11+ Exam Reading List
- Suratna Solutions
- Oct 28, 2025
- 3 min read
Wondering why some children breeze through the 11+ exam whilst others struggle?
The answer might surprise you, it’s not just about practice papers or tutoring.
A well-chosen 11+ exam reading list could be the game-changer that transforms your child’s performance in ways traditional revision cannot match.
Table of Contents
Why Does the 11+ Exam Reading List Matter?
An 11+ exam reading list isn’t just about keeping children occupied, it’s about building the exact skills the exam tests.
Research shows that regular reading improves vocabulary, comprehension, and verbal reasoning; key areas across English, verbal reasoning, and even maths (especially word problems).
Children who read widely also develop stronger inference skills, the ability to “read between the lines.” In fact, around 20% of comprehension questions in the 11+ exam require inference.
Moreover, regular reading builds mental stamina, helping children stay focused during long exam passages.
What Should Be on the 11+ Exam Reading List?
A strong 11+ reading list balances classic and modern literature to expand vocabulary and comprehension.
Classic Literature
Timeless classics provide rich vocabulary and complex structures:
The Secret Garden – Frances Hodgson Burnett
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – Lewis Carroll
Treasure Island – Robert Louis Stevenson
Modern Fiction
Engage reluctant readers with contemporary titles that challenge yet entertain:
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – J.K. Rowling
Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief – Rick Riordan
The Northern Lights – Philip Pullman
Historical & War Stories
Perfect for comprehension and context-building:
Carrie’s War – Nina Bawden
The Silver Sword – Ian Serraillier
War Horse – Michael Morpurgo
How Should Your Child Use the Reading List?
Simply giving your child books isn’t enough, structured reading works best.
Experts recommend:
30 minutes daily reading time
Mix of independent and shared reading
Discuss stories to test understanding and explore vocabulary
Encourage variety: fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and news articles — to help them handle different text types in the 11+ exam.
According to The Exam Coach
Exposing children to older literature (often out of copyright) is particularly beneficial, as such passages frequently appear in real exam papers.
Beyond Books: Maximising 11+ Preparation
Whilst a robust 11+ exam reading list builds strong foundations, reading alone isn’t enough.
Platforms such as Math & Reason | Affordable 11+ tutor UK and Mock Tests offer tailored 11+ tutoring and mock tests designed to complement reading-based learning.
Mock exams simulate real test conditions, allowing children to apply their vocabulary and comprehension skills under time pressure, bridging the gap between knowledge and exam performance.
Common Mistakes Parents Make
Even the most motivated families can fall into these traps:
Relying solely on practice books like Bond or CGP. These help, but cannot replace vocabulary growth from real reading.
Limiting reading to one genre. A child who reads only fantasy may struggle with poetry or non-fiction passages.
Success in the 11+ exam demands comfort with diverse text types — something only achieved through varied, regular reading.
Next Steps: Build a Winning 11+ Strategy
Explore genre-specific lists that align with their interests whilst developing 11+ competencies.
Combine regular reading with mock exams and expert tutoring to strengthen exam technique and confidence.
