Differences Between Top London Independent School 11+ Exams

1. There is no single London independent school 11+ exam

Unlike some grammar school areas, London independent schools do not all use one shared 11+ paper. Each school, or group of schools, can choose its own assessment process.

For example, some schools use online tests, while others set their own written papers. Some schools are part of a consortium, and others have their own individual admissions process. This means parents need to look carefully at each school’s requirements rather than preparing for a generic “11+”.

A child applying to several London independent schools may therefore need to prepare for a mixture of English, Maths, reasoning, online assessments and interviews.
 

2. Some schools use online pre-tests

A number of highly selective schools use online assessments as an early stage of the process.
These tests may assess areas such as:

• English comprehension
• Maths
• Verbal reasoning
• Non-verbal reasoning
• Problem-solving
• Speed and accuracy

Online assessments can feel quite different from traditional written papers. Children need to be comfortable working on screen, managing their time carefully and moving on when they are unsure.

For some children, the challenge is not only the content of the test, but the pace and format. They may have strong academic knowledge, but still need practice with screen-based questions and timed decision-making.
 

3. Some schools set their own English and Maths papers

Other schools place more emphasis on traditional written English and Maths papers. These school-specific papers can vary in style, difficulty and timing.

In English, this may include comprehension, inference, vocabulary, analysis and creative writing.
In Maths, it may include problem-solving, multi-step reasoning and applying familiar concepts in unfamiliar contexts.

These exams are not simply about whether a child knows the Year 6 curriculum. They often test how well a child can think, adapt and work carefully under pressure.
 

4. English exams can vary a great deal

English is one of the areas where parents often notice the biggest differences between schools.

One school may focus heavily on comprehension. Another may place more weight on creative writing. Some may use shorter, more targeted questions, while others expect longer written answers with clear evidence from the text.

A strong 11+ English candidate usually needs to show that they can:

• Understand both obvious and hidden meaning
• Explain ideas clearly
• Use evidence from a passage
• Write accurately and fluently
• Adapt their writing style to the task
• Use ambitious vocabulary without sounding forced

The best preparation is not memorising impressive phrases. It is reading widely, discussing texts thoughtfully and learning how to express ideas with precision.
 

5. Maths exams are often about reasoning, not just calculation

Many parents are surprised by how much 11+ Maths relies on reasoning. Fast arithmetic is useful, but it is not enough on its own.

Top London independent schools often want to see whether a child can:

• Spot patterns
• Break down multi-step problems
• Apply knowledge flexibly
• Explain mathematical thinking
• Avoid careless errors
• Stay calm when a question looks unfamiliar

A child may know the method for fractions, percentages or ratio, but the real challenge is recognising
when and how to use that method.

This is why preparation should include problem-solving, not just repeated practice of standard question types.
 

6. Reasoning may or may not be included

Some schools include verbal and non-verbal reasoning, while others do not assess these areas separately.

Reasoning can include:

• Word relationships
• Codes
• Sequences
• Analogies
• Matrices
• Spatial awareness
• Logic puzzles

For schools using online pre-tests or reasoning-based assessments, these skills may form an important part of the first round.

For other schools, reasoning may be less visible, but the underlying skills still matter. A child who can think logically, spot patterns and remain flexible will be better prepared for unfamiliar questions across English and Maths too.
 

7. Interviews are not all the same

At many top London independent schools, the interview is an important part of the process.

However, interviews vary. Some are academic and may include problem-solving or discussion of a text. Others are more conversational and focus on interests, school life, hobbies, reading and how a child thinks.

Schools are not looking for a rehearsed performance. They want to see curiosity, confidence, teachability and the ability to engage in a thoughtful conversation.

Good interview preparation should help a child speak clearly and confidently, but still sound like themselves.
 

8. Some schools have multiple stages

Many selective schools use a staged process. A child may need to pass an online test before being invited to written papers, interview or further assessment.

This staged structure means preparation needs to be carefully timed. There is little point focusing only on creative writing if the first stage is an online reasoning test. Equally, a child who performs well online may still need strong written technique for the later rounds.

Parents should always check each school’s admissions page carefully, as exam formats and dates can change from year to year.
 

9. The style of preparation should depend on the school list

The most effective preparation starts with the school list. Once parents know which schools they are considering, it becomes much easier to plan. A child applying to schools with heavy written English requirements may need a different preparation route from a child applying mainly to schools with online adaptive testing.

A sensible preparation plan should consider:

• Which schools are on the list
• Whether exams are online, written or both
• Whether reasoning is tested
• Whether creative writing is required
• Whether there is an interview
• The order and timing of each stage
• The child’s current strengths and weaker areas

This avoids wasting time and helps preparation feel more focused, balanced and calm.
 

10. The key is flexibility

The strongest candidates are not those who have memorised the most answers. They are the children who can think flexibly.

They can read a new text and understand it.
They can approach a tricky Maths problem calmly.
They can write with control.
They can explain their ideas in an interview.
They can adapt when a question does not look exactly like the one they practised last week.

That is what many top London independent schools are really trying to assess.
 

Final thoughts

London independent school 11+ exams are competitive, but they are not all the same. Some focus on online reasoning, some on written English and Maths, and many use a combination of assessments and interviews.

For parents, the most important first step is to understand the exact format of each school’s process. From there, preparation can be much more targeted, balanced and calm.

A good 11+ plan should build core skills, exam technique and confidence — not just train a child for one type of paper.
 

Frequently Asked Questions