11+ Provision
Our 11+ Provision: Success Through Foundational Excellence
One of the most common questions we receive is: “When does Cricklade Manor Prep begin preparing children for the 11+ and selective entrance exams?”
Our answer is two-fold:
- From the day they start in Reception.
- We don’t ‘cram’ for the exam; we build the skill set for life.

Don’t wait to secure your child’s future. Book a personal tour today to see our specialist provision in action!
Our 11+ Philosophy: Skills Over Stress
The 11+ and other selective entrance exams are designed to identify children who possess strong core abilities in English, Mathematics, critical thinking, and problem-solving. At CMP, we firmly believe it is our duty to ensure every child has the comprehensive intellectual toolkit they need to thrive at the next stage of their educational journey, whether that is a selective grammar school or a top independent school.
We do not teach to the test. Instead, our robust Prep School curriculum, delivered by subject specialist teachers from an early age, is engineered to cultivate the precise skills that underpin success in these assessments.
Outstanding Results: A Track Record of Success
Our approach is proven. We are incredibly proud of our pupils’ achievements in gaining places at their chosen schools.
- 100% Pass Rate: In the last academic year, every one of our R18 leavers who sat the 11+ assessment achieved a successful pass. This result is a testament to the strong foundations, specialist teaching, and confident academic environment provided at CMP.

How We Build 11+ Success
Preparation for the 11+ is woven into the very fabric of our teaching, ensuring it is a natural extension of academic excellence, not an added stressor.
1. Foundational Excellence
- Core Literacy & Numeracy: From Reception onwards, we focus on helping every pupil achieve rapid progress in their fundamental reading comprehension, vocabulary expansion, and core mathematical fluency.
- Small Class Sizes: Our low staff-to-child ratio ensures highly individualised teaching, allowing staff to swiftly identify and address gaps while continuously stretching the most able students.
2. Targeted Skill Enhancement
- Cricklade Pupil Development (CPD): Our comprehensive CPD framework is specifically aimed at enhancing students’ higher-level thinking and soft skills, ensuring they approach challenges with confidence and the resilience necessary for success in selective school environments.
- 11+ Sessions: We offer targeted, optional 11+ preparation sessions as an extension of the curriculum. These sessions provide dedicated time to practice specific Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning techniques and apply core skills in a focused, low-pressure setting.
3. Bespoke Guidance and Support
- Assessment and Tracking: We continuously assess pupil progress to identify the right next step for each child. This ensures their preparation is targeted and efficient.
- Next Steps Counselling: From Year 4, we work closely with families to discuss senior school destinations. Our experienced team provides specific guidance on school choices, exam formats, and managing the application process, ensuring the smoothest possible transition.
The Cricklade Manor Prep Difference
Choosing CMP means choosing a school that prioritises deep, confident learning over superficial memorisation, giving your child the best possible foundation for wherever they choose to go at 11+.


