So many resources! How do you choose?
There are so many books, websites, and practice papers available that it’s very easy to feel overwhelmed. And there is also the issue of using the right resources in the wrong way, which can actually make preparation harder.
As a tutor working closely with 11+ students, I’ve tried and tested so many resources, and I have seen first-hand what works and what wastes time.
So! I am going to walk you through the best 11+ resources, and more importantly, how and when to use them effectively.
Best 11+ Practice Books
For most families, practice books are the starting point. Two of the most reliable publishers are:
- CGP
- Schofield & Sims
CGP books are probably the most well-known, but Schofield & Sims are just as good — even though they’re sometimes less popular.
Both provide:
- clear explanations
- structured practice
- good coverage of core topics
I would use these in Years 4 and 5 to help identify knowledge gaps. The books also include useful practice tests. However, if your child is taking a computer-based test, don’t solely rely on books, it’s important to incorporate a platform that supports this format (I’ll explain this further below).
An underrated resource!
One type of book that is often overlooked — but extremely valuable — is:
Synonyms and antonyms by Christine Draper
Vocabulary plays a huge role in many 11+ exams, especially:
- cloze passages
- missing-word questions
- comprehension
And unlike maths, vocabulary is not something that improves quickly. Regular exposure to these types of exercises can make a significant difference over time. I always recommend this book to parents. It offers short vocabulary exercises to really help develop and extend vocabulary over time.
Sadly, there are no quick fixes to vocabulary building. As soon as I find the secret, however, I will report back!
Best 11+ Online Resources
Alongside books, many families now use online platforms. One of the most widely used is Atom Learning
What Atom does well...
Atom is excellent for:
- building core skills
- practising question types
- covering maths, English (multiple choice comprehension), SPaG, VR, and NVR
Many prep schools use atom in school.
! What to be careful about !
Atom also shows data on how your child compares with other students applying to the same schools. While this can be interesting, it’s important not to rely too heavily on it.
Why?
Because Atom mainly measures multiple-choice performance
This means:
- it doesn’t capture the student’s comprehension skills
- it doesn’t assess creative writing
How to use Atom
Use Atom as a practice tool — not a tracking tool
It’s excellent for:
- regular practice
- building familiarity
- reinforcing skills
But it shouldn’t be the main way you judge progress.
Best 11+ Mock Tests
When children are ready to move beyond learning and into exam practice, mock tests become important. One of the best options is:
Pretest Plus
Why it's useful...
These tests:
- closely reflect real exam style
- build timing skills
- help children get used to pressure
Don’t be surprised …
If your child’s scores drop when you start using them — don’t worry
This is completely normal. These papers can feel quite difficult. What matters is progress over time, not the first score
Resources for Challenging Maths
If your child is applying to highly selective schools, you may need additional challenge.
Exam Papers Plus offers strong materials for this.
These are best used when:
- your child is confident with the basics
- they are ready for more demanding problem solving
Extra tip
Some excellent maths problem-solving books are harder to find in the UK, but can often be sourced through places like eBay.
Ones that I find really helpful are the Marshall Cavendish Education Singapore Math Program (Challenging Words Problems 4, 5 and 6). These can be particularly useful for stretching top-end students.
English Comprehension and Writing Tools
One of the most difficult areas to support at home is comprehension and creative writing
Not because of practice — but because of marking
The real challenge
Parents often ask:
- “Is this answer actually good enough?”
- “What should my child improve next?”
Unlike maths, marking English is not always straightforward.
A better way to support this at home
To help with this, I created a writing and comprehension accelerator for 11+ students.
It:
- gives a clear score
- provides structured feedback
- and suggests next steps
So parents don’t have to second-guess whether an answer is good enough.
If you’d like to see how it works, click here for a free trial.
Are Practice Papers Actually Useful?
A very common question is ... “are practice papers actually helpful?”
The answer is: yes — but only if used correctly. The mistake many parents make is using too many papers too early.
Practice papers should not replace learning.
If it was me, I would …
- Build understanding first (CGP books + tools like Atom)
- Use practice papers to find gaps ... don't worry about timing until later in Year 5
- Develop and extend knowledge (using Study Planet tool and harder maths books)
- Then introduce timed papers
- Focus on quality over quantity
The goal!
Practice papers should help children:
- manage time
- handle pressure
- apply what they’ve learned
- find any gaps remaining or areas they need more focus help on
I have found that doing too many practice papers can lead to burnout and exam fatigue, so balance is key.
When Should You Use These 11+ Resources?
One of the most common mistakes parents make is using the right resources at the wrong time.
11+ preparation works best when resources are introduced in stages.
Early Stage (Year 4 – early Year 5)
Focus on:
- building core skills
- developing vocabulary
- gaining confidence
Use:
- practice books (CGP, Schofield & Sims)
- vocabulary exercises
- use of online tools like Atom Learning for multiple choice familiarisation
At this stage, avoid heavy timed, testing. Instead focus on building knowledge by finding gaps.
Middle Stage (Year 5)
Focus on:
- applying knowledge
- improving accuracy
- identifying weaker areas
Use:
- regular practice questions
- more structured use of online resources
- targeted support for comprehension and writing
This is where feedback becomes increasingly important.
Final Stage (End of Year 5 – Year 6)
Focus on:
- exam technique
- timing
- consistency under pressure
Use:
- mock tests (e.g. Pretest Plus)
- timed practice papers
- during the summer, I suggest my students sit a mock exam
At this stage, it’s not about learning new content — it’s about applying what your child already knows.
Abigail’s Final Thought
When it comes to 11+ preparation, the goal isn’t to use everything available. The most effective preparation isn’t about using more resources — it’s about using the right resources at the right time
It’s to choose a small number of high-quality resources and use them consistently.
The most effective combination is:
- practice books
- online question banks
- mock tests
- targeted feedback
If you’d like more advice on whether you need a tutor, you can find more in my article Do You Need a Tutor for the 11+? (Honest UK Advice for Parents)