How Bond & Oxford University Press Prepare Your Child for SATs, 11+ and Selective School Entrance Exams
For more than 60 years, Bond has set the gold standard in exam preparation for children working towards the 11+, SATs and selective school entrance exams. Trusted by parents, teachers and tutors alike, Bond’s carefully designed resources help pupils to master core skills, build confidence and refine their exam technique. Structured, supportive and always age-appropriate, the series ensures that children not only practise rigorously but also understand the strategies behind exam success.
Alongside Bond’s extensive range, the Oxford School Dictionary and Thesaurus published by Oxford University Press (OUP) equip young learners with essential vocabulary, spelling and writing skills, providing the perfect language foundation as they transition from primary to secondary education. Together, these resources give children both the subject knowledge and the academic resilience to thrive in competitive environments.
Bond 11+ Assessment Papers – Core 11+ Practice
The Bond 11+ Assessment Papers are designed to build confidence and strengthen exam technique across all the core subjects tested in selective school exams. Available for English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-verbal Reasoning, each paper offers graded practice that reflects the structure of real exams, while pull-out answers allow children and parents to review progress together.
English Assessment Papers (ages 8–9) cover comprehension, spelling, grammar, punctuation and vocabulary, ensuring children gain the essential skills to read accurately, write clearly and use language with precision.
Maths Assessment Papers (ages 8–9) tackle multiplication and division, fractions, shapes, measurement and time, building both fluency and problem-solving ability.
Verbal Reasoning Assessment Papers (ages 8–9) cover sorting words, selecting words, anagrams, coded sequences and logic, strengthening reasoning and deduction skills.
Non-verbal Reasoning Assessment Papers (ages 8–9) focus on identifying shapes, missing shapes, rotating shapes, coded shapes and logic, sharpening spatial awareness and visual problem-solving.
By targeting weaker areas and reinforcing strengths, these papers provide the foundation for success and guide children towards steady improvement.
£7.99 each published by Oxford University Press
Bond 11+ 10-Minute Tests – Quick Exam Practice
Perfect for fitting into busy schedules, Bond 11+ 10-Minute Tests provide quick yet focused practice sessions that build stamina and reinforce exam technique. Each book includes a motivating progress chart, a central pull-out answer section, and a puzzle page to make revision enjoyable.
English 10-Minute Tests (ages 8–9) cover spelling and vocabulary, comprehension, grammar and sentence structure, helping pupils to read with understanding and write with accuracy.
Maths 10-Minute Tests (ages 8–9) cover shape and space, number, algebra and data handling, supporting both core arithmetic and higher-level reasoning.
Verbal Reasoning 10-Minute Tests (ages 8–9) focus on finding word relationships, identifying synonyms and antonyms, completing sequences and patterns, and developing logical deduction.
Non-verbal Reasoning 10-Minute Tests (ages 8–9) include finding the odd one out, identifying reflections, completing sequences and solving coded shapes, ensuring pupils can quickly spot and apply patterns.
These short bursts of study keep practice manageable and motivating, encouraging consistent learning without overwhelming children.
£7.99 each published by Oxford University Press
Bond 11+ Challenge Assessment Papers – Advanced 11+ Preparation
For children ready to stretch beyond the standard 11+ level, the Bond 11+ Challenge Assessment Papers offer rigorous practice designed to push ability and sharpen high-level reasoning. Covering English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-verbal Reasoning, these papers encourage confident learners to refine skills in preparation for competitive selective schools.
Each Challenge book contains both Focus tests and Mixed papers, so children can first consolidate individual topics before applying their knowledge under timed conditions. Fully explained answers and progress charts give parents clear insight into strengths and areas for development, while ensuring that children feel guided rather than overwhelmed.
By balancing academic stretch with reassurance, the Challenge series is ideal for pupils aiming to excel at the very top.
£7.99 each published by Oxford University Press
Bond Focus on Writing – Improve Writing Skills
Strong writing skills are essential not just for the 11+ but for long-term academic success. Bond Focus on Writing takes children step by step through the skills needed to produce effective and engaging written work. Covering both factual and fictional writing, the book is packed with practical techniques and exercises that support all ages and abilities.
The three steps to success are clear:
Understand the task – from choosing the question to adopting the right style.
Improve your writing – from generating creative ideas to developing language skills.
Boost the basics – mastering spelling, grammar and punctuation.
With expert tutor tips, pull-out practice papers and practical parent activities, this guide helps children to strengthen both creativity and technical accuracy, giving them the confidence to tackle the written element of exams with ease.
£8.99 published by Oxford University Press
Bond Focus on Comprehension – Master Reading Skills
Comprehension lies at the heart of success in English exams, and this book is designed to help children read actively, understand deeply and respond effectively. Covering all major comprehension question types, it includes strategies for recognising text types, finding clues, deducing meaning and comparing sources.
The structured approach includes:
Read and understand the text – encouraging active reading and analysis.
Understand the question – selecting and reorganising information, applying word knowledge and grammar, and giving personal opinions where appropriate.
Evaluate your work – checking speed, accuracy and completeness to avoid lost marks.
With clear exercises and parent tips, Bond Focus on Comprehension ensures children develop the skills to excel in 11+, SATs and entrance exam tasks.
£8.99 published by Oxford University Press
Bond Focus on Spatial Reasoning – Develop Logic & Problem-Solving Skills
Spatial Reasoning is a vital skill for the 11+ yet rarely taught in schools, making targeted practice essential. This book tackles every major question type, from manipulating 2D and 3D shapes to solving coded patterns, rotations and sequences.
Each section uses subheadings and prompts to encourage independent working, while Parent Tips offer guidance and fun activities to reinforce concepts at home. Answers and practice tests are included to support both self-assessment and parental involvement.
By breaking down this complex subject into manageable steps, Bond Focus on Spatial Reasoning helps children gain the confidence to master even the most challenging non-verbal problems.
£8.99 published by Oxford University Press
Oxford School Dictionary – Support Language and Spelling Skills
The latest edition of this bestselling dictionary provides up-to-date, comprehensive coverage of contemporary vocabulary alongside clear guidance on spelling and punctuation. With example sentences and fascinating word origins, it supports children aged 10+ as they transition smoothly from primary to secondary school.
£7.99 paperback / £12.99 hardback published by Oxford University Press
Oxford School Thesaurus – Strengthen Vocabulary for Writing
Essential for developing polished, precise writing, the Oxford School Thesaurus provides synonyms, antonyms and spelling support. Updated with contemporary terms in areas such as technology and climate change, it strengthens vocabulary and enhances expression for students aged 10+.
£7.99 paperback / £12.99 hardback published by Oxford University Press
Why Parents Trust Bond & OUP
Choosing the right exam preparation resources can feel daunting, but Bond provides parents with a proven, structured path to success. From early practice papers to advanced challenge assessments, and from focused guides on writing and comprehension to essential language tools with Oxford’s Dictionary and Thesaurus, these resources ensure children build the skills, strategies and resilience needed to achieve their best.
Bond remains an invaluable companion for families navigating the competitive world of SATs, 11+ and selective school entrance exams, giving children the confidence to thrive at every stage of their academic journey.ed
