What Is the 11 Plus?
A straightforward guide for parents — no jargon, no panic. Just what you need to know.
What Is the 11 Plus Exam?
The 11+ (or “eleven plus”) is an entrance examination used by grammar schools in England to select pupils. There are approximately 163 grammar schools across the country, concentrated in areas like Kent, Buckinghamshire, Lincolnshire, parts of the West Midlands, and several London boroughs.
The exam is not a national test like SATs. It is organised at the local or school level, which means the format, content, and even the exam board can vary depending on where you live. This is one of the things that makes it confusing for parents — but once you know the basics, it becomes much more manageable.
Children typically sit the 11+ at the start of Year 6 (age 10–11), though some areas test in Year 5. Results usually arrive in October, and parents use them when applying for secondary school places.
Who Takes the 11+?
Any child can register to sit the 11+ — it is not limited to children nominated by their school. In most areas, parents register their child directly with the grammar school or the local authority.
Registration typically opens in the summer term of Year 5 (May–June), with the exam taking place in September or October of Year 6. Deadlines vary, so it is important to check early with your target school.
There is no minimum ability requirement to register. However, the exam is designed to be challenging, and children benefit from preparation — not because they need to be “gifted”, but because the question formats (especially verbal and non-verbal reasoning) are often unfamiliar from regular schoolwork.
What Does the 11+ Test?
The 11+ typically covers four subject areas, though not every exam board tests all four. Here is what each one involves:
Verbal Reasoning (VR)
Tests a child’s ability to understand and reason using words. Questions include finding synonyms and antonyms, completing word patterns, solving codes, and working with analogies. VR is not taught in primary school — this is the area that usually needs the most preparation.
Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR)
Tests spatial awareness and pattern recognition using shapes and diagrams. Children identify sequences, find odd-one-out figures, complete matrices, and work with reflections and rotations. Like VR, this is unfamiliar from school and requires dedicated practice.
Maths
Covers the KS2 curriculum and beyond — arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percentages, algebra, geometry, and word problems. The 11+ maths questions are often more challenging than SATs, with tighter time limits. A solid foundation in Year 5/6 maths is essential.
English
Tests reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and sometimes creative writing. Children read passages and answer questions testing inference, retrieval, and understanding of language. Strong reading skills and grammar knowledge from SATs preparation transfer directly.
How Is the 11+ Scored?
Raw scores are converted into standardised age scores. This accounts for the child’s age on the day of the test — a child who is 10 years and 2 months old is not expected to score the same as one who is 11 years and 1 month.
The average standardised score is 100. Most grammar schools set their qualifying score somewhere between 111 and 121, depending on the school and the competition in that year. Some schools rank all applicants and offer places from the top down until they are full.
It is worth noting that the “pass mark” is not fixed — it can change from year to year. This is why preparation is about building genuine ability rather than chasing a specific number.
GL Assessment vs CEM — The Two Exam Boards
The two main exam boards for the 11+ are GL Assessment and CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring, based at Durham University). Which one your child sits depends entirely on where you live.
GL Assessment uses a structured, predictable format with separate papers for each subject. Questions are mostly multiple choice. This makes it more straightforward to prepare for.
CEM deliberately makes its format less predictable. Subjects are interleaved within sections, the style of questions changes between sittings, and the content draws from a broader vocabulary range. CEM was designed to be harder to “coach” for, though consistent practice still helps enormously.
For a detailed side-by-side comparison, read our GL vs CEM guide.
Regional Differences
The 11+ landscape varies significantly across England. Here are some key regional patterns:
- ✓Kent — GL Assessment. The largest fully selective area in England, with over 30 grammar schools.
- ✓Buckinghamshire — CEM. Thirteen grammar schools, all using the CEM format.
- ✓Birmingham & West Midlands — Mostly CEM, though some individual schools set their own tests.
- ✓Lincolnshire — CEM. A large selective area with grammar schools across the county.
- ✓Essex, Hertfordshire, London boroughs — A mix of GL, CEM, and independent consortium tests. Always check with the specific school.
Common Myths About the 11+
“Only gifted children pass the 11+”
Not true. The 11+ tests specific skills that can be developed through practice. Many children who pass are diligent and well-prepared, not naturally “gifted”. The exam rewards familiarity with question types and good time management as much as raw ability.
“You need an expensive tutor to pass”
Also not true. While tutoring can help, plenty of children pass with home-based preparation using books, online resources, and consistent practice. A good tutor costs £35–50 per hour. An online platform like SATs Arcade covers the same ground for a fraction of that. What matters is the regularity of practice, not the price tag.
“Grammar school is the only route to success”
This is the most harmful myth. Comprehensive schools produce outstanding results every year. Grammar school suits some children brilliantly, but it is not the right fit for everyone. The best school for your child is the one where they will be happy, supported, and challenged.
“If you start late, there is no point trying”
Wrong. While 12–18 months of preparation is ideal, even 3–6 months of focused, daily practice can make a significant difference. It is never too late to give it a go. See our when to start guide for a realistic timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 11+ only for gifted children?+
Do all areas in England have the 11+?+
Can my child sit the 11+ even if we do not live in a grammar school area?+
Is tutoring essential to pass the 11+?+
What happens if my child does not pass?+
When do children sit the 11+?+
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