Skip to content

Free, open-source 11+ exam practice - 1,364 verified questions for grammar school preparation

License

Notifications You must be signed in to change notification settings

jhammant/11plus-tutor

Repository files navigation

11+ Tutor

Free, open-source 11+ exam preparation to help your child get into grammar school.

License Python Questions Tests

Install in One Command

Mac / Linux:

curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/jhammant/11plus-tutor/main/scripts/install.sh | bash

Windows (PowerShell):

irm https://raw.githubusercontent.com/jhammant/11plus-tutor/main/scripts/install.ps1 | iex

No AI/LLM required - all 1,382 questions work immediately!


Why This Exists

11+ tutoring costs £40-80/hour. Practice books cost £10-15 each and run out quickly. Many families can't afford proper preparation, putting their children at a disadvantage.

This tool is free, unlimited, and runs entirely on your computer.


What's Included

1,382 Verified Questions

Subject Questions Coverage
Verbal Reasoning 541 Synonyms, antonyms, analogies, letter sequences, code words, odd one out, hidden words, compound words
Mathematics 366 Number sequences, arithmetic, fractions
Non-Verbal Reasoning 300 Pattern sequences, shape analogies, odd one out (all with SVG graphics)
English 175 Reading comprehension (Aesop's Fables), spelling, grammar

Question Quality

  • Programmatic questions are mathematically verified (sequences, arithmetic)
  • Word-based questions validated against curated word lists
  • All questions pass automated testing before release
  • Wrong answer? Report it and we'll fix it immediately

Learning Features

  • Topic Lessons - Understand concepts before practicing
  • Strategy Guides - Step-by-step approaches for each question type
  • Worked Examples - Detailed explanations for every answer
  • Mock Exams - Timed practice under exam conditions

Quick Start

One-Line Install (Recommended)

Mac / Linux:

curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/jhammant/11plus-tutor/main/scripts/install.sh | bash

Windows (PowerShell):

irm https://raw.githubusercontent.com/jhammant/11plus-tutor/main/scripts/install.ps1 | iex

The installer will:

  • ✅ Check for Python & Node.js (help you install if missing)
  • ✅ Download 11+ Tutor
  • ✅ Set up everything automatically
  • ✅ Create a simple start.sh or start.bat to launch anytime

No LLM required! All 1,382 questions work immediately.


Manual Install (Alternative)

If you prefer to install manually:

# 1. Download the code
git clone https://github.com/jhammant/11plus-tutor.git
cd 11plus-tutor

# 2. Set up Python
python3 -m venv venv
source venv/bin/activate  # Windows: venv\Scripts\activate
pip install -r requirements.txt

# 3. Set up the website
cd web && npm install && cd ..

# 4. Start the app
python scripts/start_app.py

Open http://localhost:3783 in your browser. That's it!


Docker Install (No Dependencies Required)

Run 11+ Tutor in a Docker container - no need to install Python or Node.js locally.

Build and run with Docker Compose (recommended):

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/jhammant/11plus-tutor.git
cd 11plus-tutor

# Build and start the container
docker compose up -d

Or use the build script:

# Build the Docker image
./scripts/build_docker.sh

# Run the container
docker run -d -p 3783:3783 -p 8002:8002 --name 11plus-tutor 11plus-tutor

Or build manually:

docker build -t 11plus-tutor .
docker run -d -p 3783:3783 -p 8002:8002 --name 11plus-tutor 11plus-tutor

Open http://localhost:3783 in your browser.

Docker commands:

docker compose up -d      # Start the container
docker compose down       # Stop the container
docker compose logs -f    # View logs

LLM Setup Options

Do I Need an LLM?

No! The app works perfectly without any LLM. All 1,382 questions are pre-generated and stored in the database.

Feature Without LLM With LLM
Practice all questions
Mock exams with timer
Progress tracking
Strategy guides
Achievements & streaks
Printable worksheets
AI Tutor chat
"Explain this answer"
Generate new questions

Recommendation: Start without an LLM. Add one later if you want AI explanations.

Option 1: No LLM (Recommended for Most Users)

Just run the app! Everything works out of the box.

python scripts/start_app.py

Option 2: Local LLM (Privacy-Focused)

Run AI on your own computer. Requires 8GB+ RAM.

Using LM Studio (Easiest):

  1. Download LM Studio (free)
  2. Download a model (search "llama 3.2" or "mistral")
  3. Click "Start Server" (default port 1234)
  4. Create .env file:
LLM_BINDING=openai
LLM_HOST=http://localhost:1234/v1
LLM_MODEL=local-model
LLM_API_KEY=lm-studio
  1. Restart the app

Using Ollama:

# Install Ollama
curl -fsSL https://ollama.ai/install.sh | sh  # Mac/Linux
# Windows: download from ollama.ai

# Get a model (3B is light, 8B is smarter)
ollama pull llama3.2      # 3B model, works on most machines
# OR
ollama pull llama3.1:8b   # 8B model, needs 16GB RAM

# Create .env file
LLM_BINDING=ollama
LLM_HOST=http://localhost:11434/v1/
LLM_MODEL=llama3.2
LLM_API_KEY=ollama

Option 3: Cloud LLM (Low-Spec Machines)

Use OpenAI, Anthropic, or other cloud providers. Costs ~$0.01-0.05 per AI interaction.

OpenAI:

# Create .env file
LLM_BINDING=openai
LLM_HOST=https://api.openai.com/v1
LLM_MODEL=gpt-4o-mini
LLM_API_KEY=sk-your-api-key-here

Anthropic Claude:

# Create .env file
LLM_BINDING=openai
LLM_HOST=https://api.anthropic.com/v1
LLM_MODEL=claude-3-haiku-20240307
LLM_API_KEY=sk-ant-your-api-key-here

Groq (Free Tier Available):

# Create .env file
LLM_BINDING=openai
LLM_HOST=https://api.groq.com/openai/v1
LLM_MODEL=llama-3.1-8b-instant
LLM_API_KEY=gsk_your-api-key-here

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Speed Privacy Requires
No LLM Free N/A Perfect Nothing
LM Studio Free Varies Perfect 8GB+ RAM
Ollama Free Varies Perfect 8GB+ RAM
OpenAI ~$0.01/use Fast Data sent API key
Groq Free tier Very fast Data sent API key

For Parents: How to Use This

Daily Practice Routine (20-30 minutes)

  1. Learn (5 min) - Read the topic lesson for one question type
  2. Strategy (5 min) - Review the strategy guide with your child
  3. Practice (15 min) - Do 10-15 questions with instant feedback
  4. Review (5 min) - Go over any wrong answers together

Weekly Mock Exam

  • Use the Mock Exam feature for timed practice
  • Simulates real exam pressure
  • Identifies weak areas to focus on

Track Progress

  • The app tracks questions attempted and accuracy
  • Focus on question types with lower scores
  • Aim for 80%+ accuracy before moving on

Question Types Explained

Verbal Reasoning (VR)

Type Example What It Tests
Synonyms happy = joyful Vocabulary
Antonyms hot ≠ cold Vocabulary
Analogies cat:kitten :: dog:? Relationships
Letter Sequences AB, CD, EF, ? Pattern recognition
Hidden Words COST + AGE = STAGE Word finding
Compound Words SUN + FLOWER = ? Word building

Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR)

Type What It Tests
Pattern Sequences Shape rotation, size changes
Shape Analogies "A is to B as C is to ?"
Odd One Out Which shape doesn't belong

Mathematics

Type Topics
Number Sequences Arithmetic, quadratic patterns
Arithmetic Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division
Fractions Basic fraction operations

English

Type Content
Comprehension Aesop's Fables with questions
Spelling Commonly misspelled words
Grammar Fill-in-the-blank sentences

Generating More Questions

Need more practice? Generate unlimited questions:

source venv/bin/activate

# Generate 100 more math sequences
python scripts/generate_questions.py --type sequences --count 100

# Generate 50 more NVR questions
python scripts/generate_nvr.py --type all --count 50

# Generate more VR questions
python scripts/generate_vr_expanded.py --count 100

# Validate all questions
python scripts/validate_questions.py

Contributing

Every contribution helps a child. See CONTRIBUTING.md for details.

Quick Wins (No Coding Required)

  • Report wrong answers - Open an issue with the question ID
  • Add word pairs - Expand synonym/antonym lists
  • Suggest passages - Find public domain text for comprehension

Code Contributions

  • Add question types - CEM format, more NVR types
  • Improve UI - Mobile responsiveness, accessibility
  • Add features - Printable worksheets, progress export

Run Tests Before Submitting

python scripts/test_harness.py  # Should show 57/57 passing

What's Missing (Help Wanted!)

Question Types We Need

  • CEM-style questions (different from GL Assessment)
  • Cube nets (which cube from this net?)
  • Paper folding (punch and unfold)
  • 3D rotation
  • Cloze passages (fill in blanks)
  • Shuffled sentences

Features We Need

  • Docker for one-command setup
  • Printable worksheet generator
  • Mobile app (React Native?)
  • Spaced repetition scheduling
  • Parent dashboard with reports

Exam Boards Covered

Board Status Notes
GL Assessment Good Most question types covered
CEM Partial Need more cloze/comprehension
ISEB Partial Similar to GL

Different regions use different tests. Check which board your target schools use.


FAQ

Q: Is this as good as a tutor? A: No substitute for a good tutor, but this provides unlimited free practice. Many families use both.

Q: Are the answers definitely correct? A: Programmatic questions (maths, sequences) are computed and guaranteed correct. Word-based questions are validated against curated lists. Report any errors immediately.

Q: My child is struggling with [X]. What should I do? A: Focus on that topic using the filters. Read the strategy guide together. Do 10 questions, review wrong answers, repeat.

Q: Can I use this offline? A: Yes, once installed everything runs locally. No internet needed.

Q: Is my child's data sent anywhere? A: No. Everything stays on your computer. We don't collect any data.


License

MIT License - free for everyone, forever.


Acknowledgments


Made with love to help every child have a fair chance at grammar school.

If this helped your child, consider starring the repo and sharing with other parents.

About

Free, open-source 11+ exam practice - 1,364 verified questions for grammar school preparation

Resources

License

Contributing

Stars

Watchers

Forks

Releases

No releases published

Packages

No packages published

Contributors 3

  •  
  •  
  •