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What is the 10+ exam and how can my child prepare using Atom Home?

This article provides information about 10+ exams and how your child can use Atom to support their preparation.

When will my child sit their 10+ exam?

10+ exams are taken by children applying for a place in Year 6 at an independent school.

The exam is normally taken midway through Year 5, around January. Children are 9 or 10 years old, preparing for entry the next September.

The 10+ is a non-standard entry point. It is only used when children apply for an occasional place in Year 6.

What will my child be tested on?

The 10+ exam tests:

  • English
  • Maths

  • They may also include a Reasoning paper containing verbal and non-verbal reasoning.

In 10+ exams, you usually find a mix of multiple-choice and open-ended questions. The assessment process can also include interviews and group activities.

There is no standardised 10+ exam so the process and content varies from school to school.

For details about a specific 10+ exam, check your target school’s website. You can also talk to their Admissions Team.

English

    The 10+ English exam is normally split into a comprehension paper and a writing paper.

      • Reading comprehension: 

        Your child will be tested on vocabulary, inference skills, and telling facts from opinions. Their ability to read, understand and interpret age-appropriate texts will also be tested.

      • Writing paper:
        Marks are usually awarded for:
        • Creative and interesting vocabulary
        • Good structure
        • Spelling
        • Handwriting
        • Logical flow
      • Spelling, punctuation and grammar:
        Your child should know their spelling list for Years 4 and 5. They should be able to use accurate punctuation, clauses and paragraphs.
      • The fluency of your child’s reading, oral and listening skills may also be tested.

      Maths

      Maths questions will be based on the full Year 5 syllabus. The Year 5 maths curriculum covers:

      Screenshot 2025-11-06 at 16.21.39

      Your child will also be tested on these key skills:

      • Problem-solving abilities

      • Arithmetic skills

      • Their knowledge of times tables

      Reasoning

      If a 10+ exam does incorporate reasoning, your child might see both verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning questions:

      • Verbal reasoning: Reasoning and solving problems with written information. 

        This will test your child's logical thinking and their use of English and vocabulary.

      • Non-verbal reasoning:  Solving problems using visual information. This includes shapes, diagrams, and pictures. This measures your child's ability to understand, interpret, and solve problems. It tests logic and intelligence instead of just knowledge.

      What happens after the 10+ exam?

      Prep schools usually take lots of factors into consideration when offering places, so there might be other tasks or activities to complete. This could include:

      • An interview: usually a one-on-one informal chat with a member of staff. Your child might be asked questions about their interests and hobbies, both inside and outside of school.
      • A short English and maths assessment

      Most schools also request a copy of a child’s latest school report, and/or a reference from their current headteacher.

      How can my child use Atom Home to prepare for the 10+?

      Recommended Weekly Routine

      • Use the subject courses in your child’s learning plan 4–5 times per week for 20–25 minutes. This helps consolidate the tested curriculum, while Atom’s adaptive algorithm builds confidence with each question type.

      • Encourage your child to use the Learn tool in each learning island to deepen understanding.

      • Review progress weekly using the Track page. Identify skills that need more work and set 2–3 extra practices per week, each focused on one skill and around 15 questions.

      Mock Test Practice

      • Complete a 10+ mock test twice a month. They are available on Atom in English, maths, VR, and NVR.

      • Increase this to 1–2 mock tests per week in the final 6–8 weeks before the exam.

      • Review mock test transcripts carefully to identify gaps in skills or exam technique.

      Top Tips

      • Encourage your child to read a wide range of fiction and non-fiction. Atom’s Recommended Reading Lists can help you choose suitable books.

      • Build reading habits with short follow-up tasks, such as:

        • writing a brief summary

        • creating an alternative ending

        • discussing what might happen next or how a character feels

      • Support vocabulary development by keeping a vocabulary log. Ask your child to note new words and look up definitions in a dictionary.


      If you have any questions on how to support your child with their 10+ preparation, please email us at support@atomlearning.co.uk.