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Reading List for children in Year 5, Year 6 and Year 7 (Age 9 to 11)

Children studying for the 11 plus exams are at a key point in their school reading journey. They are starting to develop the independence and autonomy to seek out their own reading books and decide how to incorporate reading into their daily routine. By this point, ideally, we would want our children to have caught the ‘reading bug’ and enjoy reading a wide range of different texts as well as knowing where and how to search for new titles. At this age, we also recommend daily independent reading for 30 minutes and of course this is always helped with the use of audiobooks or being read to aloud.

In order to excel in the 11 Plus, children need to have a wide vocabulary to draw on. Good vocabulary knowledge will help in all aspects of the English exam (reading, writing, verbal reasoning) as well as in the interviews.

Comprehending the reading part of the exam requires knowledge of what the individual words mean and what they mean within the context of the particular comprehension. Using interesting words in the writing part of the exam will help them stand out from other students’ that use simplistic vocabulary. Spotting spelling and patterns of meanings between words will help students to answer verbal reasoning questions. It is also important to communicate clearly in interviews and drawing on a wide vocabulary will help students convey their thoughts and ideas in a coherent way.

Oundle is one of the largest co-ed boarding schools in the UK with just under 1,120 pupils, around 820 boarders and 310 day pupils, set in a Northamptonshire market town from which it takes its name. Oundle is a true all-round boarding school, with strong academic results, some of the best DT facilities in the country and fantastic sports and music. The school has three main entry points: 11 plus,13 plus and 16 plus.

Since St Paul’s Girls’ School (SPGS) first opened its doors in 1904, the school has provided an ambitious and progressive education. At all stages throughout its history, the school has combined the best elements of a classical education with a commitment to innovation and a forward-looking approach. Their academic attainment has been consistently astounding. The school welcomes all academically eligible girls, regardless of either economic or social circumstances with SPGS committing to offering transformational bursaries to 12 per cent of students, and seeking to grow this to 20 per cent.

The school has two main entry points, at 11 plus and 16 plus.

For many families applying to UK independent schools, the ISEB Common Pre-Test is one of the first academic hurdles in the admissions test process. Yet, many parents are unsure how the test is scored, what constitutes a good score, or if there is even a set pass mark. In this article, we break down the key information you need to know about ISEB Pre-Test scores and how they are used by senior schools.

Eton College is one of the United Kingdom’s best known and most prestigious independent schools, founded in 1440 AD by King Henry VI, and famous for having educated many British politicians, scientists, and creative talents. As such, the process of securing a place is highly competitive. Entry at 13+ requires students to pass several stages, including the Eton List Test, the ISEB Common Pre-Test, and an interview. 

This guide provides an in-depth look at the test format, interview process and preparation tips, including some first hand insights from Josh Pull, a Keystone Director and former Old Etonian.

Many independent senior schools have incorporated ‘Pre-Tests’ as an initial entry assessment for Year 7 and 9 entry. Pre-Tests commonly form the first stage of the admissions process, and schools use them to identify the students who are most suitable to proceed to the next stage. Pre-Tests can be administered in written form or on a computer, with the ISEB Common Pre-Test being one of the most common assessments.

The ISEB Common Pre-Test is used by a range of independent schools in the UK including Eton College, Harrow School, Westminster School and St Paul’s School to assess children before the 13+ entrance exams and at a handful of schools as a pre-test to 11+ entry.

For international students applying to study at UK independent schools, the UKiset (UK Independent Schools’ Entry Test) is a crucial step in the admissions process. Designed for students aged 9 to 18, the test helps schools assess academic potential and English language skills before inviting applicants to sit their own entrance exams. Some schools may even offer places based solely on UKiset results combined with school reports.

What is the UKiset Test?

The UKiset is an adaptive, computer-based assessment used to evaluate a candidate’s academic abilities and English proficiency. It acts as a pre-test for UK independent schools, helping them identify the most suitable students from overseas. The test also provides insight into a candidate’s strengths, weaknesses, and learning preferences.

UKiset is particularly valuable for international students because it provides a standardised way for schools to compare applicants from different educational backgrounds.

The creative writing section of the 11+ exam is often one of the most daunting parts of the assessment. Examiners look for originality, structure, and engaging storytelling—skills that don’t always come naturally. 

In this article, we’ll explore key strategies to help your child succeed in 11+ creative writing, answering some frequently asked questions and then sharing insights from Cameron, an experienced 11+ Creative Writing tutor. With years of expertise preparing students for competitive entrance exams, Cameron shares his advice on planning stories, improving descriptive language, and mastering exam techniques.

Highgate School is one of the leading co-ed independent schools in the country. Situated a short distance from central London and adjacent to leafy Hampstead Heath, the school boasts an enviable location and is home to some best-in-class facilities among London schools, including a newly-opened Junior School building and an excellently equipped Art and Design Centre. Founded in 1595, Highgate is a school with a rich history paired with a modern and socially-minded outlook. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for themselves and for their role in society, practiced through initiatives such as community action groups and volunteering programmes.  

Highgate offers a rigorous, academically-minded education with a focus on scholarship and a belief in the enjoyment of learning for its own sake. It aims to cultivate curiosity and nurture confidence in its pupils, and equip them with the resilience, creativity and risk-taking needed for participation in higher education and the world of work.  

What is a grammar school? 

State funded secondary schools which select students based on their scores in competitive entrance exams are known as grammar schools.  

Where are grammar schools? 

Grammar schools were first created by the Education Act of 1944 but since 1998, no new grammar schools can be established. As a result, there are only around 163 grammar schools in England, and 69 in Northern Ireland; there are no state funded grammar schools in Wales or Scotland. 

The highest concentration of grammar schools can be found in Kent, Medway, Essex, Buckinghamshire and Lincolnshire; Gloucestershire, Trafford and Slough have several grammar schools alongside their comprehensive schools and there are a handful of grammar schools in Birmingham, Bournemouth and some boroughs in London. 

Parents can explore a full comparison of the top grammar schools in the UK in our detailed national rankings guide.

For many parents in Essex, securing a place at one of the county’s selective secondary schools is a major priority. Essex grammar schools are among the most academically successful in England, with excellent GCSE and A-Level results and strong progression to top universities. This guide explains the best grammar schools in Essex, how admissions work, and how to help your child succeed in the competitive 11+ process.

Choosing the right school for your child is a pivotal decision, and for parents in Kent, the selection of grammar schools offers a pathway to exceptional education. Each year, thousands of pupils sit the Kent Test (11+), competing for places at schools known for academic excellence, outstanding university progression, and strong extracurricular programmes.

This guide explores the best grammar schools in Kent, how admissions work, and what parents should consider when choosing the right school for their child.

Francis Holland Schools comprise two sister schools: the first in Regent’s Park, founded in 1878, and the second in Sloane Square, founded in 1881. These schools aim to provide an outstanding education for girls and have a long-standing reputation for their exceptional pastoral care. With a strong focus on creativity, innovation and enterprise, Francis Holland Schools combine first-class facilities with a rigorous academic programme. At the same time, they foster a kind, vibrant and happy environment in which to learn.  

Francis Holland Sloane Square aims to inspire its girls to become the leaders, thinkers and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. Alongside its academic prowess, the school has an exceptional reputation in Sport and the Arts. It is this holistic approach to girls’ education that earns Francis Holland Sloane Square its exemplary standing among independent schools. The school community has been described as friendly and supportive, with teachers going above and beyond to help pupils take advantage of the vast range of opportunities available, both within the school and its wider central London home.  

Francis Holland Schools comprise two sister schools: the first in Regent’s Park, founded in 1878, and the second in Sloane Square, founded in 1881. These schools aim to provide an outstanding education for girls and have a long-standing reputation for their exceptional pastoral care. With a strong focus on creativity, innovation and enterprise, Francis Holland Schools combine first-class facilities with a rigorous academic programme. At the same time, they foster a kind, vibrant and happy environment in which to learn.  

Francis Holland Regent’s Park, the oldest of the two schools, emphasises the importance of providing an excellent, balanced education, citing compassion, knowledge and perseverance as key values in its community. In recent years, the school has benefitted from significant expansion to its infrastructure, including the new Helen McCrory Drama Studio, Art and Music Studios, and Classics Centre, which all opened in 2021. A new Sixth Form Centre was also unveiled in 2022, providing an ideal bridge between a secondary school and university experience. Enjoying a wonderful location near to Regent’s Park, the School benefits from the energy and charm these surroundings provide, making it a vibrant and inspirational place for girls to learn.

What is verbal reasoning?

Verbal reasoning tests a pupil’s ability to solve problems using a combination of letters and words. It assesses the extent of a child’s literacy, their vocabulary, and their critical and constructive thinking skills.

Latymer Upper is one of the leading co-ed day schools in the country. Founded in 1624, the Latymer Foundation celebrates its 400th anniversary in 2024. With a proud history of social inclusivity, Latymer Upper educates 1400 girls and boys from a diverse range of backgrounds, offering a rigorous and stimulating education. It prides itself on being a ‘learning school’, with a strong emphasis on innovation and combining the best of the traditional and the modern. 

Latymer Upper School has two points of entry: Year 7 and Sixth Form.

Cheltenham Ladies’ College has been educating girls for 170 years. Its GCSE and A Level results are consistently excellent and the College is regularly named the top boarding school for IB in the country. Cheltenham Ladies’ College emphasises a well-rounded education, where co-curricular pursuits and contribution to the school community are weighed equally with academic achievement. The College admits a mixture of boarders and day pupils and there are three points of entry: 11+, 13+ and 16+.