Best Books for 11 Plus Exams 2025: The Ultimate Guide for Parents

If your child is preparing for the 11+ exam in 2025, choosing the right study resources is one of the most important steps you can take. With so many publishers offering test papers, vocabulary builders, and practice guides, parents often ask: Which are the best 11 plus practice books?

This guide brings together the 11 plus recommended reading list for 2025, including the best vocabulary books for 11 plus, practice papers, and short timed tests to help your child succeed.

Bond 11+: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-verbal Reasoning: Assessment Papers: 8-9 years Bundle

Why Choosing the Right 11 Plus Books Matters

The 11+ is designed to test not only knowledge in English and Maths, but also skills in Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. A balanced mix of resources helps your child:

Build subject knowledge step by step
Expand their vocabulary and comprehension
Practise exam-style questions under time pressure
Develop confidence with the test format

11 Plus Recommended Reading List for 2025

1. Bond 11+ Assessment Practice Papers (10–11+ Years)

Bond 11+: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-verbal Reasoning: Assessment Papers: 8-9 years Bundle

Covers English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning
Full-length exam-style papers
Ideal for timed practice in the months before the exam

2. Bond 11+ 10-Minute Tests (9–10 Years)

Bond 11+ 10 Minute Tests Bundle for Age 10-11+ | For 2026 GL Assessment & other 11 plus entrance exams | English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-verbal Reasoning

Bite-sized practice for busy schedules
Builds speed and exam stamina
Perfect for daily study routines

3. CGP 11+ Practice Books

11+ GL Ultimate 12-pack Practice Paper Bundle with 48 Test Papers - for Ages 10-11

Clear explanations with colourful layouts
Strong for English and Maths revision
Slightly easier than Bond, making them ideal for earlier preparation

4. Schofield & Sims Maths and English

11+ English, Maths, Non-verbal Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning: Rapid Tests Bundle for GL and Other Test Providers: Year 5, Ages 9-10

Great for reinforcing subject knowledge
Progressive and skills-focused
Works well alongside Bond or CGP test papers

5. Best Vocabulary Books for 11 Plus

Wordpower may easy by Norman

Word Power Made Easy: The Complete Handbook for Building a Superior Vocabulary

CGP 11+ Vocabulary Flashcards

11+ Vocabulary Flashcards for Ages 10-11 - Pack 1: for GL and all other test providers (CGP 11+ Ages 10-11)

First Past the Post Vocabulary Practice

Strong vocabulary is essential for English comprehension and Verbal Reasoning, and these resources are widely praised by parents and tutors.

Best Books for 11 Plus Exams 2025: Quick Comparison

Book / Series	Strengths	Weaknesses	Best For
Bond 11+ Test Papers 📘	Closely mirrors real exam difficulty, covers all subjects (English, Maths, Verbal, Non-Verbal)	Limited explanations, requires review support	Final exam practice & realistic mocks
Bond 11+ 10-Minute Tests 📘	Short, focused practice; builds speed & exam stamina	Less in-depth teaching	Daily practice & time management
CGP 11+ Practice Books 📘	Clear explanations, colourful, confidence-building	Slightly easier than real exams	Learning concepts & early prep
Schofield & Sims	Strong for core Maths & English skills, progressive	Not full exam-style papers	Reinforcing subject knowledge
Best Vocabulary Books for 11 Plus	Expands word bank, boosts Verbal Reasoning scores	Needs regular use for results	Building strong vocabulary

👉 How to use this table:

Start with CGP or Schofield & Sims to build understanding.
Add Bond 10-Minute Tests for speed and confidence.
Finish with Bond full test papers for realistic exam conditions.
Supplement with a dedicated vocabulary resource.

FAQs About 11 Plus Books

❓ Is Bond harder than CGP?

Yes, Bond 11+ test papers are widely regarded as closer to real exam difficulty, especially at the higher levels. CGP books are often seen as more accessible and confidence-boosting, making them a great starting point. Many parents use CGP first, then Bond later.

❓ Which 11 plus books are best for GL exams?

Bond and CGP both cover GL Assessment style questions.
First Past the Post also produces GL-specific practice.
Focus on Maths, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning papers.

❓ Which books are best for CEM exams?

CEM (used in some regions) places more emphasis on comprehension, vocabulary, and problem-solving. Parents recommend:

Bond 11+ test papers (for speed and variety)
Vocabulary builders (Word Power Made Easy, CGP Flashcards)
First Past the Post CEM-style papers

❓ What’s the best vocabulary book for 11 plus?

For most families, the top picks are:

Word Power Made Easy (classic vocabulary builder)

Word Power Made Easy: The Complete Handbook for Building a Superior Vocabulary

CGP Vocabulary Flashcards (fun and interactive)

11+ Vocabulary Flashcards for Ages 10-11 - Pack 1: for GL and all other test providers (CGP 11+ Ages 10-11)

First Past the Post Vocabulary Practice (exam-style words)

❓ How far in advance should we start using 11 plus books?

Most parents start light preparation in Year 4 or Year 5 using CGP and Schofield & Sims, then move into Bond test papers and 10-minute tests in the 12 months leading up to the exam.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to the best 11 plus practice books in 2025, no single resource does it all. That’s why experts recommend a blended approach.

Bond = Exam realism and stamina
CGP = Learning and confidence
Schofield & Sims = Strong subject foundations
Vocabulary books = Crucial for English & Verbal Reasoning success

✅ Build your own 11 plus recommended reading list from these trusted options, and your child will head into the 11+ exam with both confidence and skill.