Waverley
Preparatory11+ and Grammar School Preparation in Wokingham
Preparing your child for the 11+ requires more than practising exam papers. At Waverley, we provide tailored preparation as part of our Prep School education, helping pupils develop the academic knowledge, reasoning skills, exam technique and confidence they need to approach selective secondary-school entrance examinations successfully.
Our average grammar school 11+ pass rate is 81% (2023-2026)
Waverley is an independent, co-educational prep school in Finchampstead, Wokingham, preparing pupils for a wide range of secondary schools, including grammar, selective independent and non-selective schools.
11+ Preparation at Waverley
Every child is different, so our approach to 11+ preparation is tailored to the individual. We monitor each pupil's academic progress and identify areas where additional support or challenge may be beneficial.
Preparation includes a strong grounding in English and Maths alongside verbal and non-verbal reasoning, problem-solving, comprehension, vocabulary and exam technique.
As pupils progress through the Prep School, we gradually build their familiarity with the types of questions and examination conditions they may encounter, helping them approach the 11+ with confidence rather than unnecessary pressure.
What does the 11+ exam involve?
Requirements vary between grammar schools and areas, but normally include:
- English
- Maths
- Verbal reasoning
- Non-verbal reasoning
- Comprehension
- Problem solving
- Vocabulary
- Written work and lateral thinking
- Timed examination technique - taught in our specialist Exam Prep classes
Entrance requirements vary between grammar schools and can change, so Waverley always ensures that pupils and parents are up to date with the current admissions information for the schools they are considering.
How Waverley Prepares Pupils for the 11+
Waverley offers an excellent preparation for prospective pupils looking to prepare for the 11+ grammar entrance exam. This includes 1-2-1 tailored assessments and ongoing monitoring of a child's academic results and performance. We also offer verbal and non-verbal reasoning lessons as well as exam preparation classes for those children who will taking the 11+ exam to improve their exam technique and familiarity with the 11+ papers.
Our 'Exam Prep' (Exam Technique) Classes include:
- Working under timed conditions
- Interpreting questions
- Checking answers
- Managing time during the exam and per question
- Becoming familiar with question formats
- Building confidence and resilience
Building Confidence for the 11+
Preparing for the 11+ is about more than developing academic knowledge and exam technique. We want our pupils to approach entrance examinations with confidence, resilience and a positive attitude towards challenge.
Our nurturing environment gives children the confidence to try, make mistakes, learn from them and keep going when something feels difficult. Teachers know each pupil as an individual and can provide the right level of support and encouragement, helping children recognise their strengths while working on areas where they need to develop.
As pupils become familiar with different question types and examination conditions, they learn how to manage their time, stay focused and remain calm under pressure. Just as importantly, they develop the self-belief and independence they need to approach new challenges positively.
We want children to see the 11+ as an opportunity to demonstrate what they can do, rather than something to fear. Our aim is to ensure that every pupil leaves Waverley with not only a strong academic foundation, but also the confidence, resilience and motivation to succeed at whichever secondary school is right for them.
Grammar Schools Our Pupils Prepare For
The majority of our pupils who choose to take the 11+ apply and pass for the following grammar schools:
- Reading Boys
- Kendrick School Reading (Girls)
- Slough Grammar
- Buckinghamshire Grammar
- Cheltenham Grammar
Why Choose a Prep School for 11+ Preparation
- Small classes: Waverley's average class size is around 21 and it has single-form entry.
- Gifted and Talented Break Out Classes: Top performing students are taught in separate break out groups away from the main class.
- Individual attention: Teachers can identify gaps and strengths early.
- A broad curriculum: We don't allow 11+ preparation to dominate the child's education.
- Collaborative learning approach: Preparing for the 11+ in a group or pairs, with students of a similar ability and aim makes 11+ preparation much more fun and productive.
- Confidence: Pupils are encouraged to challenge themselves without making the exam the sole measure of success.
- Multiple secondary school pathways: We don't focus solely on the 11+ but ensure that pupils are preparing and move on to the right secondary school for them. Our pupils move on to a range of grammar, selective independent and state secondary schools.
Find out more... Contact Waverley Admissions
