Preparing your child for the 11+ entrance exam is a journey that many parents find both exciting and daunting. It’s a critical time in their education and in your role as their guide. One of the best ways to support them? Equipping yourself with the right knowledge.
Whether you’re looking to understand the format, tackle tricky topics, or simply build a productive study routine, here’s a curated list of the best 11+ exam books every parent should read. These resources will empower you to support your child with confidence, just as our expert Dukes tutors do every day.
11+ Essentials English Mini Comprehensions: Inference
By: Eleven Plus Exams
Inference is a crucial skill in the English paper, but often one of the most misunderstood. This book isolates that concept by offering 50 mini comprehension passages and 300 questions that help children learn to “read between the lines” effectively.
A great companion to traditional comprehension texts, this book is highly recommended for parents who want to pinpoint and strengthen one of the most tested skills in the 11+.
11+ Maths Revision Guide
By: Louise Martine
This revision guide is ideal for parents wanting to brush up on the mathematical knowledge their child will need. Covering all the key 11+ topics (including worded problems, fractions, and logic puzzles), it offers clear explanations, step-by-step methods, and bite-sized tests.
Whether you’re supporting homework or helping build confidence, this book is practical, approachable, and incredibly helpful.
The 11+ Vocabulary Word Search Extravaganza
By: The Armadillo’s Pillow Ltd
Vocabulary can be the make-or-break factor in verbal reasoning success. This playful yet purposeful word search book blends fun with learning, making it easier for children to absorb synonyms, antonyms, and definitions.
It’s particularly useful for students who prefer more active, game-like learning and for parents looking to bring some joy into revision time.
Recommended Fiction Books for Comprehension and Critical Thinking
Regular reading builds vocabulary, comprehension, and confidence. Here are some powerful stories, both classic and modern, that we recommend to help your child (and you!) explore language, emotion and deeper themes often encountered in the 11+:
- Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White – A heartwarming story that opens up discussions around friendship, loyalty and empathy.
- The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd – A gripping modern tale perfect for reasoning and deduction.
- Goodnight Mister Tom by Michelle Magorian – Introduces themes of history, personal growth and resilience.
- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis – Encourages imagination while exploring conflict and morality.
- Animal Farm by George Orwell – For advanced readers, this allegorical novel offers valuable vocabulary and analytical challenge.
- Letters from the Lighthouse by Emma Carroll – Historical fiction rich in emotion, ideal for comprehension development.
Encourage your child to read a broad mix, ranging from fiction, non-fiction, poetry and newspapers, while keeping the content age-appropriate and challenging.
How Should You Use These Books?
At Dukes Tutoring, we believe preparation should be both structured and personalised. Here’s how to get the most from the books above:
- Start with the Parent Guide – Build your understanding before planning your child’s schedule.
- Mix formats – Combine exam-style questions with engaging fiction to keep learning dynamic.
- Use real-time support – If you’re unsure how to teach a concept, consider booking a few sessions with one of our expert 11+ tutors. They’re trained in making challenging topics click.
- Make it collaborative – Read alongside your child, ask questions and encourage conversation. This builds their confidence, and yours.
Need More Support?
Every child’s path to the 11+ is unique. If you’re unsure where to begin or which materials suit your child’s needs, we’re here to guide you.
Our highly experienced 11+ tutors will:
- Tailor lessons to your child’s learning style
- Recommend specific resources based on your child’s strengths and challenges
- Offer structured revision plans and practice tests
- Support both you and your child through every stage of the journey
Call us on 020 3488 0754 for free advice and to find out how online tutoring could benefit you.
