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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.
Young student studying with a laptop
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.
Children learning together with laptops in classroom
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?

Student focused on studies with laptop

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Y4
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.
Y5
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.
Y6
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?

Young student preparing for exam with laptop at desk

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?

Students in exam hall writing test
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. Click any region to learn more about the local format.

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

Can my child sit the 11 Plus more than once?
In most regions, no — children sit it once. Some areas allow re-sitting the following year. Check with your specific local authority.
Is the 11 Plus the same everywhere?
No. The format, subjects tested, and provider (GL or CEM) vary by region and by school. Always check with your target school for specific details.
What score does my child need to pass?
This varies by region. A standardised score of around 111–121 is typically the qualifying threshold, but getting a place depends on competition and the number of applicants.
Can children with special educational needs sit the 11 Plus?
Yes. Access arrangements (extra time, reader) may be available. Contact the school well in advance with supporting documentation such as an EHCP.
Do grammar schools cost money?
State grammar schools are FREE. They are funded by the government just like any other state school. Independent selective schools charge fees.
Is tutoring necessary?
No, but it helps many children. The key is consistent, well-structured practice — whether self-guided or tutor-led. Many children pass without any professional tutoring.
What if my child is very anxious about the exam?
Normalise the exam as “practice” rather than “test”. Avoid pressure language. Focus on preparation, not outcomes. If anxiety is severe, speak to your child’s school or GP for support.
Start Learning

Choose Your
Learning Path

Flexible 11 Plus programmes designed for every family. Offline academies, personalised 1:1 online tuition, mock exams, or affordable batch classes.

UK’s top choice for 11 Plus exam preparation — trusted by families across 12+ locations nationwide.

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11 Plus Offline Academy

In-person structured classes across multiple UK locations. Small groups, expert tutors, and exam-board-aligned materials.

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1:1 Online Tuition

Live personalised sessions with expert tutors via video. Tailored to your child’s gaps, target school, and exam board.

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11 Plus Mock Exams

Realistic timed mocks aligned to GL, CEM, CSSE and ISEB formats. Fully marked with detailed feedback.

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Affordable 4-Student Batch

Small batch classes of just 4 students. Focused, affordable learning with all the benefits of group interaction.

Personalised by Year Group

1:1 Tuition by Year Group

3

Year 3 — 11 Plus Tuition

Build strong 11 Plus foundations early. Vocabulary, reading comprehension, core maths, and logical thinking.

4

Year 4 — 11 Plus Tuition

Structured 11 Plus prep begins. VR, NVR, advanced maths, and comprehension techniques.

5

Year 5 — 11 Plus Tuition

Intensive 11 Plus exam prep. Full mocks, timed practice, exam technique, and targeted gap-filling.

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