Best 11 Plus practice papers and past papers.
Preparation 7 min read May 21, 2025
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Preparation

Best 11 Plus practice papers and past papers.

Master 11+ exams with the best practice papers and past papers. Discover CEM/GL formats, Bond 11+ series, CGP books, free online resources, and proven strategies for grammar school success. Start preparing effectively today.

Understanding 11+ Exams

The 11+ exam determines entry to top grammar and independent schools, with formats varying by region and exam board. These tests assess skills in maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning for Year 5 and Year 6 pupils aiming for selective places.

Main boards include CEM, used in Birmingham and Trafford with a 85-minute combined paper on maths, verbal, and non-verbal topics. GL Assessment operates in Kent and Sutton, featuring separate 50-minute papers for focused practice. ISEB Pre-test, common at schools like Latymer and Queen Elizabeth, delivers digital adaptive tests.

For 2024 entry, over 20,000 applicants competed for around 3,000 places in Birmingham alone. Parents often seek best 11+ practice papers and past papers from CEM Select or GL to match these formats. Check regional details in the next section for targeted 11+ prep.

Using timed mock exams builds exam technique and confidence. Resources like Bond papers, CGP books, and online tests help with multiple choice questions, comprehension, and vocabulary.

Exam Formats by Region

Birmingham uses CEM Select with a single 60-minute multiple choice paper, while Kent's GL test splits into four 1-hour papers. These differences affect how pupils prepare with practice papers and past papers. Families choose resources matching their local 11+ exam style.

RegionExam BoardFormatDurationSample Schools
BirminghamCEM85min combined maths/verbal/non-verbal85 minsKES
KentGL4x60min separate papers4 hoursDartford Grammar
SuttonGL4 papers: maths, English, verbal, non-verbal50 mins eachNonsuch
TraffordCEM3 papers: maths, verbal, non-verbal85 mins combinedAltrincham GS

Pass mark ranges for 2023 fell between 77-85%, varying by year and school. Practice with full papers, half papers, and topic tests like arithmetic or spatial reasoning sharpens skills. Printable papers with answer sheets and mark schemes allow home scoring.

For Trafford 11+ or Kent tests, seek CEM practice or GL assessment bundles. Digital options suit ISEB Pre-test prep at schools like Henrietta Barnett. Parental reviews favour CGP books for exam-ready levels from beginner to advanced.

Top Benefits of Practice Papers

Students using practice papers three times a week often see strong improvements in their 11+ exam performance. Research suggests regular practice helps build key skills for grammar school and independent school entrance exams. Parents report noticeable gains in areas like maths practice and verbal reasoning.

Practice with 11 plus past papers and mocks brings clear advantages for year 5 and year 6 pupils. These resources, including CEM practice and GL assessment papers, prepare children for timed tests and multiple choice formats. Experts recommend them as essential for 11+ prep.

  • Familiarity boosts speed: Timed tests with full papers or half papers help reduce completion times, such as from longer sessions to quicker finishes under exam conditions.
  • Error pattern recognition: Use a score calculator with answer sheets and mark schemes to track mistakes in comprehension, vocabulary, or non-verbal reasoning.
  • Exam stamina: Full 2-hour mock exams build endurance for the real 11+ exam day, vital for top schools like Queen Elizabeth or Latymer.
  • Mark scheme mastery: Learn expectations for detailed answers, like those in 4-mark questions on arithmetic or shape space.
  • Confidence building: Parental reviews note changes from panic to calm, as seen in cases like Sarah, who improved from struggling scores to strong results in 12 weeks using bond papers and CGP books.

For best results, mix printable papers, online tests, and topic tests in english practice or data handling. This approach supports homeschooling and tuition resources, helping pupils aim for selective schools like Sutton grammar or Henrietta Barnett.

Best Past Papers Sources

Official past papers remain the gold standard, with CEM releasing 2 full sets annually via their select portal. These resources mirror the real 11+ exam format for grammar schools and selective independents. Parents use them for year 5 and year 6 prep to build exam technique.

Access verified CEM/GL papers directly from exam boards, essential for authentic format experience. They include maths practice, English practice, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning in multiple choice style. Timed tests help with mock exams at home.

Look for answer sheets, mark schemes and score calculators in these packs. They cover comprehension, vocabulary, arithmetic, shape space and data handling. Free downloads from some sites suit homeschooling and 11+ tutor resources.

Schools like Birmingham 11+, Trafford 11+, Kent test and Sutton grammar base their tests on these. Practice full papers, half papers and topic tests for confidence building. Combine with bond papers or CGP books for variety.

Official CEM and GL Papers

CEM's official practice pack (£12) contains 2 full 85-min papers with answer sheets. GL offers 5 free sample papers alongside paid options. Both suit 11+ prep for top schools like Latymer, Henrietta Barnett and Queen Elizabeth.

These papers feature timed tests in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and core skills. Use them for exam day tips like pacing on synonyms, antonyms, cloze test and number series. Parents praise their realism in parental reviews.

ProviderCostPapers IncludedFormatsAccess
CEM Select£122 full + 2 topicPDFcemselect.org.uk, 2024 available now
GL AssessmentFree samples, 10 paid £25Sample + full setsOnline/PDFgl-assessment.co.uk, 2024 packs ready
Kent TestFree past papers4 full setsPDF downloadkentonline.co.uk, 2024 papers posted

Download printable papers for paper-based or online tests. They include spatial reasoning, mechanical reasoning for advanced level. Track progress with mark schemes to go exam ready.

Recommended Practice Paper Providers

Commercial providers offer unlimited practice with progress tracking. Bond excels in verbal reasoning; CGP shines in maths technique. Parents value these for 11+ exam preparation across GL Assessment and CEM formats.

Bond and CGP lead parental choices for their exam-accurate papers. These resources suit grammar school and independent school entrance exams. They provide timed tests and mark schemes for year 5 and year 6 pupils.

Choose Bond for verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning focus. Opt for CGP when building maths practice and English comprehension skills. Bundle packs offer value for homeschooling or tuition resources.

Both include mock exams, topic tests, and answer sheets. Parents report gains in exam technique and confidence for selective schools like Sutton grammar or Kent Test.

Bond 11+ Series

Bond's 10-book Assessment Papers series mirrors GL/CEM formats with 200+ questions per book. Each costs around £9.99 and covers verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths, and English. These suit 11+ prep for top schools like Queen Elizabeth or Henrietta Barnett.

BookSubjectsPapersLevelReviews
Bond VerbalVR/NVR4 full + topicsBeginner-Advanced4.8/5 Amazon
Bond MathsArithmetic, shape space5 mocksIntermediate4.7/5
Bond EnglishComprehension, vocab3 full papersBeginner-Advanced4.6/5

Specific titles include Bond 11+ Verbal Reasoning three-book set for synonyms, antonyms, and cloze tests. Bundle deals with six books cost £45, ideal for Sutton GL prep. One parent noted, "Perfect for Sutton GL prep - identical format."

Use these for timed tests and exam day tips. They build skills in number series and spatial reasoning. Printable papers and score calculators aid progress tracking.

CGP 11+ Books

CGP's 11+ Complete Practice Papers contain 4 full mock exams with score calculators at £12.99. These target Kent Test, Latymer, and Trafford 11+ with detailed mark schemes. Focus on multiple choice and workbook-style questions for year 6 revision.

BookCoveragePapersUnique FeatureBest For
CGP Maths1000+ Qs5 papersTopic testsKent Test
CGP EnglishComprehension/Vocab4 mocksMark schemesLatymer
CGP VR/NVRSpatial, mechanical6 half papersAdaptive testsBirmingham 11+

A sample page breaks down data handling with step-by-step solutions. These are Amazon bestsellers in the 11+ category. Parents praise them for english practice and exam technique in Nonsuch or Wallington prep.

Incorporate practice questions for arithmetic and vocabulary daily. Digital exams and PDF downloads fit homeschooling. They boost confidence for St Olave's or Wilson School entrance.

Free vs Paid Resources

Free resources build foundations; paid papers deliver exam precision. Combine both for optimal 11+ prep.

Free options offer generic practice questions in maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. They suit year 5 beginners or homeschooling families starting 11 plus practice papers. Yet, they often lack exam-specific formats like CEM Select or GL Assessment styles.

Paid resources provide timed mock exams, mark schemes, score calculators and adaptive tests. These mimic real 11+ exams for grammar schools like Queen Elizabeth or Latymer. Parents value bundles with full papers, half papers and topic tests for targeted revision.

Experts recommend mixing free downloads with premium packs. This builds exam technique and confidence for top schools such as Sutton Grammar or Henrietta Barnett. Track progress with answer sheets to focus on weak areas like cloze tests or spatial reasoning.

Best Free Online Papers

Atom Learning offers 5 free CEM-style papers; Exam Ninja provides 3 GL mocks with timers. These top free sites help with 11+ practice without cost.

Start with online tests for verbal reasoning, comprehension and maths practice. Download PDFs for printable papers when offline prep suits your schedule. Use timers to practise exam day tips and build speed.

SiteSubjectsPapersTimer?Quality
Atomlearning.comCEM Select (maths, English, reasoning)5 full papersYesHigh, parental reviews praise accuracy
Examninja.co.ukGL Assessment (VR, NVR, maths)3+ topic mocksYesOfficial style, detailed mark schemes
11plusexams.co.ukMixed (verbal, non-verbal, comprehension)10 PDFsNoCommunity-rated, good for beginners
Bondpapers.co.ukEnglish, maths, reasoning4 sample papersNoReliable, aligns with CGP books
CGPbooks.co.uk11+ core subjects2 full mocksYesClear answer sheets, year 6 focused
Elevenplusexams.co.ukGL, CEM, ISEB Pre-test6 free downloadsPartialVaried difficulty, score calculator

Access papers by visiting each site and selecting free sections. For Atom Learning, register for instant digital exams; Exam Ninja offers direct PDF downloads with instructions. Check parental reviews for updates on Birmingham 11+ or Kent Test suitability.

Subject-Specific Practice

Specialised 11 plus practice papers prevent generic practice gaps. Parents should use diagnostic tests first to identify strengths and weaknesses. This targeted approach builds exam confidence for grammar school and independent school entrance exams.

Target weak areas: Maths (35% exam weight), English comprehension (25%), VR/NVR (40%). Focus on CEM Select, GL Assessment, and ISEB formats common in top schools like Queen Elizabeth, Latymer, and Sutton grammar. Year 5 and year 6 students benefit from topic tests and full papers.

Combine maths practice, English practice, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning with timed tests and mock exams. Parental reviews highlight books like CGP and Bond for exam technique and score calculators. Printable papers with answer sheets suit homeschooling and 11+ prep.

Progress from beginner level to advanced level using bundles and value packs. Exam day tips in success guides boost performance in Birmingham 11+, Trafford 11+, and Kent test. Adaptive tests and digital exams mirror real 11+ exam conditions.

Maths and English Papers

CGP Maths Target Questions (£8.95) covers arithmetic and shape; Bond English builds vocab via cloze tests. These 11+ practice papers offer specific topic focus for GL Assessment and CEM Select. Students tackle multiple choice and timed tests effectively.

Maths BooksKey FeaturesTopic Breakdown
CGP Target200+ questions, 10 full papers, difficulty progression from beginner to exam readyArithmetic 40%, Geometry 25%, data handling, number series
Bond SATs8 mock exams, mark schemes, printable papersShape space, arithmetic, problem solving
Exam Ninja12 papers, score calculator, exam technique tipsGeometry 25%, data handling, advanced arithmetic

English papers match this structure with comprehension heavy focus. RSL Papers provide 15 full tests for SPaG and vocab. Use half papers for quick revision in year 6.

English BooksKey FeaturesTopic Breakdown
CGP Comprehension200+ questions, 9 papers, answer sheetsComprehension 50%, SPaG 30%, synonyms/antonyms
Bond Vocab10 workbooks, cloze tests, timed mocksVocabulary building, comprehension passages
RSL Papers15 premium papers, PDF downloads, parental reviewsSPaG 30%, comprehension 50%, exam day tips

Integrate these for 11+ exam prep at schools like Henrietta Barnett, Wilson School, and St Olave's. Topic tests target weak spots, while full papers simulate Nonsuch and Wallington tests. Coaching materials and tuition resources enhance confidence.

Digital Practice Platforms

Atom Learning (£59/mo) offers 5,000+ adaptive questions. Pamoja provides timed mocks with analytics. These platforms suit 11+ prep for CEM and GL assessment exams.

Parents choose digital platforms for online tests and progress tracking. They offer maths practice, english practice, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. Adaptive tests adjust difficulty to build exam technique.

Key features include mock exams, score calculators, and detailed reports. Students in year 5 and year 6 benefit from timed tests mimicking grammar school entrance exams. Parental reviews highlight confidence building through regular practice.

Compare platforms below to find the best fit for Birmingham 11+, Trafford 11+, or Kent test. Look for question banks covering comprehension, vocabulary, and spatial reasoning. Start with free trials where available.

PlatformCostQuestion BankAdaptive?ReportsBest For
Atom Learning£59/mo5000+YesProgress trackingCEM
Bond OnlineFree trial/£4.99/mo1000+NoGLBeginners
ExamPapersPlus£29/yr2000+YesBirminghamAdaptive drills
Pamoja£49/mo3000+YesAnalyticsMock exams
Explore Learning£25/mo2000+NoDetailed feedbackVerbal reasoning

Study Strategies with Papers

Complete 1 full mock weekly + 3 topic tests; review errors same day using mark schemes. This approach builds exam technique for the 11+ entrance exam. Parents find it effective for grammar school and selective school preparation.

Use best 11 plus practice papers like CEM practice, GL Assessment, and Bond papers. Focus on timed tests to mimic real conditions in maths practice, English practice, and verbal reasoning. Track progress with score calculators for steady improvement.

A 7-step weekly strategy keeps year 5 and year 6 students organised. It includes diagnostic tests, targeted drills, and rest to avoid burnout. Combine with CGP books and printable papers for homeschooling or 11+ tutor sessions.

Follow a 12-week plan targeting consistent scores, inspired by Sutton Grammar 2023 trends. Start with beginner level papers and progress to advanced level mocks like those for Latymer or Henrietta Barnett. This method boosts confidence for top schools such as Queen Elizabeth or Wilson School.

7-Step Weekly Strategy

Follow this structured weekly plan with 11+ practice papers and past papers. It balances practice, review, and rest for optimal results.

  1. 1Diagnostic test (Sat AM): Take a full timed mock from GL Assessment or CEM Select packs to spot weaknesses in arithmetic or non-verbal reasoning.
  2. 2Weak topic papers (Mon-Wed): Do targeted topic tests on comprehension, vocabulary, or shape space using CGP books or Bond papers.
  3. 3Full timed mock (Fri): Simulate exam day with multiple choice papers for verbal reasoning or cloze tests from Sutton Grammar style packs.
  4. 4Mark/review (Sat PM): Use mark schemes and answer sheets to analyse errors immediately, focusing on exam technique.
  5. 5Technique drills (Sun AM): Practice synonyms, antonyms, number series, or spatial reasoning with short, printable papers.
  6. 6Rest day (Sun PM): Allow recovery to build confidence and prevent fatigue before the next cycle.
  7. 7Track scores (weekly): Log results in an Excel calculator to monitor gains in maths practice or English practice.

This cycle uses mock exams and half papers effectively. Adjust based on parental reviews for Birmingham 11+ or Kent test prep.

12-Week Plan to High Scores

Build towards exam-ready performance with this 12-week plan using premium papers and bundles. Aim for steady progress in full papers and topic tests.

Weeks 1-4: Focus on beginner level diagnostics and weak areas like data handling or mechanical reasoning. Use free downloads and online tests for daily drills.

Weeks 5-8: Increase timed mocks with ISEB Pre-test or Trafford 11+ styles. Review with score calculators to refine technique.

Weeks 9-12: Tackle advanced level papers mirroring Nonsuch, Wallington, or St Olave's exams. Incorporate adaptive tests and digital exams for variety.

Reference Sutton Grammar 2023 patterns for realistic pacing. Parents report success combining workbooks, revision books, and exam day tips for pass 11+ results.

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