Relocating from The UAE to the UK: A Parent’s Guide to The 11 Plus (11+) and UK Independent School Entry
More and more families in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) — particularly in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah — are choosing to relocate to the UK to pursue high-quality secondary education for their children. Whether your goal is entry into a selective grammar school or a prestigious UK independent school, understanding the UK entrance exam system is essential.
Relocating from the UAE to the UK is a huge step for families—and for many parents, one of the biggest concerns is how their child will navigate the UK secondary school entry system. This guide is for UAE-based families: below we’ll walk you through how 11 Plus exams and UK school admissions work, while also providing some free 11 Plus resources and showing you how we can help your child excel.
Contents
The UK School Entry System And The 11 Plus: What UAE Families Need To Know
For families in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) preparing to move to the UK, one of the biggest differences you’ll encounter is the structure of the British school system and the entrance exams that determine admission to selective schools. Understanding how the 11 Plus (11+) works (and how it differs from independent-school testing) is the first step in creating a smooth transition for your child.
Grammar Schools vs Independent Schools
The UK’s education landscape is divided mainly between state grammar schools and independent (private) schools:
Grammar schools are government-funded but academically selective. Entry is determined by performance in the 11 Plus exam, which is typically taken in Year 6 (age 10–11) for entry into Year 7.
Independent schools (sometimes called private schools) set their own admissions processes, which may include the ISEB Common Pre-Test, school-specific written exams, and interviews. Many families relocating from Dubai or Abu Dhabi target these schools for their small class sizes, academic rigour, and boarding options.
If your child is currently in Year 5 or 6 at a UAE school, now is the ideal time to explore which route — grammar or independent — best fits their long-term goals.
What the 11 Plus Exam Involves
The 11 Plus assesses a child’s ability to think critically and apply knowledge rather than simply recall facts. Most grammar-school entrance tests include four core areas:
📚 English (comprehension and sometimes creative writing) — questions on inference, vocabulary, and grammar.
📐 Mathematics — problem-solving, logic, and mental-arithmetic skills.
🧠 Verbal Reasoning — analysing and manipulating words, codes, and sequences.
🎲 Non-Verbal Reasoning — identifying visual patterns and spatial relationships.
Different regions of the UK use different exam boards, such as:
GL Assessment – used in areas such as Kent, Buckinghamshire, and many London boroughs.
CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) – used by some Midlands and Northern regions; focuses more on problem-solving and comprehension under timed pressure.
ISEB (Independent Schools Examinations Board) – administers the Common Pre-Test for many independent schools.
Each school or region sets its own papers and pass mark, so understanding your target schools’ requirements early is vital. Families relocating from the UAE often benefit from an expert adviser or tutor who can identify which exam board applies and tailor preparation accordingly.
Independent School Entrance Exams
Independent schools typically assess students through a combination of:
The ISEB Common Pre-Test (online, multiple-choice format covering English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning).
Additional school-specific written exams in English and Maths.
Interviews and sometimes group activities to evaluate character and fit.
Why Early Preparation Matters for UAE Families
Because UAE academic calendars and UK entry deadlines don’t always align, early awareness is crucial. Grammar-school registration often opens in spring or summer of Year 5, with exams held in autumn of Year 6. Independent schools may require applications even earlier.
Families still based in the UAE can prepare effectively through structured online courses that follow the UK academic cycle, ensuring their child keeps pace with peers in Britain. Our tutors cover all major exam boards and help families identify which papers apply to their chosen schools.
Challenges For UAE Students And Why Local Tuition Often Isn’t Enough
Many children in the UAE, even those attending British curriculum schools, find the 11 Plus and UK independent school entrance exams very different from the tests they’re used to. While local schools in Dubai or Abu Dhabi provide a strong academic foundation, they rarely mirror the style, timing, or difficulty of UK selective entrance exams.
Below are the most common challenges UAE students face — and why specialist 11 Plus tuition UAE or English tuition UAE is usually necessary to bridge the gap.
1. Lack of Exposure to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning 🤯
One of the biggest differences between UAE schooling and UK selective exams is the inclusion of Verbal Reasoning (VR) and Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR).
🧠 Verbal Reasoning questions test how well a child can understand and manipulate words, spot patterns, or complete logical sequences using vocabulary and grammar knowledge.
🎲 Non-Verbal Reasoning uses shapes, diagrams, and visual codes to test logic and spatial awareness.
These skills aren’t typically taught in UAE schools, which means many children encounter them for the first time during 11+ preparation. Without guided practice, students often feel overwhelmed by the unfamiliar question types and strict timing.
Our tutors help UAE students build reasoning confidence step by step — teaching the logic behind each question type and practising under real exam conditions.
2. English Expectations Are Significantly Higher 📚
UK entrance exams place a heavy emphasis on inference, grammar precision, and expressive writing — far beyond what most primary-age pupils abroad are asked to do.
Students must be able to:
Analyse unfamiliar passages quickly and answer multi-layered comprehension questions.
Write creatively or persuasively in a clear, structured way.
Use a wide, idiomatic vocabulary typical of native UK students.
Even in strong international schools, written English often leans towards functional rather than expressive, which can limit performance in English and creative-writing papers.
3. Exam Technique and Time Management ⏰
The 11+ demands speed and accuracy under timed conditions. Most 11-year-olds aren’t used to completing 50–80 reasoning or comprehension questions in 45 minutes! Developing pacing strategies ( such as when to skip, guess, or double-check answers) can make a major difference to scores.
Effective 11 Plus tuition UAE programmes therefore incorporate frequent mock exams and timed practice to help children master stamina and strategy before the real test.
4. Differences in Curriculum and Assessment Style 📝
Although many UAE schools follow a “British curriculum,” the approach and priorities can vary.
Schools often adapt content to meet local regulations or international contexts.
Assessments may focus more on continuous classwork than competitive exam performance.
The cultural references, idioms, and vocabulary found in 11+ English papers can be completely unfamiliar.
As a result, even academically strong students can underperform if they haven’t trained in UK-specific exam techniques.
Tailored online English tuition UAE, delivered by UK tutors familiar with the exact standards required for selective schools, helps eliminate this risk.
5. Limited Local Expertise in Specific UK Entrance Exams 🛑
Most tuition centres in the UAE focus on GCSE, IB, or general primary English and Maths support — not on the 11 Plus or independent school entry tests. These exams are highly specialised and vary depending on region and school type. Working with a UK-based 11+ expert ensures your child learns from tutors who:
✅ Understand the latest GL, CEM, and ISEB exam formats.
✅ Can benchmark performance against real UK students.
✅ Provide authentic feedback using official exam-board criteria.
This is why the Exam Coach’s UK-based online tuition is so valuable for families abroad — it connects students in the UAE directly with experienced 11+ professionals who teach to the same standard as the top UK preparatory schools.
By understanding these unique challenges early, parents can take proactive steps to fill the gaps before relocation. The next section will explain how to choose the right 11 Plus English tuition for your child in the UAE — including what to look for in a tutor and why UK-qualified teachers typically deliver the best results.
Choosing The Right 11 Plus English Tuition For Your Child In The UAE
Once parents in the UAE understand how different the 11 Plus and UK independent school entrance exams are, the next question is clear: who should be teaching my child?
The quality of tuition makes a huge difference to results, particularly in English, where subtlety, precision, and familiarity with UK expectations matter most. This section will help you identify what kind of tuition is most effective for children preparing from abroad.
UK-Based Tutors Are the Gold Standard 🥇
The 11+ and independent school exams are designed, written, and marked in the UK — so it makes sense to learn from tutors who understand them inside out. UK-based tutors bring several key advantages for UAE families:
Native command of British English: UK tutors naturally model the tone, phrasing, and idioms used in real exam passages and writing prompts — helping your child sound authentic and confident.
Expert knowledge of exam boards: They’re familiar with GL Assessment, CEM, and ISEB papers, as well as how top independent schools assess creative and persuasive writing.
Real insight into school standards: Having taught UK pupils, they know what grammar schools and top private schools actually expect at 11+.
By contrast, local tuition centres in Dubai or Abu Dhabi may focus on general English literacy or grammar, rather than the precise structure, inference, and vocabulary required for selective exams.
Beware of “General English” or Non-Specialist Tuition 🚨
Not all English tuition prepares students for the 11+. The 11+ looks for the top percentage of students workign at the highest levels and many centres offering “British curriculum support” will focus on schoolwork rather than the exact syllabus of the 11 Plus exams.
If a tuition provider doesn’t reference the 11+ exam boards (GL, CEM, or ISEB), or if they can’t show experience with UK grammar or independent school entry, their lessons will likely be too broad.
Signs of a High-Quality 11 Plus English Tutor ✅
When choosing 11 Plus tuition for your child, look for these essential features:
The tutor is UK-trained or UK-qualified.
Lessons include verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning where relevant.
Writing tasks are marked to UK 11+ standards (with feedback on structure, vocabulary, and tone).
Lessons follow a clear syllabus, ideally adapted from an existing UK 11+ framework.
Practice papers are included, with results explained to both student and parent.
The right 11+ tutor will not only improve your child’s English skills but also teach them how to think like a UK student — an essential mindset shift for success in grammar and independent school entry.
How To Prepare For The 11 Plus In The UAE
Preparing for the 11 Plus (11+) exam from the UAE is entirely achievable with early planning and structured support. The ideal time to start is around 12–18 months before the exam, giving children in Year 4 or 5 time to build skills gradually. Focus first on strong foundations in reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and maths problem-solving, before introducing verbal and non-verbal reasoning. You can begin with a free 11 Plus English practice paper (with answers) when you sign up to our email list below. 👇
Once the basics are secure, students should progress to timed practice and mock exams using GL, CEM, or ISEB-style papers. Regular exposure to test conditions helps children master exam technique and manage time effectively. Writing tasks—both creative and persuasive—are also essential, particularly for families targeting independent schools.
For families in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, joining a structured online 11 Plus tuition programme with UK-based tutors is the most effective route. Our weekly small-group lessons follow the UK academic cycle, combining skill building, exam-technique practice, and detailed feedback.
Relocation And Application Advice
Once you’ve started your child’s 11 Plus preparation in the UAE, it’s important to plan the UK school application and relocation timeline carefully. Grammar school registration usually opens in spring or summer of Year 5, with exams held in autumn of Year 6. Independent schools often set earlier deadlines for their ISEB Pre-Test or written entrance exams, so checking individual school websites well in advance is essential.
Families relocating from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah should ideally align their move with the UK academic year (September–July) to avoid missing application windows. If relocation dates don’t match, remote testing or deferred entry options may be available — but these require early coordination.
For a detailed walkthrough of timelines, school types, and practical relocation steps, read our full UAE guide below.
11 Plus Online Tuition: How The Exam Coach’s UK Tutors Support UAE Students
At The Exam Coach, we specialise in providing top-tier English and 11+ tuition for students in the UAE, helping them compete at the highest level for entry into UK grammar and independent schools.
What We Offer
Online weekly workshops covering essential 11+ English skills: comprehension, creative writing, vocabulary, and verbal reasoning
UK-based super tutors who have sat entrance exams and taught at top level, bringing real insight into exam expectations
Live, interactive lessons with UK-based tutors who have taught in leading schools and know exactly what top grammar and independent schools expect
Targeted verbal reasoning sessions developing vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms, and word-pattern recognition
Online English vocabulary Workouts designed to strengthen spelling, word usage, and exam-style vocabulary
Creative Writing classes focused on producing high-scoring written responses to real 11+ prompts
Comprehension classes working with tricky classic texts and difficult 11 Plus skills like inference and literary techniques.
Standalone lessons — no long-term commitment required; join any class that fits your child’s schedule
Each session is about 45 minutes: a few minutes of introduction, followed by focused teaching and exam practice. We send class notes and worked answers 24 hours later, so your child can review independently.
Why Choose Our UK-Tutor Model for UAE Students
✅ Relevance — Our tutors are deeply familiar with UK exam boards (GL, CEM, ISEB) and know exactly what top schools expect.
🏡 Convenience — All sessions are scheduled at times suitable for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah, so your child can attend without disrupting their UAE school day.
⏰ Flexibility — Lessons are standalone: there’s no requirement to commit to a full programme.
💻 Accessible format — Using Zoom, students only need a laptop, tablet or smartphone. Microphone and camera access is optional for comfort.
Let us help your child build the English foundations and exam strategies they’ll need to excel in UK school entrance exams — from the UAE.
