Do all grammar schools use the same 11 Plus test?

Overview of the 11 Plus Exam

The 11 Plus exam, taken by over 100,000 children annually across 163 UK grammar schools, assesses verbal reasoning (VR), numerical reasoning (NR), non-verbal reasoning (NVR), maths, and English through 45-60 minute papers depending on the region.

Grammar schools use tests from providers like GL Assessment or CEM. GL formats include four papers on English, maths, VR, and NVR, often with multiple choice questions. CEM uses two combined papers that adapt to the child's performance.

Core skills cover comprehension, vocabulary, spatial reasoning, and sequences. For VR, expect synonyms or analogies, like matching "happy" to "joyful". NR might involve number patterns, such as spotting the next in 2, 4, 8, 16.

DfE data on grammar school admissions highlights regional variations, with tests set by consortia or independent providers. Practice with familiarisation papers helps children understand time limits and formats before the real entrance exam.

GL Assessment Format

GL Assessment papers total around 2-3 hours, split into separate subjects. English tests comprehension and spelling, maths aligns with Key Stage 2 topics like fractions.

VR focuses on word relationships, NVR on shapes and patterns. Questions are typically multiple choice, scored to produce age-standardised scores.

Many county grammars, like those in Kent or Buckinghamshire, use this. Parents can access practice papers from Bond or CGP to build familiarity.

Exam centres host these paper-based tests, with strict invigilation for security. Review school prospectuses for exact test dates and registration.

CEM Format

CEM tests from Durham University feature two papers blending skills. They adapt difficulty based on answers, making them challenging for all levels.

Combined maths and English appear alongside reasoning. No separate VR or NVR, but skills overlap in adaptive questions.

Used in areas like Birmingham and Trafford grammars. Computer-based tests are common, testing speed under time pressure.

Preparation involves mock tests to simulate adaptation. Check admissions policies for catchment area rules post-exam.

Regional and School Variations

Not all grammar schools share tests, leading to consortium exams or school-specific ones. London and Barnet grammars often mix GL with local tweaks.

Shared tests reduce costs, but formats differ. Some include creative writing, others pure reasoning.

DfE guides list providers per school. Attend open days to clarify scoring systems like percentile ranks.

Equal opportunities apply, with reasonable adjustments for SEND. Oversubscription uses pass marks, siblings, or random allocation.

Regional Differences in 11 Plus Tests

11 Plus tests vary significantly by region, with GL Assessment dominating grammar schools in areas like Birmingham and Trafford while CEM covers regions such as Kent and Lincolnshire, affecting preparation strategy.

These regional variations matter because families must tailor exam prep to specific test providers, question types, and time limits. Using the wrong practice papers can leave children underprepared for verbal reasoning or spatial reasoning sections unique to certain areas.

Understanding your catchment area helps select relevant mock tests and familiarisation papers early. Parents should check school prospectuses for admissions policy details on oversubscription criteria like sibling priority or pupil premium.

GL Assessment Regions

GL Assessment serves 100+ schools in West Midlands (16 Birmingham grammars), Greater Manchester (Trafford's 8 schools), and Barnet, using 4 standardized multiple-choice papers totaling 2.5 hours.

The format includes English (50 questions/25 minutes), Maths (50 questions/25 minutes), verbal reasoning (VR, 80 questions/40 minutes), and non-verbal reasoning (NVR, 80 questions/40 minutes). These age-standardised scores adjust for pupil age, with 2023 pass marks around 110+ for selective admission.

Families in GL regions should practise with GL familiarisation papers to master multiple choice questions on vocabulary, comprehension, and numerical reasoning. Attend school open days to learn about test centres and registration process.

• West Midlands: 16 schools
• North West: 23 schools
• London (Barnet): Several grammars
• Other: Hertfordshire, Warwickshire

CEM (Durham) Regions

CEM tests, developed by Durham University, cover Kent (38 schools), Bucks (13 schools), and Lincolnshire, featuring 2x60-minute untimed papers with adaptive difficulty and no separate subject papers.

Each paper mixes Maths, NVR, and verbal skills with 75-85 questions, emphasising comprehension-heavy verbal reasoning over pure VR, plus spatial reasoning. Pass marks hit 111+ in Kent 2023 data, using percentile scoring for fairness.

Prep focuses on Key Stage 2 curriculum coverage like extended reading passages and unseen vocabulary. Use CEM familiarisation PDFs for mock tests, noting no strict time limits allow thoughtful answers.

Check admissions policy for waiting lists and appeal process in oversubscribed areas. Experts recommend regular practice to build stamina for mixed question types.

Other Test Providers

Smaller providers like AlphaPlus (15 London independents), school-consortium tests (Medway), and independent school exams use custom formats including CGP/Bond-style papers and computer-adaptive testing.

These differ from GL or CEM with bespoke elements like English and Maths essays or reasoning. Registration deadlines vary, often earlier for state grammar schools, so review each prospectus.

Unique features include paper-based tests or SEND provisions like reasonable adjustments. Parents can access free practice resources aligned with Bond or CGP books for these regional variations.

Independent Grammar School Tests

163 state-funded grammar schools use 11 Plus vs 40+ independent grammars creating bespoke tests, often 3 papers (Eng 50min, Maths 50min, Reasoning 40min) with higher cut-offs (top 10%). Independent schools design their own entrance exams, differing from the standardised GL or CEM tests in state grammars. Parents must check each school's admissions policy for specifics.

These school-specific tests typically include English, maths, and reasoning sections. Some add interviews or creative writing tasks. Cut-off scores often exceed those of state schools, reflecting selective admission criteria.

Preparation involves practising with school-specific practice papers or general 11+ resources like Bond or CGP books. Attend school open days to understand the format. Experts recommend familiarising children with time limits through mock tests.

Registration happens earlier, often in the summer term of Year 5. Fees apply for these independent school tests. Reference ISC census data shows growth in such selective independent provision within the UK education system.

Key Differences from State Grammar Tests

State grammar schools rely on GL Assessment or CEM for their 11 Plus, with pass marks around 110-121 standardised scores. Independent grammars use bespoke tests, often with multiple papers and higher competition. This leads to regional variations in test formats.

Consortium exams exist in some areas, but independents prefer custom designs covering verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. Interviews assess broader skills beyond exam scores. Parents should review prospectuses for oversubscription criteria like sibling priority.

Preparation Tips for Independent 11+ Exams

Focus on multiple choice questions and comprehension in English, alongside maths from Key Stage 2 curriculum. Practise spatial reasoning and vocabulary for reasoning papers. Use free practice resources or hire an 11 Plus tutor for targeted coaching.

Simulate exam conditions with mock tests respecting time limits, such as 50 minutes for maths. Discuss exam preparation strategies at school open days. Reasonable adjustments are available for SEND provisions.

Consortium and Shared Tests

16 consortia covering 75+ schools share tests to standardise selection. Families benefit from one score serving multiple grammars and central registration via GL or CEM platforms. This setup simplifies the 11 Plus test process for selective admission.

Consortia reduce preparation stress by using a single entrance exam for several state grammar schools. Parents register once through county systems, avoiding multiple applications. Schools apply common oversubscription criteria like catchment area and sibling priority.

Shared tests cover verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning, often alongside maths and English. Families prepare with practice papers from exam boards like GL Assessment or CEM. Regional variations exist, but the format promotes fairness.

Experts recommend attending school open days to understand consortium specifics. Check the admissions policy for details on pass marks and waiting lists. This approach supports access to top secondary education in the UK system.

Examples of Consortia

The Kent Test serves 38 schools with a single CEM paper at 400+ centres. Registration runs from June to September, the test occurs on 20 September, and results arrive on 1 October. It includes multiple choice questions in English, maths, and reasoning.

Birmingham GL Consortium covers 16 schools like Alcester and King Edward VI grammars using a GL 4-paper format. Families register centrally, preparing for time limits on verbal, numerical, and non-verbal sections. This shared test standardises entry to Birmingham grammars.

Use mock tests and familiarisation papers for these consortia to build exam confidence. Note regional variations in test centres and scoring systems. Parental guidance on free practice resources from CGP or Bond helps with Key Stage 2 coverage.

Content Variations Across Tests

GL Assessment emphasises pure reasoning with VR at 20% and NVR at 20%, while CEM prioritises comprehension with 40% verbal reasoning and 15% spatial elements. Question counts vary from 50-80 per section across these formats. This setup reflects how grammar schools tailor their 11 Plus test to specific skills.

GL tests split into four distinct sections: English, verbal reasoning (VR), numerical reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning (NVR). English often makes up around 25% with comprehension and vocabulary focus. VR questions might ask for synonyms, like matching "happy" to "joyful".

CEM integrates skills into fewer papers, blending verbal comprehension at 40% with reasoning. Spatial reasoning appears in 3D rotation tasks, where pupils rotate shapes mentally. This tests integrated thinking under time limits.

Independent schools craft custom tests with unique weightings, often heavy on comprehension passages. A typical question might involve analysing a short story extract for inference. Parents should check each selective school's admissions policy for exact formats.

GL Assessment Breakdown

GL provides separate papers for each skill in many state grammar schools, like those in Kent or Buckinghamshire. English tests spelling and grammar alongside reading. VR focuses on word patterns and codes.

Numerical reasoning mirrors Key Stage 2 maths but adds logic puzzles. NVR uses shapes and sequences, avoiding language bias. Practice with GL practice papers from Bond or CGP builds familiarity.

Tests are usually multiple choice with strict time limits per section. Scores convert to age-standardised percentiles for fair comparison. Attend open days to learn regional variations.

CEM Format Details

CEM, used by consortiums like Birmingham grammars, combines topics into two main papers. Verbal reasoning dominates at 40%, testing comprehension and vocabulary in context. Spatial questions challenge with 3D cube rotations.

Maths and non-verbal elements integrate seamlessly, with 50-80 questions total. This standardised test reduces coaching advantages through unfamiliar formats. Use mock tests for timed practice.

Computer-based options exist in some areas, adapting difficulty. Check exam dates and test centres via school prospectuses. Familiarisation papers help ease 11 Plus stress.

Independent and Custom Tests

Independent schools and some grammars design bespoke entrance exams, varying weights like heavy comprehension passages. Questions probe deeper analysis, such as themes in a poem excerpt. This suits their selective admission criteria.

Formats mix paper-based and adaptive styles, often with essays or open answers. Trafford or Barnet grammars exemplify school-specific tests. Review past papers if available for preparation.

Weightings prioritise curriculum coverage over pure reasoning. Consider 11 Plus tutors for tailored coaching. Always verify oversubscription criteria like catchment area or sibling priority.

Preparation Implications

Tailored prep saves time for grammar school entrance exams. GL students need CGP multiple-choice books; CEM requires Bond comprehension; consortia demand speed practice for many questions per hour. This targeted approach matches the 11 Plus test formats from different exam boards.

Follow a clear preparation roadmap by test type. For GL Assessment, use CGP 10-11 books and complete 20 practice papers focusing on verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. CEM prep involves Bond Assessment Papers with 15 mocks to build skills in maths, English, and comprehension.

Consortium exams call for past papers x3 and timing drills to handle regional variations. Aim for 200-300 practice questions per week across all types to simulate exam conditions. Include verbal reasoning, spatial reasoning, and vocabulary exercises tied to Key Stage 2 curriculum.

Parental guidance helps with mock tests at home, mimicking test centres and time limits. Experts recommend familiarisation papers early to reduce 11 Plus stress. Adjust for SEND provisions or reasonable adjustments as per school admissions policy.

Resources Table

Use this table to select resources for 11+ exam preparation. Combine books with free practice resources for comprehensive coverage. Track progress with percentile ranks from mock scores to aim for pass marks in selective schools.

Finding Specific School Requirements

Use 5 key resources to uncover school-specific details: school prospectus PDFs, GL and CEM school lists, county admissions portals, 11plusexams.co.uk database, and school open days in September-October. These tools help parents navigate regional variations in 11 Plus tests across grammar schools. Start by pinpointing your target selective schools.

Grammar schools often use different test providers like GL Assessment, CEM, or consortium exams, affecting question types in verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. County admissions portals reveal oversubscription criteria, catchment areas, and sibling priority. Open days provide insights into test format and preparation tips directly from staff.

Follow these numbered steps for thorough research to ensure your child targets the right practice papers and mock tests.

1. 1Identify target schools using grammarschools.co.uk, which lists over 160 grammar schools.
2. 2Check county admissions sites, such as kcc.gov.uk for Kent grammars.
3. 3Download prospectuses from school websites for exam details and admissions policy.
4. 4Note registration windows, typically June to October, to avoid missing deadlines.
5. 5Verify the test provider per school, like CEM for Birmingham grammars or GL for Buckinghamshire.

Use this checklist for each school: test date, oversubscription criteria, sibling priority. Confirm details on test centres, paper-based or computer-based tests, and reasonable adjustments for SEND provisions.

Understanding Test Providers and Formats

Each grammar school selects its 11 Plus test provider, such as GL Assessment or CEM, leading to variations in multiple choice questions and time limits. GL tests often cover maths, English, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning with age-standardised scores. CEM uses adaptive tests focusing on vocabulary, comprehension, and spatial reasoning.

Some areas feature consortium exams, like shared tests for Trafford grammars or Barnet grammars. Paper-based tests remain common in Kent, while computer-based options appear in London grammars. Always check for familiarisation papers to match the scoring system and percentile rank.

Navigating Admissions Criteria

Oversubscription criteria determine selective admission, prioritising looked after children, pupil premium, and random allocation in ties. Sibling priority and catchment area play key roles in county grammars. Review the prospectus for details on pass marks and waiting lists.

Registration processes vary, with exam dates set by local authorities. Note appeal processes for unsuccessful candidates. Parental guidance from open days clarifies equal opportunities and test accessibility.