Most independent schools that don’t use either CEM Select or ISEB create their own entrance exams as part of their admissions process. The format of these exams will vary between schools and can change year-to-year. We have identified the core features of almost all the independent school entrance exams where these are written by the school. Our mock papers that will help prepare your child for whichever entrance exam they will be sitting.
To buy our realistic independent school mock papers, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Format of our Independent School 11 Plus Mock Exams
Each of our mock exams are split into 2 papers. The table below outlines what your child will be tested on in each paper:
| Paper 1 | English
Section A = Comprehension Section B = Creative Writing |
Section A = 15 Questions
Section B = Choice between 4 different tasks 1 hour total |
| Paper 2 | Maths | 30 Questions
1 hour 10 minutes total |
How Learning Street’s Mock Exams Reflect Independent School Exams
- Comprehension section: Almost all entrance exams will test your child’s understanding of a difficult passage. Our mock papers use classic texts to familiarise your child with difficult vocabulary and complex grammatical structures.
- Creative writing section: Almost all exams will include a creative writing task, with the ability to choose between different tasks. Our mocks include a wide variety of tasks that ask for: continuation of a passage, persuasive writing, short stories, or diary entries.
- Maths: Almost all entrance exams will test your child’s maths skills. Independent School exams use maths questions which are based on the Key Stage 2 Curriculum, up to and including Year 6. Like most independent schools, we have included more difficult questions that will challenge and stretch your child’s abilities towards the end of each paper.
- Written answer questions: All of our papers require written answers and will prepare your child to write their answers in correct English. This is important because, in the real exam, marks will be lost if incorrect spelling, grammar or punctuation is found. It will also prepare your child to show their working in the maths section, as independent schools will award marks for clear workings as well as the correct answer.
- Time-pressure: Our mock exams give your child under 3 minutes to answer each question (excluding the creative writing task). Given how difficult the questions can be, and that they require a written answer, your child will be pushed to answer all the questions in time, just as they will be in the exam itself. Our mock exams will help your child to get used to this pressure and help them to work at a fast enough pace whilst not compromising the accuracy of their work.
- Long duration: In total, our mock exams take 2 hour 10 minutes to complete. For the real exam, your child will be under a lot of stress for a similar length of time. It is important that your child is able to remain focused throughout the exam, and not tire out before the time is up. By doing our mock exams, they will be familiar with the exam conditions, and so less likely to become tired or lose focus on the day.
- Full invigilation notes and Instructions provided. These are invaluable as they will help you to provide a realistic experience at home.
- Full answers and mark scheme guidance. Detailed answers provided for all questions including creative writing together with advice on how different scores might relate to entry chances.
Independent School 11 Plus Mock Packs
Our mock packs are designed to give your child a realistic exam experience and are priced reasonably so that you can buy multiple mocks and give your child the best chance to succeed in the real exams. The mock packs include everything you need: all answers, invigilation notes and marking guidance.
Click on the links below to access our mock packs.
Independent School Mock 11 Plus Exam 1
Independent School Mock 11 Plus Exam 2
Independent School Mock 11 Plus Exam 3
