11 Plus exam day checklist (what to bring).

Official Documents

Official documents verify your child's identity and registration for the 11+ exam, preventing entry delays at venues like grammar school halls. Both GL Assessment and CEM exam boards require specific papers to confirm eligibility. Missing these can bar entry, as seen in reports from the Independent Schools Council.

GL Assessment demands the candidate number from your confirmation email. CEM accepts a passport or birth certificate for verification. Always check your exam board guidelines in advance for the selective school test.

Prepare by printing everything clearly and labelling items. Arrive early at the exam venue or test centre to handle check-in smoothly. This part of your exam day checklist ensures a calm start to the grammar school exam.

Experts recommend double-checking documents the night before as part of 11 plus preparation. Include spares in your packed bag for peace of mind. Follow invigilator instructions at the registration desk to avoid issues.

Admissions Letter/Confirmation

Print the official admissions letter containing your child's candidate number, exam date, time, and venue details. This is essential for GL exams, where the six-digit number proves registration. CEM also requires similar confirmation for entry.

Ensure the letter shows the exam board logo, such as GL Assessment or CEM. It must be valid for the current test cycle only, so use the latest version. Bring two copies: the original and a photocopy for backup.

• Check for the 6-digit candidate number clearly printed.
• Verify exam board branding and full details.
• Confirm date matches your exam timetable.
• Print on A4 paper for easy reading by staff.

GL Assessment guidelines note that a confirmation email alone is insufficient without the candidate number. For example, Birmingham Grammar School formats include venue maps. Store in a folder as part of your exam essentials.

Photo ID

Carry valid photo ID: UK passport (preferred), birth certificate with photo, or school-issued ID card. These meet requirements for 11 plus exam entry at most centres. Choose options accepted by your specific board.

A passport works widely for both GL and CEM. For CEM Select schools, pair a birth certificate with a recent passport photo. A school letter on letterhead with a photo also suffices for some venues.

• UK passport as the top choice for quick checks.
• Birth certificate plus glued passport-style photo.
• School letterhead with recent headshot and details.

Note that student Oyster cards are not accepted. DfE guidelines stress government-issued ID for under-13s in selective exams. Pack it prominently in your clear pencil case or bag for fast access at check-in.

Writing Essentials

Writing essentials ensure smooth completion of verbal reasoning, English, and multiple-choice sections across 2.5-hour exams. Both GL and CEM formats require pen and pencil for different tasks. Reference Bond 11+ practice papers to match exam needs.

Many sections demand HB pencil for shading, while others need black or blue pen for written answers. Invigilators enforce strict rules, such as only black or blue ink permitted with no highlighters per recent exam regulations. Pack these exam day essentials in a transparent pencil case for quick access at the test centre.

Practice with 11+ exam papers helps children get comfortable switching between tools. Arrive early to the exam venue, check invigilator instructions, and organise your stationery pack neatly. This setup supports time management during the selective school test.

For grammar school exam success, test all items on practice sheets beforehand. Include spares to handle breakage, and label belongings clearly. These steps build confidence for the 11 plus exam morning routine.

Multiple Pens

Pack 3 black ink ballpoint pens (0.5mm tip) and 2 blue pens as backup for your 11+ exam. Black ink works best for answer sheets, as scanners may reject other colours. Avoid gel pens, which smudge on glossy CEM sheets.

No correction fluid or tape allowed, as invigilator rules mark them for automatic zero. Choose reliable brands like Bic Crystal or Paper Mate Inkjoy for smooth writing. Test them on Bond multiple choice sheets during 11 plus preparation.

• Use black for OMR sheets in verbal reasoning sections.
• Blue as permitted backup for English tasks.
• Spare pens prevent issues in the school hall.

Organise pens in a clear plastic case for easy inspection at candidate check-in. Listen carefully to exam rules on arrival, and skip hard questions if needed. This keeps focus sharp for the entrance exam.

Pencils and Eraser

Bring 4 HB pencils (grade B for dark marks) and 1 large non-fibrous eraser to the 11 plus exam. HB grade suits OMR scanners perfectly, unlike darker 2B pencils. Staedtler Noris HB works well for shading practice.

GL Assessment requires clean erasures, so smudges void answers. Opt for a pink pearl eraser, avoiding whiteboard types that leave residue. Practice shading Bond CEM sheets completely to build speed.

• Sharpen pencils fully before entering the exam hall.
• Use eraser sparingly for multiple-choice sections.
• Keep spares in your pencil case for the full test.

These checklist items support nerves management and positive mindset. Pair with an analogue watch for time checks, no smartwatch permitted. Parents, confirm the packed bag includes these for drop-off time.

Sharpener

Use a single-hole sharpener with shavings container to avoid desk mess in the exam venue. Choose quiet models like Staedtler 512 001 or Maped Croc Croc for discreet use. No desktop sharpeners allowed per invigilator rules.

Sharpen all 4 pencils before entering the hall to save precious minutes. Dull points slow down multiple choice shading in verbal reasoning. Practice this in your test day preparation routine.

• Container catches shavings for tidy school hall desks.
• Single-hole fits HB pencils precisely.
• Backup sharpener as a permitted item in pencil case.

Combine with clear water bottle and small snack like fruit for energy. Read instructions carefully at seat number, and manage toilet breaks wisely. This full exam essentials list aids calm performance in the grammar school exam.

Math Equipment

Math equipment varies by exam board; most 11+ tests ban calculators but require precise measuring tools. GL Assessment math papers prohibit calculators, while CEM allows basic non-programmable ones in select cases. Reference DfE selective school guidelines that ban scientific calculators.

A ruler proves essential for geometry and shape questions in the math section. Choose transparent plastic models for easy invigilator checks at the exam venue. Pack it in a clear pencil case as part of your exam day checklist.

Practice with these items using Bond math papers during 11 plus preparation. This builds familiarity with required items and boosts confidence on test day. Arrive early at the test centre to settle nerves and review invigilator instructions.

Focus on permitted items only; banned tools like metal rulers lead to disqualification. Label all checklist items clearly for quick identification. Spare pencils and eraser complement math tools in your packed bag.

Calculator (if allowed)

Only bring if venue specifically permits (check confirmation letter); use basic 8-digit model. Permitted options include Casio MX-120B or Sharp EL-240S, both non-programmable. Banned items cover Casio fx-83GT and any scientific or graphing types.

CEM Tameside Consortium policy requires battery solar only; no QWERTY keyboards allowed. Birmingham grammar schools ban all calculators for their grammar school exam. Always confirm with your exam timetable and school guidelines.

Test the calculator during practice papers to ensure it works quietly. Place it in a transparent pencil case for inspection at the registration desk. Avoid smartwatches or mobiles, as they violate exam rules.

If unsure, leave it out to follow 11 plus tips for safety. Focus on mental math skills honed through familiarization booklet exercises. This keeps your child calm during the selective school test.

Ruler and Geometry Set

30cm transparent plastic ruler (marked both metric/imperial) plus mini geometry set. Opt for Helix 30cm clear ruler with accurate edges. Include a 4-piece set: compass, 180° protractor, and set squares at 45°/60°.

Prohibited metal instruments; GL Assessment demands transparent materials only for invigilator review. Practice measuring angles in Bond math geometry questions for the 11+ exam. This sharpens skills for real test conditions.

Pack in a clear plastic case alongside HB pencils, sharpener, and eraser. Label belongings to avoid mix-ups in the school hall. Bring spares as backup for your exam day essentials.

Use during geometry tasks to draw precise shapes quickly. Combine with time management by skipping hard questions first. Parents, double-check this in your parental checklist before drop-off.

Personal Items

Personal items maintain hydration and focus during 2-3 hour 11 plus exam sessions. Research suggests dehydration affects cognitive performance, so plan ahead for exam day essentials. Most venues permit clear bottles only, with named bottles now common due to post-COVID protocols.

Pack items that support test day preparation without risking banned items. Parents often overlook small comforts like tissues, which help manage nerves. Check exam rules from your selective school test provider, such as GL Assessment or CEM.

Include medication like an inhaler with a medical note for invigilator approval. Comfortable layers suit variable school hall temperatures. Label all checklist items to avoid mix-ups at the registration desk.

A positive mindset starts with a well-packed bag. Spare tissues or a handkerchief aid nerves management. Arrive early to handle candidate check-in smoothly.

Water Bottle

500ml clear plastic bottle with secure lid and child's name clearly labelled meets most 11+ exam venue rules. No metal bottles due to security risk, and label with permanent marker using first name and surname. Fill halfway only to prevent spills during the grammar school exam.

Birmingham schools inspect bottles at entry, banning sports caps. Room temperature water helps avoid discomfort in test centre conditions. Opt for a reusable one from a local shop for 11 plus preparation.

• Use transparent plastic for quick checks by invigilators.
• Secure lid prevents leaks in a crowded exam venue.
• Practice with it during mock tests using Bond papers.

Parents note permitted items on confirmation email. A named water bottle supports steady focus on multiple choice sheets. Skip if venue provides water stations, but confirm ahead.

Comfort and Health

Comfort items address hunger, anxiety, and medical needs during high-pressure testing in the 11 plus exam. Low blood sugar can impair focus, so permitted snacks help sustain energy for afternoon sessions. Research suggests stable energy levels support better working memory throughout the selective school test.

Pack items that keep your child calm and healthy on exam day. A clear water bottle prevents dehydration, while layers of clothing allow adjustments in the school hall. Always check venue rules for permitted items to avoid issues at the test centre.

Medical accommodations ensure fairness for candidates with conditions like asthma. Bring an inhaler or EpiPen with a doctor's note, and notify the invigilator upon arrival. These steps fit into your 11 plus preparation for a smooth entrance exam experience.

Manage nerves with simple comforts like tissues or a small handkerchief. Encourage a positive mindset during the exam morning routine, and arrive early to handle any last-minute needs. This exam day checklist promotes focus on the grammar school exam.

Snacks and Medication

Pack oat energy bar, banana, and labelled medication with doctor's note for the 11+ exam. Permitted snacks like a Nature Valley oat bar or medium banana provide quick energy without mess. Consume them only at designated breaks to follow exam rules.

Avoid nuts due to common allergies at the exam venue. Opt for a small dark chocolate square if needed for a morale boost. These exam essentials fit in a transparent pencil case or clear bag for easy inspection.

• Nature Valley oat bar (around 35g) for steady energy.
• Medium banana as a natural, portable option.
• Dark chocolate square (small portion) for a treat.

For medication, include inhaler plus spare, with an NHS-style medical letter. EpiPens require invigilator notification before the test starts. Label everything clearly as part of your packed bag for the independent school exam.