The Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium 11+ exam is set by GL Assessment and taken by children aiming for one of five selective schools in Trafford. As a parent, you’re the cornerstone of their preparation—providing structure, resources, and moral support. This guide walks you through every step, from understanding the exam format to fine-tuning exam technique and managing wellbeing, so your child can enter test day both confident and ready.
1. Understand the Trafford Consortium Exam Structure
- Provider: GL Assessment
- Papers: Two 1-hour tests, both multiple-choice
- Content (each paper):
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Mathematics
- Timing: No carry-over of unused time each section runs in strict 60-minute blocks
Consortium Schools:
- Altrincham Grammar School for Boys
- Altrincham Grammar School for Girls
- Sale Grammar School
- Stretford Grammar School
- Urmston Grammar School
- Loretto Grammar School
- St. Ambrose College
2. Key Dates & Registration
- Registration Opens: April (check each school’s website)
- Registration Closes: June
- Exam Date: Mid-September (e.g. 15 September 2025)
- Results Released: Mid-October
- Secondary Offers Day: Early March
Action: Mark these deadlines in your calendar now to avoid missing registration or appeals.
3. Gather Trafford-Specific Resources
| Resource Type | Details & Recommendations |
| GL Familiarisation Papers | Free PDF booklets from GL to get used to answer sheets and layout. |
| Official GL Practice Papers | Purchase printed GL “11+ Practice Papers”—each set mimics the real test. |
| Topic-Focus Workbooks | CGP & Bond GL-branded titles for Verbal/NVR/Maths drills. |
| Online Platforms | Atom Learning & Pass11+ for Trafford-specific question banks & timed mocks. |
| Mark Schemes | Use GL’s official answer guides to self-mark under exam conditions. |
Tip: Always practice with the exact question style and timing of the Trafford papers so there are no surprises on test day.
4. Create a Trafford-Focused Study Plan
| Phase | Focus |
| Weeks 1–2 | Diagnostic Mock: Full two-paper test under timed conditions; identify strengths/weaknesses. |
| Weeks 3–6 | Skill Building: Targeted drills in Verbal Reasoning (e.g. synonyms, coding), NVR (shape matrices), Maths (fractions/problem-solving). |
| Weeks 7–8 | Mixed Subject Sets: 60-min rotations of VR+NVR+Maths to build stamina and pacing. |
| Weeks 9–10 | Full Mocks & Error Analysis: Bi-weekly timed papers, then detailed review of mistakes. |
| Final Week | Light Revision & Confidence Boost: Short quizzes, positive reinforcement, routine fine-tuning. |
- Sessions: Aim for 4 × 45–60 min per week.
- Rotate Subjects: Keeps engagement high and mirrors the real test.
5. Master Verbal Reasoning
- Synonyms & Antonyms: Daily flashcards (20 new words/week).
- Letter Series & Codes: Practice shifting letters by fixed intervals.
- Embedded Words: Highlight hidden words within larger ones to speed recognition.
- Timed Speed Rounds: 10 questions in 5 minutes to build exam-pace fluency.
6. Conquer Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Shape Matrices: Break down patterns into attributes (shape, rotation, shading).
- Odd-One-Out: Teach elimination by comparing shared features.
- 3D Rotations: Use block models or apps to improve spatial awareness.
- Practice Sets: Timed 12–15 question drills, then discuss strategies for each style.
7. Excel in Mathematics
- Curriculum Alignment: Focus on KS2 content—number, geometry, data handling, measurement.
- Multi-Step Problems: Use the “STEP” method: Scan → Translate → Execute → Proof-read.
- Mental Maths Drills: Daily 10 minutes on times-tables, number bonds, quick division.
- Data & Geometry: Interpret real charts or use drawing tools to visualise shapes.
8. Build Exam Technique & Time Management
- Question Triage: Teach “easy first, hard later” scanning to secure quick marks.
- Section-Review Routine: Reserve 5 minutes at end of each paper for checking and completing blanks.
- Error Journal: Log every mistake (careless, conceptual, timing) and tailor mini-lessons to address them.
9. Support Mindset & Well-Being
- Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate effort (“You improved your VR speed by 20%!”) over raw scores.
- Balanced Routine: 8–10 hours sleep, healthy snacks, daily exercise.
- Stress-Busting: Teach simple breathing or visualization exercises before mocks.
- Parental Role: Guide and encourage—avoid doing questions for them; foster independence.
