Complete Parent’s Guide
What is the 11 Plus Exam?
Everything parents and students need to know — from first steps to exam day.
The 11 Plus (11+) is a selective entrance exam taken by children in Year 5 or Year 6 (ages 10–11) in England. It determines entry into grammar schools and selective independent schools. This guide covers every aspect of the exam in plain language.
Section 1
What Is the 11 Plus?
- The 11 Plus is a selective academic exam used by grammar schools and some independent schools to assess children's suitability for selective education.
- It is NOT a national exam — it is run by individual schools or regional consortia (e.g. GL Assessment, CEM).
- It is typically taken in September/October of Year 6 (some areas test in Year 5).
- Results determine whether a child is offered a place at a grammar school.
- Not all areas of England have grammar schools — currently around 163 grammar schools exist, mostly in Kent, Buckinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Birmingham, Trafford, and parts of Essex, Hertfordshire, and Yorkshire.
Section 2
Who Takes the 11 Plus?
- Children aged 10–11 in England (Year 5 or Year 6).
- Children who wish to apply to grammar schools or academically selective independent schools.
- It is optional — families choose whether to enter their child.
- Both state school and private school pupils can sit the exam.
- Some grammar schools give priority to children within their catchment area or siblings of current students.
Section 3
What Does the 11 Plus Test?
The 11 Plus typically covers four core subject areas. Not all schools test all four — some test only two or three. Always check the specific school's requirements.
Verbal Reasoning
Tests ability to understand and reason using words. Includes word relationships, analogies, codes, hidden words, letter sequences, and comprehension. Assessed by GL Assessment and CEM in different formats.
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Tests ability to reason using shapes, patterns, and diagrams. Includes figure sequences, matrices, shape codes, and 3D reasoning. Tests spatial and logical thinking independent of language.
Mathematics
Tests arithmetic, problem-solving, and mathematical reasoning. Covers number operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, algebra basics, shape and space, data handling, and word problems. Often harder than standard Year 6 curriculum.
English
Comprehension passages with inference, vocabulary, and structure questions. Some exams include creative writing or composition. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling may also be assessed.
Section 4
GL Assessment vs CEM — What's the Difference?
GL Assessment
- Traditional format with separate papers per subject
- More predictable question types
- Used in: Kent, Buckinghamshire, parts of Essex, Hertfordshire, Birmingham
- Better suited to targeted revision
CEM (Durham University)
- Mixed-format papers combining subjects
- Question types vary year to year to reduce “tutoring to the test”
- Used in: Lincolnshire, Trafford, parts of Yorkshire, Wiltshire
- Harder to prepare for with rote practice
Tip: always check which provider your target school uses — it affects revision strategy significantly.
Section 5
How Is the 11 Plus Marked and Scored?
- Raw marks are converted to a Standardised Age Score (SAS).
- Standardisation adjusts scores based on the child's exact age — a younger child who scores the same raw marks as an older child gets a higher standardised score.
- Most areas use a score range of 69–141. A passing or “qualifying” score is typically around 111–121 depending on the region.
- Schools rank applicants by their SAS score.
- In oversubscribed schools, getting above the qualifying score does not guarantee a place — the highest scorers get offered places first (subject to admissions criteria like catchment).
Key point: a “qualifying” score means your child met the standard, but a place depends on competition and admissions criteria.
Section 6
11 Plus Key Dates & Timeline
Year 4 (Age 8–9)
- Begin light familiarisation with question types.
- Build reading habits and mental maths skills.
- This is the foundation-building stage — no pressure, just exposure.
Year 5 (Age 9–10)
- Start structured preparation (verbal/non-verbal reasoning).
- Research grammar schools in your area.
- January–March: some schools open registration early.
Year 6 (Age 10–11)
- Summer: intensify preparation.
- July–August: most grammar schools open registration.
- September: exam day (most regions).
- Oct–Nov: results released.
- October 31: secondary school application deadline.
- March: National Offer Day (places confirmed).
Section 7
How Do You Register for the 11 Plus?
- Registration is done through each individual school or the regional grammar school consortium.
- Deadlines are typically June–August of the year the exam is taken.
- You must register separately for each school you want to apply to.
- Registration is FREE for state grammar schools.
- After registering, families receive test date, centre location, and candidate number.
- You must also complete a separate CAF (Common Application Form) through your local council by October 31.
Section 8
How Should You Prepare?
Start Early
Begin no later than the start of Year 5. Early starters have more time for gaps to be identified and addressed before the pressure builds.
Use Quality Materials
CGP Books, Bond Assessment Papers, Schofield & Sims are widely used. Online platforms like Atom Learning offer structured practice. Research independently to find the best fit.
Practise Under Exam Conditions
Timed papers are essential — speed is a key factor. Children must manage time across many questions. Simulate the exam environment at home regularly.
Focus on Weaknesses
Identify specific weak areas (e.g. non-verbal reasoning, fractions) and target those areas without neglecting strengths.
Balance Is Key
Over-preparation can cause burnout and anxiety. Regular breaks, physical activity, and confidence-building matter. The goal is a prepared AND confident child.
Tuition (Optional)
Many families use private tutors, group tuition centres, or online platforms. Tuition is not compulsory — many children prepare successfully on their own.
Section 9
What Happens on Exam Day?
- Exams are usually held at the grammar school itself or a designated centre.
- Children sit the exam in a formal, supervised environment.
- Typical duration: 45–60 minutes per paper, sometimes multiple papers in one day.
- Children should bring: pencils, eraser, ruler. No calculators allowed.
- Arrive early to avoid stress. Most children sit the exam without any issues — invigilators are supportive.
- Special arrangements (extra time, reader) may be available for children with an EHCP or documented special educational needs — apply in advance.
Section 10
Results, Appeals & Next Steps
Results
- Released typically October–November. Parents are notified by letter or online portal.
- Results show whether the child has “qualified” (met the standard) or not.
- Even if qualified, a school place is not guaranteed if the school is oversubscribed.
School Applications
- Apply to grammar schools via your council's CAF (Common Application Form).
- Deadline: October 31. Rank your school choices strategically (grammar + local alternatives).
If Your Child Doesn’t Pass
- Many children do not pass — this is normal and not a reflection of their intelligence or future potential.
- Outstanding comprehensive and academy schools offer excellent education.
- Children can be re-entered the following year in some areas (check policy).
- Appeals are possible but rarely overturn results.
Section 11
Common Myths About the 11 Plus
“Only tutored children pass.”
Many children prepare independently and pass. Tutoring helps but is not essential. The key is consistent, structured practice — whether self-guided or tutor-led.
“Grammar schools are always better than comprehensives.”
Outstanding non-selective schools often outperform grammar schools for many children. The “best” school is the right fit for your child — academically, socially, and emotionally.
“Failing the 11 Plus means my child isn't clever.”
The exam tests a narrow set of skills under pressure. Many highly intelligent, successful people never sat or passed the 11+. It measures exam readiness, not intelligence.
“You can't prepare for it.”
Especially for GL Assessment papers, familiarisation and structured practice significantly improve performance. Understanding the format and timing is half the battle.
“My child must pass or their future is ruined.”
Absolutely not. Many excellent educational routes exist outside grammar schools. Success depends on the child, the school environment, and family support — not a single exam at age 11.
Section 12
The 11 Plus by Region
The 11 Plus varies significantly across England.
Kent
One of the largest fully selective areas. GL Assessment format. All children in Year 6 are eligible. Very competitive with high application numbers.
Buckinghamshire
Fully selective county. GL Assessment. Children take the exam in Year 5 (September). Known for a well-established grammar school system.
Birmingham & Sutton Coldfield
Several grammar schools. GL Assessment format. Competitive catchment areas with high demand for places.
Trafford (Greater Manchester)
CEM format. Five grammar schools. Entry from Year 6. A popular choice for families across the North West.
Lincolnshire
CEM format. Several grammar schools across the county. One of the more accessible selective areas outside London and the South East.
Essex & Hertfordshire
Selective schools in specific areas (e.g. Chelmsford, Southend, St Albans). GL Assessment. Competition varies by location.
Independent Schools
Many use their own entrance exams (often called “Pre-Test” or “13+”). Separately administered. Contact each school directly for format and dates.
Section 13
Frequently Asked Questions
In most regions, no — children sit it once. Some areas allow re-sitting the following year. Check with your specific local authority.
Start Learning
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