11+ Scores Explained
What the numbers mean, what score your child needs, and what to do if they're not there yet.
How 11+ Scoring Works
Let’s demystify this, because 11+ scoring confuses almost every parent the first time they encounter it. There are two types of score, and understanding the difference matters.
Raw Score
Simply the number of marks your child achieved on the paper. If the paper has 80 marks and your child scores 62, their raw score is 62. Straightforward — but not what grammar schools use for admissions.
Standardised Age Score (SAS)
The raw score is converted into a standardised score that accounts for your child’s exact age. This is the number that matters for grammar school admissions. SAS scores range from 69 to 141, with 100 being the average for a child of that age.
What Standardised Age Scores Mean
A SAS of 100 means your child is performing exactly at the average level for children of their age. Above 100 is above average; below 100 is below average. Here’s how to interpret the ranges:
Well Below Average
Significant preparation needed across all areas. Focus on building foundational skills.
Below Average
Solid starting point. With 3–6 months of focused practice, significant improvement is realistic.
Average
Performing at the expected level for their age. Not yet at grammar school entry, but within reach.
Above Average
Strong foundation. Targeted work on weak topics could push scores into the qualifying range.
Grammar School Range
At or above the qualifying threshold for most standard grammar schools.
Super-Selective Range
Competitive for the most selective grammar schools and scholarship positions.
What Score Does Your Child Need?
The honest answer is: it depends. And we know that’s not what you want to hear, but understanding why it varies will actually help you plan better.
Most standard grammar schools require a SAS of around 111 or above. Super-selective grammar schools — those that draw applicants from a wide area — typically require 121 or above.
But here’s the crucial nuance: cutoff scores change every year. They are determined by the number of applicants, the number of available places, and how the entire cohort performed. A score of 112 might be enough one year and fall short the next.
This is why we recommend aiming comfortably above the typical cutoff rather than just at it. If the usual qualifying score is 111, aim for 116-118 to give your child a buffer.
A note on transparency
Some local authorities publish cutoff scores after each exam cycle. Others do not. If your target school does not publish, the best sources of information are the school’s admissions office and local parent forums (Mumsnet, Eleven Plus Exams forum) where parents share their experiences.
Practice Scores vs Real Exam Scores
Parents often ask: “My child scores 115 on practice papers — will they get 115 in the real exam?” The truthful answer is: probably close, but not guaranteed.
- ⚠Exam nerves can lower scores by 3–8 points. An unfamiliar environment, strict timing, and the knowledge that “this one counts” affect some children more than others. Simulating exam conditions at home (timed, silent, no help) helps reduce this gap.
- ✓Familiarity with question types helps. Children who have practised extensively may actually find the real paper easier than expected, because they have already encountered every question format.
- ℹPractice paper difficulty varies. Not all practice papers are calibrated to the same standard. One publisher’s “hard” paper might be another’s “medium.” Use scores from multiple sources to get a reliable picture.
As a rule of thumb, if your child consistently scores above the target across multiple practice papers from different sources, they are in a strong position. One high score on one paper is encouraging but not conclusive.
The Readiness Score: How SATs Arcade Helps
Our 11+ readiness score is designed to give you a clear, honest assessment of where your child stands. It analyses performance across all four subjects — Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, English, and Maths — weighted according to your target exam board’s format.
The readiness score accounts for three factors:
- ✓Accuracy — the percentage of questions answered correctly across each subject
- ✓Speed under timed conditions — accuracy is meaningless without time management
- ✓Topic coverage — a child who scores 90% on analogies but has never tried codes has a gap that needs addressing
The result is a prediction ranging from “More Practice Needed” to “Likely Pass,” updated after every session. It is not a guarantee — no platform can promise exam results — but it gives you a data-informed view of where to focus.
What If Scores Are Below Target?
First: don’t panic. A below-target practice score is information, not a verdict. Here is what the evidence tells us about closing the gap:
- 1.Identify the weak areas. A score of 105 where verbal reasoning is 95 and maths is 115 tells a very different story than a flat 105 across the board. Focus your child’s practice time on the weakest subject — that is where the biggest gains are.
- 2.Six weeks of targeted practice can move scores significantly. We consistently see 5-10 point improvements from children who commit to 15-20 minutes of focused daily practice on their weakest topics. That is not a marketing claim — it is the natural result of building familiarity with finite question types.
- 3.Address time management. Many children know the material but run out of time. Practising under timed conditions and learning to skip-and-return on difficult questions can rescue 5-8 marks that were being left on the table.
- 4.Consider the whole picture. If, after sustained preparation, scores are consistently 10+ points below the target, have an honest conversation about whether grammar school is the right path. A happy, confident child at a good comprehensive will thrive more than a struggling child at a grammar school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 105 a good 11+ score?+
A standardised age score (SAS) of 105 means your child is performing above average for their age. However, for most grammar schools the qualifying score is 111 or higher, so 105 would typically fall below the entry threshold. The good news is that targeted practice can close this gap — a 6-point improvement is achievable with consistent daily work over 8-12 weeks.
Do they standardise for age within the year group?+
Yes. Standardised age scores account for your child's exact age on the day of the test. A child born in August is assessed against different expectations than one born in September. This is specifically designed to be fair to summer-born children, though some parents feel the adjustment doesn't fully compensate for 11 months' age difference.
What if my child is summer-born?+
The age standardisation in 11+ scoring is designed to level the playing field. A summer-born child's raw score is adjusted upward to account for their younger age. That said, some parents feel the adjustment is insufficient, and summer-born children are statistically slightly under-represented in grammar schools. Starting preparation a little earlier and focusing on building confidence can help.
Can my child resit the 11+?+
This depends on the local authority. Some areas allow late transfers into grammar schools at Year 8 or Year 9 if places become available. A small number of schools offer a "12+" or "13+" entry. Contact your target grammar school directly to ask about alternative entry points.
How accurate are practice test scores compared to the real exam?+
Practice test scores give you a useful indication, but they are not a direct prediction. Children tend to score slightly lower in real exam conditions due to nerves, unfamiliar environment, and strict timing. Conversely, children who have done extensive practice may find the real paper easier because they have already seen every question type. As a rough guide, expect real scores to be within 5-10 points of consistent practice scores.
What is a super-selective grammar school?+
A super-selective grammar school draws applicants from a wide geographical area (sometimes nationally) rather than just the local area. Competition is fiercer, and qualifying scores are typically 121+ (compared to 111+ for standard grammar schools). Examples include King Edward's in Birmingham and Henrietta Barnett in London.
Check Your Child's Readiness Score
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