11+ Provision
Our 11+ Provision: Success Through Foundational Excellence
With our recent 100% pass rate, 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 with us.
- We don’t ‘cram’ for the exam; we build the skill set for life.
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 Cricklade Manor Prep, 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.
As an independent prep school without a senior department, we are uniquely placed to fully focus on helping families choose the right senior school for their child. At the same time, pupils still benefit from the sorts of facilities you might expect from an all-through school on our expansive 8-acre site. From our science labs, thriving art department and Lego robotics studio, to our sports fields, full-sized sports hall and Forest School. We are small enough to know every child, but big enough to achieve exceptional results.
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 (2024/2025), 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 Cricklade Manor Prep.
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. 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.
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. This individual approach was recognised in our recent ISI inspection as a ‘Significant Strength’ – something only a handful of schools across the country receive.
- 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 Cricklade Manor Prep 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.
Small enough to know every child, but big enough to achieve exceptional results, our individual attention leads to outstanding outcomes.
Click the button below to register your interest. Our friendly admissions team will then be in touch to arrange a visit at a time that suits you. During your visit, you’ll receive a personal tour of our fantastic facilities, see learning in action, and meet with our Head, Guy Barrett. You’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have, and you’ll get a feel for life and learning at Cricklade Manor Prep. We can’t wait to welcome you.
