What Are Bond Assessment Papers? A Parent's Guide

Bond Assessment Papers are among the most widely used 11+ preparation resources in England. Published by Oxford University Press, the Bond series covers Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Mathematics, and English at different age levels. Understanding what they are, how to use them well, and where their limits lie makes the difference between time well spent and time wasted.

What the Bond Series Includes

The series is organised by subject and age band. For 11+ the 9–10 and 10–11+ books are most used. Subjects covered: Verbal Reasoning — coded sequences, analogies, word puzzles aligned to GL Assessment-style tests; Non-Verbal Reasoning — pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, matrix problems; Mathematics — problem-solving, fractions, algebra, geometry at 11+ level; English — comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and writing. Each subject has "How To Do" introductory books, standard papers, Starter papers (lower base), and Stretch papers (most competitive schools).

How to Use Bond Papers Effectively

Bond papers work best as part of a structured plan. Begin with the "How To Do" guide for each subject before practising under pressure. Work through papers progressively and review every wrong answer in detail — each mistake reveals a gap in understanding more valuable than the score itself. Keep a log of question types causing consistent errors and return to them with targeted practice. Move to Stretch papers once standard papers consistently score above 75–80%.

Our 11+ specialists use Bond papers as part of a structured preparation programme, combining topic teaching with timed practice to build both knowledge and exam confidence. Our students have achieved a 95%+ offer rate across selective school entry, and we're rated 4.8/5 on Trustpilot. Book a free consultation here.

The Limitations of Bond Papers

Bond papers are practice materials, not the actual 11+ examination. CEM-style tests include question types Bond does not cover well. Schools with bespoke papers — many leading independent schools — use formats Bond may not replicate. For competitive schools, supplement Bond with school-specific past papers and targeted concept work in identified weak areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What subjects do Bond Assessment Papers cover?

Bond papers cover Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Mathematics, and English, from age 7–8 through to 10–11+, with Starter, standard, and Stretch tiers to suit different ability levels.

Are Bond papers the same as the actual 11+ exam?

No. Bond papers are practice materials most closely aligned to GL Assessment-style tests. Families targeting CEM tests or schools with bespoke papers should supplement Bond preparation with the appropriate additional materials for their specific target schools.

How often should my child do Bond papers?

In Year 4–5, one or two short sessions of 20–30 minutes per week is sustainable and effective. As the examination approaches this can increase — but quality of engagement matters more than volume. Avoid mechanical drilling without reflection.

Are Bond papers enough on their own for 11+ preparation?

Rarely sufficient alone for competitive schools. Use alongside school-specific past papers, targeted concept development, and for most children some tutor guidance to ensure errors are understood and corrected rather than simply repeated.