How many papers are in the 11 Plus?

Understanding the 11 Plus Exam

The 11 Plus exam is a selective entrance test for Year 6 pupils (age 10-11) aiming for grammar schools and some independent schools in the UK, typically administered in September-October with registration deadlines by June-July. It traces its roots to the 1944 Education Act, which introduced selective education. Today, it plays a key role in admissions to around 163 UK grammar schools.

Pass rates vary due to oversubscription at popular schools, making competition fierce. Key exam boards include GL Assessment with multiple-choice formats, CEM Select using standardised scoring, and CSSE featuring essay-style questions. These boards set the 11+ test format across regions.

Each year, about 250,000 students take the exam in areas like Kent with 2 papers, or Buckinghamshire requiring 4 papers. Tests cover subjects such as English paper, Maths paper, Verbal Reasoning paper, and Non-Verbal Reasoning paper. Families often use practice papers and past papers to prepare.

Exam structure differs by county, with variations in paper count and timing. For instance, Buckinghamshire 11+ involves multiple papers, while others like Kent 11+ use fewer. Understanding these regional differences helps with 11+ preparation.

What is the 11 Plus?

The 11+ tests cognitive abilities including verbal and non-verbal reasoning, literacy, and numeracy to identify suitable candidates for grammar school places. It assesses skills beyond classroom learning, focusing on reasoning skills and problem-solving. Pupils aim to demonstrate potential for selective education.

Each paper lasts 45-60 minutes, with formats like multiple-choice or short-answer questions. Scores use age-standardised systems, often converting raw marks to scaled scores around an average. Regions set their own aggregate thresholds for passing.

• Use 2B pencils, eraser, and ruler, but no calculators.
• Practice with timed papers to build speed and accuracy.
• Review mark schemes from sample papers to avoid common errors.

A common myth is that the exam suits only 'smart kids', but exam technique matters greatly. For example, carefully reading instructions prevents silly mistakes on multiple choice questions. Regular 11+ mock papers in test conditions boost confidence and readiness.

Standard Number of Papers

Most 11+ exams consist of 2-4 papers taken over 1-2 days, with GL regions typically using 4 separate tests while CEM often combines into 2 longer papers. GL Assessment sets a standard of 4 papers covering English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning (VR), and Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR), each lasting 45-50 minutes. This format appears in GL website guidelines and specimen materials.

CEM, developed by Durham University, favours 2 papers of 60 minutes each, blending multiple skills like maths, English, and reasoning. Regional adoption varies, with many 11+ areas following GL or CEM structures. Parents preparing for grammar school entrance should check local 11+ test format via school or council sites.

Understanding this paper count aids exam readiness. Practice with GL 11+ practice papers or CEM style tests builds familiarity. Timed sessions mimic real exam day papers, helping with time management in Buckinghamshire, Kent, or Trafford 11+ exams.

Selective schools like Tiffin School or Nonsuch High often align with these standards. Review past papers for subjects like the English paper or Maths paper. This approach supports Year 6 pupils transitioning to secondary school tests.

Typical Format: 2-4 Papers

GL 11+ exams feature 4 distinct 45-50 minute papers; CEM uses 2 comprehensive 60-minute papers; CSSE requires 3 papers including essay. In GL format, expect English at 50 minutes, Maths at 50 minutes, and VR split into two 25-minute sections, totalling around 2.5 hours. Official specimen papers from GL Assessment confirm this structure.

CEM Paper 1 covers Maths and English in 60 minutes, while Paper 2 focuses on reasoning skills, often with around 120 questions per paper. CSSE includes a 50-minute English paper, 60-minute Maths paper, and 25-minute essay. These vary by region, such as Berkshire or Wirral 11+.

GL VR papers typically have 80-100 questions on synonyms, analogies, or codes. Prepare using bond papers or CGP workbooks for multiple choice questions. Practice in test conditions with sharpened pencils and erasers for pencil and paper tests.

For 11+ preparation, do weekly 11+ mock papers to handle timed papers. Review mark schemes to avoid silly mistakes in numerical reasoning or spatial reasoning. This builds confidence for exams in Sutton grammars or Dartford Grammar.

Core Subjects and Papers

The four core 11+ subjects test distinct skills: English (literacy/comprehension), Maths (numeracy/problem-solving), Verbal Reasoning (vocabulary/logic), Non-Verbal Reasoning (spatial/pattern recognition). In most 11 Plus regions, these subjects carry equal weighting at 25% each. Schools aggregate total marks to determine pass thresholds.

Question types build on National Curriculum KS2 content with added reasoning challenges. Practice with Bond Papers or CGP books helps familiarise children with formats from GL Assessment or CEM exams. Timing varies by region, such as Buckinghamshire or Kent.

11+ papers often include multiple choice questions across four subjects. Parents should check school-specific details for county variations like Berkshire or Trafford. Mock papers simulate exam day conditions.

Preparation involves daily practice on practice papers and past papers. Review errors to build exam technique and speed. This structure applies to most grammar school entrance tests.

English Paper

English papers (45-50 minutes, 80-100 questions) test comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and spelling through passages (fiction/non-fiction), cloze tests, synonyms, and SPaG questions. Expect comprehension sections with 25-30 questions across 2-3 passages. Inferences and vocabulary make up key portions.

Common elements include SPaG tasks on spelling patterns and punctuation, around 15 questions. Vocabulary tests synonyms, antonyms, and analogies, such as 'Choose word closest to "benevolent" (A: kind B: cruel)'. Timing averages 30 seconds per question.

Practice with CGP 11+ English books matches typical distributions. Focus on non-fiction extracts and poetry for inference skills. Build vocabulary through daily reading and flashcards.

For 11+ preparation, do timed mocks weekly. Review mark schemes to spot patterns in errors. This boosts confidence for selective schools like Tiffin or Nonsuch High.

Maths Paper

Maths papers (45-50 minutes) cover KS2 curriculum plus problem-solving: arithmetic (40%), geometry/shapes (25%), data/measures (20%), reasoning (15%). No calculators allowed, so mental maths is essential. Questions span number, geometry, data, and sequences.

Number topics include fractions like 3/4 = 0.75, decimals, and BODMAS. Geometry covers angles (sum 180° in a triangle) and area/perimeter. Data handling involves mean, median, and pie charts.

Reasoning examples: sequences like 2, 4, 8, 16? or 'Train A 60mph, Train B 40mph, closing speed?'. Use Bond Maths 11+ books for topic breakdowns. Rulers may be allowed, but check regional rules.

Practice under tined conditions to improve speed and accuracy. Analyse mistakes with answer sheets. This prepares for grammar school tests in areas like Kent or Warwickshire.

Verbal Reasoning Paper

VR papers (20-25 minutes, 80-100 questions) test vocabulary/pattern recognition through codes, analogies, odd-one-out, synonyms, and letter/number sequences. High pressure with about 15 seconds per question. GL exams feature more codes, while CEM leans towards comprehension.

Code types: 'HELLO=25121515' find 'WORLD'. Analogies like 'Big:Small:: High:____ (Low)'. Odd one out: 'Cat Dog Horse Tiger Fish'.

Synonyms such as 'Brave=Courageous' and sequences like 'JFMAMJJASON_' build logic skills. Practice GL vs CEM differences with mixed packs. Vocabulary flashcards aid quick recall.

Do weekly 11+ mock papers in a quiet room. Focus on time management to avoid silly mistakes. This hones skills for schools like Dartford Grammar.

Non-Verbal Reasoning Paper

NVR papers (25-30 minutes) assess visual-spatial skills via patterns, rotations, matrices, folding cubes, and hidden shapes, no language required. Seven main types demand fast pattern spotting. It's the skill quickest to improve with practice.

Matrices involve 3x3 pattern completion. Shape rotation covers 90°/180° turns. Folding nets show dice faces, like 'Which cube face opposite 3?'.

Other types: hidden figures, block design, mirror images, series (growing/shrinking). Use CGP NVR books for visual aids. Daily puzzles build recognition speed.

Simulate exam conditions with sharpened pencils and eraser. Review patterns in errors. Essential for spatial reasoning in tests like those for Wilson's School.

Regional Variations in Paper Count

Paper numbers vary significantly: Kent and Birmingham (2 papers), Buckinghamshire and Trafford (4 papers), Sutton (2 maths + reasoning), CSSE Essex (3 papers).

Parents preparing for the 11 Plus must check regional variations early. Each area sets its own 11+ test format, affecting the number of papers and subjects. This influences 11+ preparation strategies and practice with past papers.

Registration dates differ too. For instance, Kent requires entry by late May, while Bucks closes in early June. Knowing pass marks like Kent's 332+ or Bucks' 121+ aggregate helps set realistic goals during Year 6 exams.

Use mock papers tailored to your region for exam readiness. Practice under timed conditions to build speed and accuracy. This approach reduces exam nerves on test day.

The table highlights key county variations in 11+ papers. Notice how GL Assessment and CEM providers shape the exam structure. Selective schools like Nonsuch High or Tiffin School follow these formats.

Practice Papers vs Exam Papers

Practice papers (Bond/CGP/RSL) mirror exam format but vary 10-15% in difficulty. Official past papers from GL/CEM/CSSE provide exact question styles. Parents often start with practice to build familiarity before using real exam papers.

Practice papers come in large packs from Bond at £8 each, offering mixed difficulty levels with hundreds available. They cover English paper, Maths paper, Verbal Reasoning paper, and Non-Verbal Reasoning paper. These help children adapt to the four subjects across regions like Buckinghamshire 11+ or Kent 11+.

Exam papers, such as GL past papers for £5-10, match the exact 11+ test format and timing, like 45-minute or 50-minute papers. Supply is limited, so secure them early for 11+ preparation. They reflect real grammar school entrance conditions, including multiple choice questions.

Follow this recommended schedule: one practice paper per week in Year 5, two per week in Year 6 term 2, and daily in the final month. Top resources include CGP 4-pack at £12, Exam Ninja CEM at £15, and Atom Learning online at £59 per month for unlimited access. Track progress by aiming for strong scores by May to ensure a safety margin.

Factors Affecting Paper Numbers

Paper count depends on exam provider (GL=4, CEM=2), school consortiums (Sutton=3), two-stage processes (Stage 1 screening + Stage 2), and independent tests. Families preparing for the 11 Plus often face confusion over the total papers count. Knowing these variations helps tailor 11+ preparation effectively.

Exam boards like GL Assessment typically require four papers: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. In contrast, CEM exams focus on two papers covering multiple subjects. Check school admissions pages for the exact 11+ test format.

School-specific rules add further variety. For instance, some areas use consortium exams with custom structures. Always review the target school's prospectus by December in Year 5 to confirm details.

• Exam board variations: GL demands four distinct papers, while CEM uses two combined tests.
• Consortium differences: Groups set their own paper numbers based on local needs.
• Two-stage processes: Initial screening may involve fewer papers before a full exam.
• Independent schools: Often follow unique formats outside standard boards.
• Regional tests: Counties like Kent or Buckinghamshire adapt the structure.

Exam Board Differences

GL Assessment sets the standard with four papers in the 11+ exam: one each for English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. These are usually timed papers around 45-50 minutes. CEM Select, however, streamlines to two papers blending subjects like numerical and verbal reasoning.

This difference affects practice papers choice. Parents select GL-style books for multiple papers or CEM resources for combined formats. Reference admissions pages of selective schools to match the board.

Understanding GL 11+ versus CEM helps build exam readiness. Practice under timed conditions mirrors real exam day papers. Focus on question types like multiple choice in CEM or standard tests in GL.

School Consortiums

Consortiums create their own exam structure. The Sutton SET requires three tests, often Maths, English, and Reasoning. The North West Consortium uses two papers for grammar school entrance.

These groups, like those in Stockport or Tameside, prioritise local selective schools. Check each consortium's guidelines on school websites. This ensures alignment with 11+ mock papers.

Examples include Wallington or Nonsuch High in Sutton grammars. Tailor revision to their paper count. Early review of prospectuses avoids surprises in Year 6 exams.

Two-Stage Processes

Some regions use a two-stage 11+ test, starting with screening. Hertfordshire's Stage 1 involves only VR and NVR papers. Qualifying pupils advance to Stage 2 with full subjects.

This format reduces initial pressure but requires strong reasoning skills early. Medway Test follows a similar path: pass two papers for Stage 2 eligibility. Admissions pages detail progression rules.

Prepare for Stage 1 with targeted practice tests. Success opens doors to schools like those in Herts or Kent grammars. Monitor deadlines in Year 5.

Independent and Regional Tests

Independent schools like Wilson's School use CSSE exams with three papers. Regional variations appear in areas like Berkshire or Trafford. Always verify via school prospectuses.

Tests such as the Medway or Slough 11+ adapt paper numbers to needs. Wilson's emphasises English, Maths, and CSSE-specific reasoning. This highlights school-specific 11+ papers.

Actionable step: By December in Year 5, list target schools and note their formats. Use past papers matching the structure for realistic mocks. This builds confidence for the eleven plus.