11 Plus Recommended Reading List

Key points to consider when choosing reading material for 11 Plus preparation:

• Variety of genres:Include fiction, non-fiction, and poetry to expose your child to different writing styles. 
• Challenging vocabulary:Select books with a rich vocabulary to enhance word recognition and understanding. 
• Complex plot structures:Look for books with intricate storylines and character development to improve critical thinking skills. 
• Age-appropriate:Ensure the reading level aligns with your child’s current abilities and it’s something they enjoy. If they enjoy what they’re reading, they’ll be more enthusiastic and interested, making it a lot easier for them to improve at reading.  

Below, we’ve complied a list of recommended books for your child to read when preparing for the 11 Plus. This list is by no means exhaustive. However, these are our a good place to start.

• The works of Enid Blyton
• Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan
• Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling
• A Series of Unfortunate Events series – Lemony Snicket
• The Borrowers series – Mary Norton
• The Lost World – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
• Swallows and Amazons – Arthur Ransome
• The Railway Children – E. Nesbit
• Robinson Crusoe – Daniel Defoe
• Lord of the Flies – William Golding
• The Hobbit – J.R.R Tolkien
• The Spiderwick chronicles – Holly Black
• Stormbreaker – Anthony Horowitz
• The works of Michael Morpurgo
• The adventures of Huckleberry Finn – Mark Twain
• The Secret Garden – Frances Hodgson
• Charlotte’s Web – E.B. White
• Goodnight Mr Tom – Michelle Magorian
• The Cadwaladr Quests – S.L. Ager
• The Boy at the Back of the Class – Onjali Q Rauf
• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe – C.S. Lewis
• Tom’s Midnight Garden – Philippa Pearce
• The Emergency Zoo – Miriam Halahmy
• Five Children and It – Edith Nesbit
• Northern Lights – Phillip Pullman
• Stig of the Dump – Clive King
• White Fang – Jack London
• The London Eye Mystery – Siobhan Dowd

 
 
 
 
  
 
 
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 Anna Harvey 
 
 
 
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I have twin daughters, both had different strengths and weaknesses, Teach Wessex provided individual tailored learning for each of them. The mock exams gave them the experience and skills to master and manage their time and exam techniques. The staff are friendly and nurturing always taking time to explain and answer any questions we had as parents. The feedback from mock tests were detailed and informative allowing each of them to work on the subjects that required extra attention. Both were successful and I have no doubt that this is due to staff and their programme. Many thanks 🙏
  
 
  
 
 
 
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⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Absolutely Amazing – We Cannot Thank Teach Wessex Enough!

I honestly cannot recommend Teach Wessex and Sapphire highly enough!

After having a really disappointing experience with a previous private tutor, we were left questioning whether we should even continue with Aurora’s 11+ journey. Thankfully, we discovered Teach Wessex and the wonderful Sapphire, and it was the best decision we could have made!

From the very beginning, Aurora absolutely loved attending her weekly lessons. The transformation in not only her confidence but also her attitude towards learning was incredible to see. What had previously become a stressful experience turned into something she genuinely looked forward to each week.

Sapphire is everything you could wish for in a tutor – kind, caring, encouraging and with the patience of a saint! She has an amazing ability to bring out the very best in children, helping them believe in themselves and achieve things they may not have thought possible.

We are absolutely over the moon that Aurora has passed her 11+! 🎉❤️

We genuinely believe that without Sapphire’s dedication, guidance and unwavering support, Aurora wouldn’t have achieved this fantastic result.

But more importantly, Sapphire has given Aurora something that goes far beyond passing an exam – confidence in herself and her abilities.

Thank you, Sapphire and Teach Wessex, from the bottom of our hearts. We will forever be grateful for everything you have done for Aurora.

If you’re considering 11+ tuition for your child, I honestly wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Teach Wessex. You won’t regret it! ❤️
  
 
  
 
 
 
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We’ve had a fantastic experience with Teach Wessex. My son has been receiving support with English and preparation for his 11+ exams, and his teacher, Sapphire, has been brilliant. She provides clear, helpful feedback, and Katie is always super quick to respond to any questions. We really appreciate the support from both of them and their excellent communication. I would highly recommend Teach Wessex, especially Sapphire and Katie!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Lizzie Richardson 
 
 
 
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My daughter was tutored for the 11+ for a year and a half with Teach Wessex, and we couldn’t have been happier with the support she received.

She thoroughly enjoyed her weekly sessions and made excellent, steady progress throughout her time with Katie and Phil. We also attended the mock tests, which were a fantastic experience and gave her valuable insight into what to expect in real exam conditions. The detailed feedback we received after each mock was incredibly helpful and gave us a clear understanding of her progress and areas to work on.

We felt she was fully prepared and confident going into the 11+, thanks to the knowledge, expertise and encouragement she received.

Many thanks to Katie and Phil for all their help and support over the past year and a half — we would highly recommend Teach Wessex to any family preparing for the 11+.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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My son really enjoyed working with his tutor - and we saw his confidence grow throughout. They were also happy to shape the sessions around him and pick the best areas to focus on.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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Teach Wessex have been fantastic in preparing my daughter (and myself) for the 11+ exams. Angela the tutor was great, really patient and thorough. Katie has been incredibly informative and supportive.
The mock exams, in exam conditions were excellent and the results and feedback received were quick and excellent.
Thank you 😊
  
 
  
 
 
 
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Thank you for helping simplify Maths and English for my daughter. The tutoring has really helped her confidence. It was worth every penny and I'm so thankful for the support and encouragement my daughter received whilst being tutored.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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Phil and Katie have taught our kids over the years - Grammar prep.
110% Recommended.
They are a family business - who care.
Phil and Katie are lovely people.
Our Kids love them and respect them. Our Kids improved so much with Phil's teaching. Their confidence grew because they connected with Phil and his teaching.
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Very good at tuition and very good with kids.
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Our son was delighted to accept his first choice school and I have no doubt that Teach Wessex played an enormous part in his success. We will be returning when it’s time for our daughter to do the same. Thank you, Phil and Katie.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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Phil and Katie have been amazing and this is the place to let your child prepare for grammar school entrance exam-look for no other tuition as we cannot thank them enough for guiding and mentoring our son who passed two different grammar school entrance exams and get entry into grammar school (HGS and NHGS-Yorkshire).
I cannot praise enough their professionalism blended with dedication and sincerity in helping our son. Thank you again and good luck to your future students!