Slough 11 Plus Exam

Introduction to the Slough Consortium 11 Plus

To be eligible to apply for a place at a Slough grammar school (Herschel Grammar School, Langley Grammar School, St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School and Upton Court Grammar School), your child will need to pass the Slough Consortium 11 Plus exam. Children born between 1st September 2015 and 31st August 2016 will take the Slough Consortium 11+ exam in September 2026 to be eligible to apply for a place for September 2027. The exact date has not yet been confirmed; the most recent exam took place on Saturday 20th September 2025.

The Consortium operates a shared 11 Plus testing process with the four schools using the same test papers and common eligibility criteria for selection. In October 2022, CEM Cambridge formally announced its decision to stop providing paper based exams from September 2023; therefore the Slough Consortium required a new exam provider from 2023. At that point, we immediately switched all students preparing for Slough to our GL Assessment syllabus; by making this decision before the new exam board was confirmed, we ensured that our Slough students received nearly 4 months of additional preparation for the GL-style of questions. On Tuesday 7th February 2023, it was announced that the Slough Consortium of Grammar Schools had contracted with GL Assessment for the 11+ examinations to be held in September 2023, 2024 and 2025. The tests identify the top 35% of the cohort as eligible for consideration for entry to grammar school and the eligibility mark is 111.

The Slough Consortium has its own contract with GL Assessment and there will be no sharing of 11+ scores with any other schools. Therefore, for example, a student applying to both Buckinghamshire and Slough will need to sit both exams.

 

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Our courses are led by qualified primary teachers and prepare pupils for all aspects of the Slough 11 Plus

Discover our 11 Plus courses
  • The lessons are very well organised and the communication is clear. The teachers are very nice and approachable. My son enjoyed his lessons at MRT and was happy to pass both Slough and Bucks 11+ tests![From Google Review. The location of the parent/child has been excluded as their full name is featured on Google]

    Year 6 parent, Location Confidential (2022)

  • I just wondered if you could pass on a huge thank you to the ladies who administered the test at RGS in High Wycombe. My daughter Millie was quite upset and nervous when she arrived and they were so welcoming and made her feel so comfortable. This was exactly the reason we decided to do a practice test and Millie came out feeling a lot more comfortable about the whole experience and that is really down to the two ladies that we met there. Many thanks again.

    Year 5 parent, Slough (2023)

  • Ayana did extremely well and passed both the Slough and Buckinghamshire exams ( with top scores ) She also attended the book club & thoroughly enjoyed it Thank you so much for the journey that started 3 years ago Highly recommend[From Google Review. The location of the parent/child has been excluded as their full name is featured on Google]

    Year 6 parent, Location Confidential (2022)

  • She was successful in her 11 plus exams. She scored 142 in the Bucks exam and 130 for the Slough Consortium. She is very relieved and settled in to enjoying year 6. She wanted me to pass on her thanks. I would like to thank you and your team for your hard work in preparing her for the exams and the support throughout the process. Special thanks to Sinead, she was very good for the kids.

    Year 5 parent, Slough (2018)

  • Dear Marie, she smashed her 11+ with 147 in Bucks and 125 in Berkshire. Thanks so much.

    Year 5 parent, Iver (2022)

  • Hi Marie He passed both the Reading and Slough exams.Thank you for your help and support!

    Year 5 parent, Bracknell (2022)

  • Hope you’re well.He has passed his exams with good marks. He’s got 143 at GL and 117 at Slough .We would like to say a huge thank- to all of you,and a special mention to his teacher Gulnaz for all the help and support  given to him.Good luck with all your future endeavours.

    Year 5 parent, High Wycombe (2022)

  • He scored 129 at Bucks and 113 at Slough 11+. He is very happy about his result and excited to apply for the same school as his brother (Royal Grammar school). Many thanks for your help and support in this learning journey,

    Year 5 parent, High Wycombe (2022)

The Sir John Madejski Scholarship

FAQs About the Slough 11 Plus

What does the Slough 11 Plus exam include?
  • The Slough 11 Plus exam consists of two papers, taken on the same day, each approximately 60 minutes in duration and testing English, mathematics, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
  • All questions on both papers are multiple choice and pupils indicate their answers on a separate answer sheet.
What does the Slough 11 Plus exam look like?

The provider of the Slough 11+ exam changed from CEM to GL Assessment in September 2023. Parent guides and familiarisation papers are available to download on the admissions pages of each of the Slough Consortium Grammar Schools.

How do I register my child for the Slough 11 Plus exam?
  • You need to register your child to take the Slough Consortium 11 Plus test.
  • Online registration for the 2026 exam (for September 2027 entry) is expected to open at the start of May 2026 and close in the middle of June 2026. We will update the exact dates here as soon as they are available.
  • The sole purpose of registration is to enable your son or daughter to sit the 11 Plus exam. The consortium will order one set of exam papers for them, therefore ensure that you complete the registration process once only.

What Is Required to Pass the Slough 11 Plus?

Verbal skills, i.e. English and Verbal Reasoning (approx. 50% of the mark)

  • Comprehension
  • Verbal reasoning (the production of words, relationships between words, letters and numbers)
  • Vocabulary
  • Spelling
  • Grammar
  • Punctuation

Numerical Reasoning (approx. 25% of the mark)

  • Basic skills (addition, multiplication, division and subtraction)
  • Mental maths development
  • Problem solving techniques
  • Extracting information from graphs and tables
  • Averages
  • Foundation algebra concepts
  • Fractions, decimals and percentages
  • Ratio and proportion
  • Area and volume
  • 2d and 3d shapes

Non-verbal Reasoning (approx. 25% of the mark)

  • Spatial awareness
  • Logical deduction skills
  • Mathematical concepts such as symmetry, rotation and reflection
  • Identifying relationships, similarities and differences between figures
  • Identifying sequences between shapes

About Our Slough 11+ Tuition Courses

Marie Redmond Tuition RucksackAt Marie Redmond Tuition, we believe that every child deserves expert tuition—taught by fully qualified, highly experienced primary teachers who specialise in the 11+ curriculum. The foundation of success isn’t just about a well-designed space—it’s about the depth of knowledge, the expertise, and the commitment of the educators guiding each child.

Whilst some tuition providers focus on aesthetics, we focus on results, excellence, and real teaching expertise. We never compromise, because we know parents wouldn’t want their child’s future in the hands of an unqualified teacher—sometimes a teenager still in school, hired simply for having five GCSEs and working for low pay. The 11+ is a pivotal milestone—one that requires carefully planned teaching, exceptional resources, and guidance from professionals who truly understand primary education.

Marie Redmond Tuition has always been obsessive about delivering the highest standard of tuition. We have seen many tuition providers come and go, including those with well-presented high street or shopping centre locations. But our longevity and success come from our relentless focus on quality, our exclusive Superbrain® resources, and our personalised support that gives every child the best chance to excel.

Small Classes

Our Slough 11+ tuition classes are deliberately kept small — less than half the size of most independent school lessons, with a maximum of 10 students. A group of 10 provides the ideal balance: small enough for close monitoring and individual attention, yet large enough for healthy discussion, collaboration and a positive group dynamic.

We avoid groups of 11 or more because, although larger numbers may boost capacity, they inevitably reduce a teacher’s ability to monitor each child closely and provide the individual support we consider essential. We won’t compromise on teaching quality just to fit more children into a room. Discover the proven benefits of small class sizes.

When your child enrols on our Slough 11 Plus tuition course, we will:

  • Ask them to complete an assessment to understand their current level of ability
  • Recommend key areas for improvement based on the assessment results
  • Provide you with a personalised Tuition Plan – detailing your child’s specific targets

Course Structure

Our Slough 11+ Term-time lessons last for 2 and a half hours and the course is divided into three terms, with around 11 lessons per term. If your child is unable to start at the beginning of a course, they are welcome to join later, subject to availability.

Teaching Methods

Marie Redmond, Director of EducationOur Slough 11 Plus Tuition Courses are expertly designed by Marie Redmond MEd and delivered by an outstanding team of fully qualified local primary teachers. By combining proven strategies with engaging teaching methods tailored to meet the latest 11 Plus requirements, we ensure every child feels confident, prepared, and fully supported throughout their journey.

Unlike approaches that focus solely on teaching students how to answer questions, we ensure a balanced and comprehensive approach. Our courses not only cover the full syllabus, ensuring students fully understand all areas of the Slough 11+ curriculum, but also thoroughly teach pupils the techniques required to tackle exam questions effectively. In addition, we go further-training them in essential exam techniques that empower them to excel under real exam conditions. By mastering both the content of the syllabus and the strategies for success, students build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed not just to succeed in the exam but to manage the pressures and challenges it presents.

Guided by evidence-based insights, we recognise that children learn best when actively engaged, intrinsically motivated, and supported by positive emotions and social interaction. This philosophy is shaped by Marie’s Masters Degree in Education, specialising in child psychology and literacy development, and it influences every aspect of our work.

By blending traditional teaching methods with premium resources and incorporating educational games and activities, we create lessons that are both effective and enjoyable. Mental preparation is a cornerstone of our philosophy, helping to build confidence and resilience, fostering academic success, and creating a deeply fulfilling learning experience.

Superbrain® Skills Videos – Reinforce Learning Anytime, Anywhere

Marie Redmond's Superbrain Skills VideosOur Slough 11+ Term-time students have access to video explanations of the key techniques taught in each lesson. These videos are designed to:

 Reinforce learning – Helping students revisit essential concepts covered in class.

 Provide step-by-step guidance – Breaking down techniques in a clear, structured way.

 Support independent review – Allowing students to study at their own pace, whenever they need.

Whether your child wants to refresh their understanding, master tricky techniques, or solidify their knowledge, these videos offer an invaluable resource to build confidence and success in their Slough 11+ preparation.

Assessments and Progress Reports

In addition to weekly spelling tests, our Slough 11+ term-time students undergo formal assessments twice per term—at half-term and at the end of the term—covering all topic areas. These assessments provide a valuable measure of progress over time, ensuring that we can track genuine improvements in attainment without being overly influenced by short-term fluctuations. Testing more frequently risks skewing results due to the occasional ‘off week,’ whereas our structured approach strikes the perfect balance between regular monitoring and meaningful insight.

Based on the initial assessment and your child's specific answers, we create a personalised tuition plan that sets individual targets for each subject area that is relevant to the Slough 11+ exam, including English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Every lesson is designed to develop these areas. We continuously monitor progress, allowing us to refine tuition plans to ensure they suit your child's needs and challenges.

Parents are always welcome to contact us at any stage during their child's Slough 11+ tuition course for feedback on their development. They can speak with their child's teacher after lessons or contact Marie directly by phone or email for further insight. As a smaller, truly independent provider, parents don’t discuss their child’s progress with a franchisee or a non‑teacher — they receive guidance from qualified teachers who understand their child’s needs. Our size allows us to offer truly tailored support and maintain a close, supportive relationship with families.

Homework Designed for Mastery and Confidence

At Marie Redmond Tuition, we believe in providing homework that is both meaningful and manageable. Our thoughtfully designed tasks reinforce the skills taught during each 11 Plus tuition lesson, ensuring pupils are fully prepared for success. Homework is set to be completed for the next lesson, where it is reviewed, giving students the opportunity to deepen their understanding and address any challenges.

Aaryan, past student of Marie Redmond TuitionWith many years of experience and a history of successful outcomes, we’ve refined our approach to homework, striking a balance that encourages consistent progress without overwhelming students or families. Our longer lessons, compared to shorter ones offered by many other tutors, allow students to grasp key concepts in class-reducing reliance on excessive amounts of homework whilst ensuring it remains a valuable part of their learning.

Too little homework can leave students underprepared, whilst too much can lead to homework resistance, stress, and disengagement. The vast majority of parents say that we provide just the right amount of homework-carefully calibrated to meet students’ needs and prepare them thoroughly for the 11 Plus exams. Each task is purposeful, ensuring pupils work hard and make consistent progress whilst minimising unnecessary stress. Our balanced approach ensures that homework remains a valuable, manageable, and productive part of each pupil’s learning journey.

Additionally, we encourage parents to support their children by exploring a wide range of fiction and non-fiction books. This helps build the critical comprehension and vocabulary skills essential for 11 Plus success.

 

Marie Redmond Tuition 'Bag of Knowledge®'

Resource Pack for Marie Redmond Tuition 11 Plus Courses in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and London

During your child's first term-time course lesson, they will receive a Bag of Knowledge®, carefully curated to support their learning journey. This exclusive collection includes Marie Redmond's Superbrain® resources and a selection of books from leading publishers, ensuring they have everything they need to excel. As the course progresses, students are given additional books at the appropriate stages to support their learning throughout the year.

Each student receives their materials in a premium Marie Redmond Tuition® rucksack, designed to reflect the exceptional quality of our tuition and resources. Inside, they'll find an electronic thesaurus, a tin of Marie Redmond's Superbrain® vocabulary flashcards and a dry erase whiteboard.

Students also receive notebooks dedicated to spellings, vocabulary and maths, as well as a plain notebook for additional notes. Completing the set is a pencil case stocked with essential stationery including HB pencils, an eraser, sharpener and a dry erase pen.

Included in the Bag of Knowledge® is a high‑quality plastic‑free insulated water bottle, complete with a fun vocabulary feature on the back, because we believe learning should be both effective and enjoyable. Research on UK primary school pupils shows that even mild dehydration can affect concentration and cognitive performance, so we always encourage them to attend with a full water bottle.

Best of all, the cost of the Bag of Knowledge® and all resources for the course is fully covered within the Buckinghamshire monthly course fees.

 

Marie Redmond's Superbrain®

Marie Redmond's Superbrain® 11+ Flashcards packagingStudents attending our Year 5 11+ Easter and 11+ summer holiday courses receive a Superbrain® English and verbal reasoning holiday course book for each week they attend, further reinforcing their skills. Plus, all term-time students receive Marie Redmond's Superbrain® 11 Plus Flash Cards upon joining—an interactive resource designed to supercharge their vocabulary and accelerate exam preparation.

Explore our full Superbrain® collection and discover how these exclusive resources support students on their journey to 11+ success.

Marie Redmond's Superbrain® Year 5 Verbal Reasoning and Maths Books

The Marie Redmond Tuition® Book Club

Marie Redmond Tuition Book ClubSharing our enjoyment of books is a fantastic way to encourage reading and therefore develop vocabulary and comprehension at home. The Marie Redmond Tuition® Book Club is an excellent platform for discussions about books, opportunities for creativity and promoting reading for pleasure. Discover our book of the month.

Creative Thinking Course

11+ Creative Thinking Course logo for Reading School

The virtual Creative Thinking Course is particularly useful for boys preparing for the latest format of the Reading School 11+ exam but is open to all our term-time students.

Students attend one creative thinking lesson per week on Zoom, which lasts for 45 minutes. Students are taught to use innovation and problem solving. They will become adept at approaching situations in different ways, using diverse strategies.

Every lesson includes a fun thinking skills warm-up activity followed by the main focus of the lesson. Strategies like group discussions, questioning, mind mapping, and thinking 'outside the box' are employed to encourage creative learning approaches. Students learn various writing techniques and how to draft, review, and edit their work.

Homework is assigned weekly to consolidate the skills taught during the lesson. Homework is submitted via email, and the creative thinking teacher annotates the text and writes a short report. General points about the texts are reviewed at the start of the next lesson.

Course Details:

  • One lesson per week on Zoom, lasting 45 minutes
  • Fee, including books: £25 per lesson

For further information, including fees, term dates and FAQ's, please visit our Creative Thinking Course page.

11+ Mock Exams with Marie Redmond 11+ Intelligent Video Learning®

11 Plus Mock ExamsGet exam ready with Marie Redmond Tuition® Slough 11 Plus Mock Exams.

Students who sat our 11 Plus mock exams in 2025 said they were very similar to the actual test, which made them feel prepared and confident when sitting the exam.

 

Slough 11 Plus Tuition Fees

We offer a straightforward monthly payment plan for our Slough 11+ tuition courses, which you can see on our Berkshire 11+ course fees page. Many parents take advantage of the government's Tax-Free Childcare scheme to save 20% on their fees.

Our Slough 11 Plus Tuition Courses prepare pupils for all aspects of the 11 Plus exam

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