Can my child retake the 11 Plus?

What is the 11 Plus Exam?

The 11 Plus exam, taken by Year 6 pupils (age 10-11), assesses suitability for grammar schools through 4 core sections: English (25-30 questions), Maths (30 questions), Verbal Reasoning (80 questions), and Non-Verbal Reasoning (80 questions), lasting 2-2.5 hours total. This selective school exam helps determine secondary school admission. Parents often start 11+ preparation in Year 5.

DfE data lists 163 grammar schools in England, with an average 30% pass rate. The exam varies by region and provider. Common formats include GL Assessment and CEM styles.

GL Assessment uses multiple choice questions, popular nationally at about 50% of tests. CEM exams feature longer comprehension passages, common in the North. Regional providers like CSSE and SET set their own papers.

Practice with CGP 11+ books offers example papers for CSSE and SET. These match real tests in areas like Kent or Essex. Experts recommend 11+ mock exams to build familiarity.

Standard Rules for Retaking the 11 Plus

Most grammar school consortia allow only one 11+ attempt per child, but some selective areas permit retakes under specific conditions like illness or school transfer. The 1988 Education Reform Act sets a UK-wide default with no automatic retake rights. Parents often face confusion over regional 11+ rules.

Key exam boards enforce strict retake policies. GL Assessment bans retakes in the same year, while CEM Select limits options to appeals. CSSE allows just one lifetime attempt per child.

Understanding these helps with 11+ preparation. Check your local consortium early to avoid surprises. Parental forums like Mumsnet highlight common unawareness of these rules.

This table outlines major rules for grammar school entrance. Always verify with your local authority for 11+ registration details. Expert guidance recommends early checks on exam board rules.

Age and Year Group Limits

Children must be in Year 6 (born between 1 September 2011 and 31 August 2012 for 2024 exams) with no eligibility after September Year 7 start. Strict age cutoffs apply based on exam date. Test in September requires birth on or after 1 September 2012.

For October tests, the cutoff shifts to 1 October 2012. Exceptions include four-month early entry under GMCA rules or SEN accommodations. DfE guidance states no late birthdays after cut-off.

A real example is Birmingham 2023 rejecting a 12-year-old retaker. This shows how 11+ age limits block late attempts. Parents should confirm with their primary school early.

• Verify birth date against local 11+ deadline.
• Prepare for Year 5 mocks to test readiness.
• Seek 11+ tutoring if considering exceptions like illness.
• Explore alternatives like comprehensive schools if limits apply.

These steps ensure compliance with secondary school admission rules. Focus on 11+ practice papers within eligible years for best chances.

Regional Variations Across the UK

England has 36 selective grammar areas with wildly different retake policies. Kent allows appeals while Birmingham permits none. This creates confusion for families facing the 11+ exam.

In Kent Test areas, children can appeal low 11+ scores or join waiting lists. Birmingham's Queen Mary's Grammar enforces a strict no-retake rule after one attempt. Trafford limits pupils to one 11+ test per cycle.

Parents must check local authority guidelines early for 11+ registration and deadlines. Registration bodies vary, such as Kent's test provider versus Trafford's council process. Pass marks differ too, like 120 out of 141 in Kent.

Use resources like grammarsearch.co.uk for map data on these regional 11+ rules. This helps plan 11+ preparation and avoid surprises in Year 6.

Selective Areas (Grammar Schools)

23 local authorities have grammars: Kent with 38 schools and a standardised 121 score, Bucks with 13 schools at 121 combined, Trafford with 4 schools and no retake. Families need to grasp retake rules for each.

Sutton has 5 grammars where Wilson's School offers waiting lists after the 11+ test. Redbridge allows one attempt only across its grammars. Barnet's single test serves 5 grammars, simplifying but limiting 11+ retakes.

Review individual LA admissions codes for details on CEM exam or GL Assessment. Prepare with 11+ practice papers and mocks to meet score needs. Consult parent forums for 11+ advice on these areas.

Non-Selective Areas

Most of England has no grammars. London boroughs like Camden, Manchester, and comprehensive-only systems make the 11+ exam irrelevant for secondary places.

Major non-selective cities include London (many boroughs grammar-free), Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle. Admissions rely on distance criteria, often under 1 mile for offers.

• Sibling priority boosts chances for brothers or sisters already enrolled.
• Faith schools prioritise religious criteria.
• Headteacher assessment may apply in some cases.

With comprehensives dominant nationally, focus on strong primary school records. Explore independent schools or academic streaming as alternatives to grammar entry. Experts recommend early discussions with current schools for secondary school admission options.

Academic and Procedural Requirements

Retake eligibility requires original score ≥105/141 (GL scaled) plus headteacher recommendation. Procedural needs include illness evidence or school move post-September 1. These rules ensure fairness in the 11+ retake process for grammar school entrance.

Academic thresholds vary by exam board. For GL Assessment, children need 110+ standardised score. CEM exams require top 30% performance to qualify for retaking the 11 Plus.

Procedural requirements demand a GP note for medical issues or a school letter for moves. Headteachers assess cases individually, often considering exam anxiety or family circumstances. This supports children facing barriers in the selective school exam.

Schools may refuse retakes, with rates varying by region like Kent or Birmingham. Parents should check regional 11+ rules early. Preparing with 11+ practice papers helps meet these standards.

This score conversion table shows typical GL thresholds. Use it to gauge 11+ results for retake chances. Focus on 11+ tutoring to boost scores next time.

Academic Thresholds

Meeting academic thresholds is key for child retake 11 Plus. GL requires 110+ standardised, while CEM targets top 30%. These ensure only suitable candidates proceed to grammar school.

For Year 6 pupils, raw scores convert to standardised marks. A raw 75/120 equals 110 GL, hitting the minimum. Practice verbal reasoning and numerical reasoning to reach this.

CSSE or SET exams have unique pass marks. Check exam board rules for Buckinghamshire or Trafford. 11+ mock exams reveal if your child meets the bar.

Low initial scores from stress prompt retakes. Experts recommend 11+ coaching post-failure. This builds confidence for secondary school admission.

Procedural Requirements

Procedural requirements include headteacher approval and evidence. Submit GP notes for illness or letters for school changes after September 1. This upholds retake policy integrity.

Parents must register by 11+ deadline, paying exam fees. Late entries need compassionate grounds like bereavement. Local authorities oversee consortium exams in areas like Sutton.

Contact schools for headteacher assessment. Provide details on exam accommodations for dyslexia or ADHD. This aids fair 11+ resit access.

Track school specific rules in Redbridge or Barnet. Parental forums offer insights on approvals. Prepare documentation early for smooth processing.

Registration Process for Retakes

Retake registration mirrors first attempt: Apply via school or local authority by June 30 deadline, £20-£85 fee, submit within 14 days of appeal approval. Parents must follow a clear sequence to secure a spot for their child's 11+ retake. This ensures eligibility for grammar school entrance in selective areas.

First, appeal the original result within 7 days of receiving 11+ scores. Contact the testing body or local authority promptly with any concerns about the 11+ score or process. This step opens the door for a potential retake.

Next, submit medical evidence to the local authority if illness affected performance. Include a GP letter detailing the issue during the 11+ test. Approval here is key for compassionate retakes.

Then, register through the school portal like Unicom or MIS. Pay the fee, such as £52 in Kent or £85 in Bucks. Expect confirmation within 4 weeks.

1. 1Appeal original result within 7 days.
2. 2Submit medical evidence to local authority.
3. 3Register via school portal (Unicom/MIS).
4. 4Pay registration fee (£52 Kent, £85 Bucks).
5. 5Receive confirmation in 4 weeks.

Common errors include missing GP signature on evidence, leading to rejections. Double-check all documents for 11+ registration. Consult parent forums for regional tips on retaking 11 Plus.

Deadlines and Fees

Standard deadline is June 30; late entry £25 surcharge until July 31; compassionate retakes for illness or death accepted until test date with evidence. These rules vary by area for the 11+ retake. Families in Kent or Bucks face specific timelines.

Registration often opens April 15 and closes June 28 in areas like Bucks. Check your local authority 11+ website for the 2024 calendar. Missing deadlines risks missing grammar school places.

Fees depend on the region and entry type. For example, Kent charges £12 for standard registration, while Birmingham is £70. Trafford offers free retakes via school in some cases.

Pay promptly to avoid extras. For compassionate retakes, gather evidence like bereavement letters early. This supports children facing exam anxiety or illness during the original selective school exam.

Preparation Strategies for Retakes

Focus on a 12-week targeted practice plan for your child's 11+ retake: complete 3x weekly mocks using Atom Learning, schedule tutor sessions for 2 hours per week at around £40 per hour, and prioritise drills in weak areas like verbal reasoning or non-verbal reasoning with Bond 11+ books.

This structured approach helps build confidence for the grammar school entrance exam. Parents often see progress by addressing specific gaps in English 11+ or maths 11+ early. Adjust based on your child's 11+ results from the first attempt.

Incorporate daily practice with 11+ practice papers from CGP, which many families find effective for familiarising with GL Assessment or CEM exam formats. Combine this with online platforms like PreTest for adaptive questions. Track improvement through weekly reviews to stay on course for the 11+ pass mark.

For 11+ tutoring, use directories averaging £35 per hour in Greater London to find local experts familiar with regional rules like Kent 11+ or Birmingham 11+. Experts recommend balancing practice with rest to reduce exam anxiety. This plan suits Year 6 pupils aiming for state grammar or independent schools.

12-Week Preparation Plan

This 12-week plan divides preparation into clear phases for selective school exams. Start with diagnostics to identify weaknesses in areas like non-verbal reasoning. Parents report better focus when following such timelines.

During weeks 1-4, use diagnostics to pinpoint issues from prior low 11+ score. Dedicate time to English comprehension and spelling. Resources like CGP papers help simulate real test conditions.

Weeks 5-8 target maths and verbal reasoning, common in CSSE or SET exams. Practice mental arithmetic and code-breaking questions daily. Integrate tutor sessions for personalised 11+ coaching.

Final weeks emphasise mocks and NVR, vital for Trafford 11+ or Sutton 11+. Analyse every mock to improve 11+ score. This builds stamina for the full eleven plus duration.

Recommended Resources

Choose accessible tools for 11+ preparation like CGP Practice Papers, PreTest Online at £12 per month, and tutors via 11+ Tutors Directory averaging £35 per hour in Greater London. Bond 11+ books support drills in VR and NVR. These fit various budgets for retaking 11 Plus.

• CGP Practice Papers: Ideal for English and maths, with detailed answers for self-marking.
• PreTest Online: Adaptive questions for CEM exam style, tracking progress over time.
• Bond 11+ Books: Affordable drills for verbal and non-verbal reasoning, suited to Year 5 starters.
• Atom Learning: Weekly mocks to mimic real 11+ mock exams.

Match resources to your area's exam board rules, such as multiple choice 11+ in Barnet or Redbridge. Combine books with online practice for comprehensive coverage. Discuss options on parent forums for real experiences.

For children with special needs 11+ like dyslexia, seek exam accommodations early. Tutors can tailor sessions to ADHD needs. This ensures fair preparation for secondary school admission.

Potential Benefits and Risks

Benefits of a 11+ retake include possible score gains and securing a grammar school place. Parents often see academic improvements after targeted preparation. This can open doors to selective education.

Risks involve heightened exam anxiety and additional costs for tutoring or practice materials. Mental health concerns arise from repeated pressure. Families must weigh these against potential rewards.

A pros and cons table helps compare key factors. Consider your child's readiness before deciding on a retake.

Research suggests stress from the 11+ exam can affect cortisol levels. The Royal College of Paediatrics notes elevated cortisol from 11+ pressure. Balance this with gains from 11+ coaching.

Alternatives to Retaking

Top alternatives include independent school entry exams like 13+ Common Entrance, grammar waiting lists with late offers, high-performing comprehensives such as Wilson’s School for siblings, or acceleration programs.

These options help families avoid the stress of an 11+ retake while pursuing selective education. Parents often worry about exam anxiety after a low 11+ score, but paths like waiting lists or sibling priority provide second chances. Consider your child's strengths in verbal reasoning or maths when choosing.

Grammar school waiting lists can open up unexpectedly, especially in areas like Barnet or Sutton. For instance, Queen Elizabeth Barnet offered 18 places in 2023 from their list. Check school-specific retake policies and local authority rules early.

High-performing comprehensives offer academic streaming for gifted children, bypassing the 11+ test altogether. Acceleration programs, like those from Sutton Trust, build skills through online 11+ practice. Weigh costs and timelines against your family's needs for secondary school admission.

Alternatives Comparison

This table outlines key alternatives to retaking the 11 Plus. Families in regions like Kent or Trafford can use waiting lists after initial 11+ results. Selective comprehensives prioritise siblings at schools like Reading School.

Common Entrance suits those open to independent schools after a grammar failure. Online courses from Sutton Trust help improve numerical reasoning without exam pressure. Always verify regional 11+ rules for your area.