How different are 11 Plus exams by region?

Overview of 11 Plus Exams

The 11 Plus exam, taken by over 250,000 Year 6 pupils annually across the UK, determines entry to approximately 163 grammar schools in England and hundreds of independent schools.

These eleven plus tests follow a standard format with four core subjects: Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Parents register in September-October, with exams typically in November, though dates vary by region.

Exam providers like GL Assessment and CEM set the papers, offering multiple choice or standard format questions on numeracy, comprehension, vocabulary, and spatial reasoning. The Department for Education lists grammar schools, while provider sites share details on question types and timing.

Pass rates sit at 20-25% nationally, making preparation key through practice papers, mock exams, and tuition. Families in selective areas like Kent or Birmingham focus on region-specific 11+ forums for tips on exam techniques and time management.

National Purpose and Timing

11+ exams serve as selective entrance tests for grammar schools (163 in England) and independent schools, with registration typically 4-6 weeks before exams held in early September to mid-October.

Timeline starts with registration in August-October, followed by tests from September 7 to October 20 across UK regions. Results arrive in October-November, with appeal windows of two weeks post-results.

• Kent Test: September 7
• Birmingham 11+: September 17
• Trafford 11+: September 21

Pass marks range from 109-121 scaled scores, varying by county like Buckinghamshire or Lincolnshire. Parents use score calculators and regional guides to track progress, checking test centres and sample papers early.

Key Regional Differences

England's 38 local authorities use 3 main providers, GL Assessment, CEM Select, and Independent, creating format variations that affect preparation strategies.

These regional differences in 11 Plus exams mean parents must tailor practice to specific exam boards like GL papers or CEM exams. For instance, multiple choice exams dominate in some UK regions, while others favour long-form answers.

A comparison table highlights variations in subjects tested, format, and sample schools. Knowing these helps with targeted tuition and mock exams.

Pass rates differ widely, such as Birmingham 22%, Kent 36%, and Trafford 27%, influencing the selection process for grammar schools.

Use this table to compare county variations and adjust practice papers accordingly. Experts recommend focusing on question types unique to each region, like spatial reasoning in CEM exams.

London and South East

London boroughs like Barnet, Redbridge, and Sutton rely on GL Assessment multiple-choice format, serving 12 selective grammars including Henrietta Barnett (pass mark 115+) and Latymer Upper.

In Barnet, the 11 Plus exams use GL papers with two tests on October 12. Parents register early through the borough site, and practice focuses on timed multiple-choice questions.

Redbridge follows GL with MCQ format on September 28, emphasising verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Results come quickly, helping with secondary school applications.

Sutton Scheme offers a single two-hour exam blending English and maths. Families prepare using official Sutton practice materials for this consortium exam.

Essex standalone grammars set their own tests, varying by school like Colchester Royal. Check individual sites for dates and formats.

The Kent Test is separate, with one paper covering multiple skills. Kent 11+ registration opens in June for September exams, targeting county grammars.

GL Assessment Dominance

GL Assessment powers most London and South East 11+ exams with four standardised multiple-choice papers: English (25min), Maths (25min), Verbal (25min), Non-Verbal (25min).

Each paper has 100 questions with four options, converting raw scores to a scaled score where 110 is standard. Parents use score calculators from practice tests to predict outcomes.

English covers comprehension and vocabulary, like identifying main ideas in a passage or synonyms. Maths tests numeracy and arithmetic, such as solving "If 3 apples cost 90p, how much for 5?".

• Verbal Reasoning (VR): Synonyms, anagrams, word relationships.
• Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR): Patterns, series, spatial puzzles like rotating shapes.

Practice GL papers build speed, with experts recommending weekly mocks for time management. Focus on weak areas like NVR patterns through targeted tuition.

North West (CEM Regions)

Trafford and Birmingham use CEM Select's long-form written format emphasising verbal reasoning, with Altrincham Grammars accepting top 25% scorers from 3,500+ applicants.

Trafford runs its 11 Plus exams in September with three papers. Birmingham follows a similar CEM approach in September. Both regions prioritise comprehension skills over rote vocabulary memorisation.

Wirral operates a standalone CEM exam, while Lancashire mixes CEM and GL elements. This creates regional differences in the North West. Parents should check specific grammar school requirements early.

CEM exams differ from GL Assessment papers by using written answers instead of multiple choice questions. There is no negative marking, which encourages thoughtful responses. Practice helps build confidence in this format.

Verbal Reasoning Focus

CEM North West exams allocate 45% weighting to verbal reasoning with cloze procedure, word pairs, and comprehension passages averaging 400 words each.

The VR paper has three sections with 50 questions total over 60 minutes. Formats include synonyms where children choose the correct meaning, long comprehension passages of 5-7 paragraphs, and mathematical VR puzzles. This tests deeper understanding.

Aim for 1.2 minutes per question on average during practice. Use timing strategies like skipping tough questions first. Books such as Bond CEM VR provide targeted exercises for these question types.

• Practice cloze procedures by filling gaps in sentences.
• Tackle word pairs to identify relationships like opposites or synonyms.
• Analyse comprehension passages for main ideas and inferences.

Midlands Variations

Birmingham's 8 grammars use CEM (22% pass rate), while Warwickshire/Worcestershire employ GL-hybrid formats serving King Edward VI schools. These regional differences in the Midlands mean parents must tailor preparation to specific exam boards. Understanding these variations helps focus on relevant practice papers.

In Birmingham grammar schools, the CEM format tests verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and maths in one paper. Families often start tuition early to master CEM Select style questions. Mock exams at local test centres build familiarity with timing.

Warwickshire's 4 grammars use GL papers, emphasising English comprehension and vocabulary alongside numeracy. Parents compare eleven plus formats across counties to choose the right resources. Practice with GL Assessment sample papers improves exam techniques.

Buckinghamshire stands out with its own Bucks Test, blending GL elements for 13 schools. Lincolnshire limits grammar entry to one school using CEM. These county variations affect registration dates and school catchment priorities.

This table highlights Midlands variations in 11+ exams, aiding comparison of providers and dates. Parents use such charts on forums like Mumsnet for insights. Regional guides recommend matching practice to the county's question types.

Northern England Formats

Northern grammar clusters in Yorkshire, Tyneside, and Cumbria use mixed CEM/GL with unique features like Tameside's creative writing component.

These 11 Plus exams often blend CEM Select and GL papers, focusing on maths, English, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. Parents should check specific grammar schools for exact formats, as regional differences affect preparation.

In Yorkshire, exams may include spatial reasoning questions unique to the area. Practice with mixed practice papers helps children adapt to varying question types and timing.

Tyneside tests emphasise comprehension and vocabulary, while Cumbria adds local twists. Use mock exams to build time management skills for these eleven plus variations.

Scotland and Independent Areas

Scotland's 33 comprehensives use no standard 11+, while Northern Ireland's transfer test (3,000 annual takers) employs GL/CEM hybrids. In Scotland, children enter secondary school at age 12 without any selective eleven plus exam. This contrasts sharply with England's grammar school systems.

Northern Ireland's Transfer Test serves as the main selective tool for grammar schools. It features two papers, each 90 minutes long, with a pass mark of 100. Parents register early via AQE or GL providers for these year 6 exams.

Independent schools often use the ISEB Pre-Test or Common Entrance at age 11 or 12. These adaptive tests cover English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. The Isle of Man runs its own unique 11+ system with local papers, while St Helena has a distinct selective process tied to its remote location.

Preparation varies by region. Scottish families focus on broad primary education, NI parents practise GL papers and CEM exams, and independent applicants use ISEB resources. Check regional guides for test centres and dates.

Non-Standard Tests

Independent schools use ISEB Common Pre-Test (45min adaptive VR/NVR/Maths/English) while NI Transfer Test combines GL Maths + CEM English. These differ from standard 11+ exams in England, which are often paper-based and multiple choice. Adaptive formats adjust difficulty on the fly for precise scoring.

Channel Islands have unique formats, like Jersey's GL-style papers or Guernsey's custom tests. NI options come from AQE or GL Assessment providers, with two papers testing numeracy, comprehension and vocabulary. Practice with provider-specific sample papers builds familiarity.

• ISEB: Computer-adaptive, 60 minutes total across subjects, national marking.
• NI Transfer: Paper-based, 90 minutes per paper, regional standards.
• Isle of Man: Local multiple choice exams, focuses on spatial reasoning and English.

For preparation, experts recommend CGP books for ISEB and past practice papers for NI. Attend mock exams to master time management. Join parent forums like Mumsnet for regional tips on tuition and score calculators.

Preparation Implications

Regional format differences demand targeted prep: GL students need MCQ speed drills (1.5min/question), CEM pupils require long-form essay practice (250 words/20min). Parents must match resources to exam boards like GL Assessment or CEM Select. This approach builds exam techniques suited to regional standards.

A preparation matrix helps organise efforts across UK regions. It outlines core focus areas, recommended resources, and mock exam schedules for grammar schools and independent schools. Use this to tailor plans for areas like Kent, Birmingham, or Trafford.

Experts recommend a 6-month timeline starting in Year 5 spring. Begin with baseline mocks, move to topic drills in summer, then full practice papers in autumn. Budget typically ranges from £800-£2,500 covering books, tuition, and mocks; research suggests regular mocks boost readiness for pass marks.

6-Month Timeline

Month 1-2: Assess with sample papers from your region, like Kent Test or Trafford 11+. Identify weak spots in verbal reasoning or non-verbal reasoning. Enrol in local tuition if needed.

Month 3-4: Focus on time management drills, such as GL MCQs or CEM long comprehension. Use online courses for vocabulary and spatial reasoning. Track progress with weekly quizzes.

Month 5-6: Ramp up mock exams at test centres, mimicking exam dates. Review errors thoroughly. Practice under timed conditions for selective schools like Henrietta Barnett or Latymer.

Budget Breakdown

Books and past papers cost £200-£400, essential for GL papers or CEM exams. Tuition runs £30-£60/hour for 1-2 sessions weekly in regions like Sutton or Lincolnshire. Online platforms add £100-£300.

Mock exams total £300-£800 depending on numbers, vital for Birmingham grammar schools or Warwickshire 11+. Parent forums like Mumsnet suggest group sessions to cut costs. Factor in travel to test centres.

Pass Rate Insights

Parents on 11+ forums report higher success with structured mocks versus self-study alone. Regular practice aligns with qualifying scores in county variations. Focus on technique review post-mock.

For grammar schools, consistent mocks build stamina for year 6 exams. Experts recommend analysing patterns in maths or English sections. This targeted method suits regional differences in difficulty level.