10 plus (10+) entrance exams: key information and top tips

Thinking about applying for an independent school with 10 plus entry? This guide is here to help you understand the ins-and-outs of 10 plus admissions and what might be on your child’s entrance exam.

Key takeaways:

• 10+ exams are taken in Year 5 for Year 6 entry to independent schools

• The exams usually assess English, maths and reasoning

• Your child might be interviewed or asked for a reference in addition to the assessment

• 10+ exams can be less competitive than 11+ exams

• Atom Home can provide a comprehensive learning plan to help your child’s 10+ exam preparation!

What are 10+ exams?

10+ exams are a type of entrance exam used by independent schools. They are taken by children aged 10 applying for a place in Year 6, either at an independent prep school or as part of an early-entry start to senior school.

Not all prep or senior schools have a 10+ entry route. Make sure to check the entry requirements for your preferred school.

How do I register my child for 10+ exams?

The application process can vary from school to school. Before you register your child for the 10+ exam, it’s a good idea to visit the school with your child first. School visits and open days give you and your child an opportunity to meet the staff and see the school facilities. This is essential to help you assess whether the school is the right fit for your child.

Once you have decided to start your child’s application, you will need to register them with the school and pay a registration fee. Once you have completed registration, the school will send you more details about your child’s exam. You will usually have this information a few weeks before the assessment day.

Whitgift School, for example, has a 10+ entry point. Families looking to register their child for 10+ entry need to pay a registration fee first (£170 for UK students, or £250 for international students). As this fee is non-refundable, you must be sure you wish your child to take the exam before registration. After the fee is paid, you can continue with your application.

What subjects do 10+ exams test?

The structure, format and content of the 10+ exam varies between schools. Most schools list the subjects tested on their entrance exams on their websites.

However, most 10+ exams are broadly similar. They usually test English, maths and reasoning (verbal and/or non-verbal) with multiple-choice and open-ended questions.

English

The English paper might consist of:

• A creative writing task. This usually tests your child’s range of vocabulary as well as spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• A comprehension task. Your child will need to read a passage of text and answer questions to demonstrate they are able to process and understand the text.

Some schools might also test speaking and listening ability.

Maths

The maths paper is usually based on the Year 5 national curriculum. Questions assess a range of topics including:

• Number and place value
• Addition and subtraction
• Multiplication and division (including factors and prime numbers)
• Fractions, decimals and percentages
• Measurement (including perimeter, area and converting between different units of measurement)
• Geometry (including 2D and 3D shapes, and angles)
• Statistics (including line graphs and tables)

Reasoning

Reasoning (often involving verbal and/or non-verbal reasoning) is not taught on the national curriculum. Your child might be unfamiliar with these types of questions.

Non-verbal reasoning involves solving problems using shapes and diagrams. It tests skills such as logic and problem-solving, spatial awareness, and the ability to identify patterns and rules.

Verbal reasoning involves solving problems with written information. It tests skills such as reading fluency and comprehension, vocabulary knowledge, logic and problem-solving, and rule-spotting.

10+ exams don’t always involve reasoning, but they might involve either verbal or non-verbal reasoning (or in a selection of cases, a combination of both). These types of questions are normally multiple-choice.

When will my child take the 10+ exam?

The 10+ exam is taken in Year 5. Your child will be 9–10 years old at the time of the test. The exams usually take place either at the end of the autumn term (e.g. November or December) or early in the spring term (e.g. January). The exact date of the assessment depends on your target school.

What happens after the 10+ exam?

After the exam, your child might be asked to attend an interview at the school. There may also be further tests. Many schools also ask for a reference from your child’s current school, or a copy of their latest school report.

Before registering your child, it’s important to consider the full application process and what might suit your child best.

What are the benefits of taking the 10+ exam?

As most children take 11+ exams, the 10+ exam can be less competitive. It could mean that your child has a higher chance of gaining a place at their preferred school, although there is no guarantee of this.

Taking the 10+ exam also means your child will not have to sit the 11+ the following year, unless:

• You are looking to apply for a scholarship or a bursary
• Your child did not receive a 10+ offer, and you would like to try again for 11+ entry

Top tips for effective 10+ preparation

Bitesize learning

It’s important to build a good knowledge base before school entrance exams. Your child should have a good understanding of the content they’ve been taught at school before testing their knowledge with practice tests.

Using a ‘little and often’ approach when learning is key – our brains encode new information more effectively when dealing with smaller ‘chunks’ of information. For children aged 9–10, child psychologists recommend regular study sessions of around 20 minutes.

With Atom Home, you don’t need to worry about creating a study schedule. When you enter your target schools, you’ll get a bespoke learning plan tailored to your schools’ entrance exams. Know exactly what your child needs to do each week to confidently pass.

Read widely

Entrance exams test children’s ability to analyse and interpret written information. Regular reading is a great way to help your child build these skills.

Encourage them to read books from different genres and by a diverse range of authors. Increasing the variety of your child’s reading will help them understand different styles, tones and purposes. Meanwhile, reading a little every day will help widen their vocabulary, sharpen their analytical thinking, and enhance their imagination.

Looking for reading inspiration? Check out our Key Stage 2 reading list.

Hone curiosity

Selective schools are often looking for children who are interested in learning. You can help by supporting your child’s broader learning, their intellectual curiosity, and their passion for developing an understanding of the world.

Talk to your child about the world we live in and inspire an interest in current affairs with age-appropriate journalism. It’s also a good idea to make sure they’re benefitting from a rich variety of experiences, such as visiting libraries, museums and galleries.

Refine exam technique

When your child feels confident with their knowledge of the exam topics, they’ll be ready to put their knowledge to the test.

10+ mock tests can help your child develop problem-solving skills and refine exam technique. They’re also a great way to consolidate learning, while highlighting any knowledge gaps they might want to tackle before exam day.

When you set your target school on Atom Home, your child will get tailored mock tests for that school’s exam as part of their learning plan. Know what to expect on exam day.

We hope this short guide to the 10+ exam has answered your questions, and we wish your child the best of luck with their exam! Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us by emailing [email protected] with any remaining questions.