If you search online for an "11+ vocabulary list," you will likely find massive PDFs containing anywhere from 500 to 2,000 words sorted in alphabetical order. While these lists are comprehensive, they are a terrible way to actually learn.
Handing a child an A-Z "word dump" ignores how language acquisition actually works. A 9-year-old shouldn't be struggling to learn a highly advanced word like arcane before they have mastered fundamental 11+ words like adequate or comprehend.
Find your child's starting level
Our app automatically diagnoses your child's vocabulary tier and serves words at the exact right difficulty.
Try 10 free words todayOur Tiered 11+ Vocabulary List
To prepare effectively for grammar school and independent school exams, children need to build their vocabulary progressively. Here is a sample of our vocabulary levels, showing how words scale from Early Starter Vocabulary to Advanced Reader Vocabulary.
1. Early Starter Vocabulary (Level 7)
These are useful vocabulary words commonly encountered in late primary school. Children should be comfortable with these before moving on to more demanding and abstract vocabulary.
- Avoid
- Bitter (angry)
- Disobey
- Embarrassed
- Vanish
2. Foundation Vocabulary (Level 8)
This level introduces stronger verbs, descriptive words and abstract nouns that support reading comprehension and written expression.
- Abandon
- Ambition
- Courageous
- Defeat (verb)
- Firm
3. Growing Vocabulary (Level 9)
This is where 11+ preparation begins to become more demanding. These words may appear in grammar school and independent school comprehension passages.
- Adequate
- Altitude
- Comprehend
- Influence
- Veil (noun)
4. Strong Vocabulary (Level 10)
This level contains much of the core vocabulary needed for 11+ comprehension, synonym and antonym questions under timed conditions.
- Commission
- Compassion
- Debate
- Flustered
- Ingenious
5. Advanced Vocabulary (Level 11)
These challenging words are useful for highly competitive grammar school exams, including the Sutton S.E.T. and Tiffin Stage 1, as well as selective independent school papers.
- Elaborate
- Exquisite
- Inkling
- Opaque
- Tedium
6. Expert Vocabulary Stretch (Level 12)
This level contains ambitious scholarship-style vocabulary designed to stretch the strongest 11+ candidates.
- Acumen
- Disingenuous
- Loath
- Tempestuous
- Unorthodox
7. Advanced Reader Vocabulary (Level 13)
Rich and complex vocabulary often found beyond typical primary-school reading. These words help confident readers approach demanding literary and historical texts.
- Abstruse
- Arcane
- Corroborate
- Paradoxical
- Unfathomable
Note: The app also supports Level 14 Literary Vocabulary, Level 15 Academic Vocabulary and Level 16 Elite Vocabulary Stretch. Most 11+ pupils, however, will practise mainly between Levels 7 and 12.
Why learning by difficulty matters
When a child practises vocabulary at the edge of their current capability—not too easy, but not overwhelmingly hard—they retain information much faster. Targeted practice builds confidence, while A-Z lists often result in frustration and forgotten words.