Complete Guide to the 11+ Exam: Everything Parents Need to Know

The 11+ is an entrance assessment associated primarily with admission to selective secondary schools, particularly grammar schools, as well as some independent schools.

For state-funded selective schools in England, passing an entrance examination may form part of the school's admissions criteria, and admission criteria vary between schools.

The 11+ is not one standard national examination. A child preparing for one grammar-school area may face a different test from a child applying elsewhere.

The 11+ is generally taken by children in Year 6 who are applying for entry into Year 7 at a selective secondary school.

Not every child in England takes the 11+. It is relevant mainly where a family is considering a school that uses academic selection.

For grammar-school entry, testing commonly takes place during Year 6, often early in the academic year. However, registration and testing dates differ by area.

Parents should check their target school's admissions information well before Year 6, because registration for the entrance test may close before the general secondary-school application deadline.

For state secondary-school applications in England, parents apply through their local authority, even when applying to schools outside their council area.

Registering for the 11+ and applying for the school place are often two separate processes.

The exact subjects depend on the school or assessment provider. The most common areas are:

11+ tests may include one or more of English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, and the combination varies by area.

11+ English generally assesses more than basic reading ability. Students may need to read carefully, work quickly and understand sophisticated vocabulary.

Creative Writing

Some schools — particularly independent schools or school-specific assessments — may include a writing task. Students may need to develop:

How to prepare: children should practise reading a wide variety of age-appropriate texts and learn to support comprehension answers with evidence from the passage.

11+ Maths tests both mathematical knowledge and the ability to apply it efficiently. Common areas include:

The challenge often comes from having to apply familiar mathematical skills to unfamiliar questions within a limited time.

Verbal Reasoning (VR) tests how effectively a child can understand, analyse and solve problems using words and language. It may include:

Strong vocabulary can make a significant difference, which is why vocabulary development should usually be gradual and consistent rather than left until the final weeks before the exam.

Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR) uses diagrams, patterns and shapes rather than primarily relying on written language. Common question types include:

The strongest preparation teaches children how to identify patterns systematically, rather than simply completing large numbers of questions.

GL Assessment is one of the organisations associated with selective-school entrance testing. Its 11+ information identifies four principal preparation areas:

GL also emphasises that tests vary between local authorities and schools, so parents should confirm the exact assessment used by their target school.

For parents: do not assume that because a school uses GL Assessment, every GL-based 11+ examination across the country will have exactly the same combination or weighting of subjects.

CSSE refers to the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex. It is an example of why parents should research their specific consortium or target school rather than preparing for a generic version of the 11+.

A dedicated CSSE preparation pathway should be based on the current official examination specification and admissions information, as these can change between admission cycles.

Independent schools do not necessarily use the same tests as grammar schools. Some use:

This is why parents targeting an independent school should begin with the school's actual admissions process, not a generic 11+ syllabus.

The ISEB Pre-Tests are online, adaptive assessments used by many independent senior schools. They assess four areas:

The four tests currently take a total of 2 hours 15 minutes. They are multiple-choice, online and adaptive, meaning question difficulty responds to the pupil's previous answers. Results are age-standardised, and the test can be shared with multiple participating senior schools.

ISEB's Common Entrance at 11+ is different: its CE 11+ assessments consist of English, Mathematics and Science papers.

For state schools, the admission authority determines the criteria, which can include selection alongside other oversubscription considerations.

No. This is one of the most important points for parents.

A qualifying score may make a child eligible for consideration, but the final offer can depend on the school's published admissions arrangements.

Parents should therefore read the official admissions policy of every target school.

Scoring varies. Depending on the test, schools or admissions authorities may use:

What Is Age Standardisation?

Age standardisation is designed to make comparisons fairer between children of different ages within the same school year. ISEB confirms that its Pre-Test results are age-standardised.

Parents should avoid comparing raw practice-paper percentages directly with published qualifying scores unless the scoring systems are genuinely comparable.

There is no universal good 11+ score.

There is no single ideal starting point for every child. Preparation should depend on:

More preparation is not automatically better.

Consistency is usually more useful than occasional excessive study.

A strong study plan should combine several areas rather than practising only full papers.

The exact schedule should be adapted to the child.

An 11+ mock test simulates the entrance-test experience under timed conditions. A well-designed mock can help identify:

Mock tests are most useful when followed by careful analysis, not simply a score.

There is no fixed number.

Mocks should be introduced when the child has enough knowledge to benefit from them. Too many full mocks too early can replace the concept teaching and targeted practice that the student actually needs.

Parents do not need to become 11+ teachers.

Before buying books or practice materials, determine:

GL Assessment provides official familiarisation materials and explicitly advises families to check the relevant admissions authority because tests differ from area to area.

The exact process varies by area. For state grammar schools, parents still need to complete the normal secondary-school application through their local authority.

Do not assume that a qualifying result automatically equals a school offer.

Is the 11+ compulsory?

No. It is relevant to children applying to schools that use selective entrance assessments.

Is the 11+ the same everywhere?

No. Content and format vary between areas and schools.

What subjects are usually tested?

Common areas include English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.

What age is the 11+ taken?

Usually around age 10–11, during Year 6 for Year 7 entry.

Is creative writing always included?

No. It depends on the school and assessment format.

Does every 11+ include verbal reasoning?

No. Schools and admissions authorities determine the combination of subjects.

Does passing guarantee a grammar-school place?

No. The school's admissions and oversubscription criteria still apply.

Should children practise timed papers?

Yes, once they have developed sufficient subject knowledge and familiarity with the relevant question types.

Are grammar-school and independent-school 11+ exams identical?

No. Independent schools may use their own assessments, interviews, ISEB Pre-Tests or other entrance arrangements.

Where should parents check the exact exam format?

Use the target school's official admissions page, relevant consortium/local authority and official assessment-provider information.