What is the 11 Plus exam?

Definition and Purpose

The 11 Plus exam identifies students with the highest academic potential for selective secondary education. Established post-1944 Education Act, it selects the top 25% nationally. Over 120,000 pupils sit the exam annually, according to DfE figures.

The test sorts children into grammar schools or comprehensive schools based on ability. Grammar schools focus on academic rigour for high achievers. Comprehensive schools offer mixed-ability education for all.

Regional variations shape the process, such as the Kent Test or Bucks 11+. Pass marks target the top 25% with standardised scores around 110 or higher. This ensures fair academic streaming across the UK.

Major regions and consortia include:

• CSSE exams for schools like Colchester Royal Grammar
• SET exams covering Bexley and other Kent grammars
• Birmingham 11+ for local selective places
• Kent Test consortia
• Buckinghamshire selective process

Age and Eligibility

Children born between 1st September and 31st August take the 11 Plus exam in September of Year 6, when they are age 10 turning 11. This timing aligns with the secondary school transfer process in UK education. Most selective grammar schools require pupils to meet this age criterion for eligibility.

Eligibility often hinges on your child's date of birth and the specific regional variations of the 11+ test. Some areas allow slight flexibility for summer-born children, but parents should check local authority guidelines early. Preparing in Year 5 helps ensure readiness without rushing.

Oversubscription is common at popular grammar schools, with multiple applications per place in areas like Birmingham. Factors such as catchment areas, sibling priority, and qualifying scores determine offers. Parents can explore the appeal process if their child meets the pass threshold but misses out.

Understanding the registration deadlines is crucial for smooth entry. Many regions open registration months before the test date, often in the summer term of Year 5. Missing these can bar your child from sitting the exam.

This table highlights key details for major 11+ regions, helping parents plan ahead. Scores are typically standardised to account for age differences within the cohort. Practice with mock exams like Bond Papers builds familiarity with formats such as GL Assessment or CEM Select.

Multiple-Choice vs. Written

GL Assessment offers a traditional 4-option multiple choice format in most exams. This style appears in about 80% of 11+ tests. It suits verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and maths papers.

CEM Select uses an unfamiliar student produced response format in around 20% of exams. Children write short answers or fill gaps without options. This tests numeracy skills and quantitative reasoning directly.

Parents should check the provider for their area during 11+ preparation. Practice with both styles builds exam technique and time management. Use Bond Papers for familiar multiple-choice drills.

Regional exams like the Kent Test or Birmingham 11+ follow GL patterns with long papers. CEM styles appear in SW London consortia. Tailor practice papers to match local entrance exam demands.

Multiple-choice suits quick maths test practice with CGP guides or Letts revision books. Written formats demand English comprehension and spelling focus. Mock exams reveal strengths in verbal ability or spatial reasoning.

For grammar schools, master both via 11+ tutor sessions or tuition centres. Track progress with baseline tests. This prepares Year 6 pupils for secondary school transfer.

English

English papers test comprehension (40%), vocabulary (30%), SPaG (30%) across 30-50 questions in 25-30 minutes. These sections assess literacy skills vital for the 11 Plus exam. Students face multiple choice questions or standard format responses under timed conditions.

The English test often starts with a cloze passage, typically 15 questions. Children read a short text with blanks and select words to fill them, testing context clues and grammar. For example, in a story about a family picnic, a blank might need "shiny" to describe a red apple.

Synonyms and antonyms follow with around 10 questions. Pupils choose words with similar or opposite meanings, building vocabulary for selective schools. Practice spotting pairs like synonym for "happy" as "joyful or antonym as "sad".

SPaG covers homophones, punctuation, and grammar rules. Questions ask to identify errors, like using "there" versus "their", or adding commas in lists. GL Assessment uses more multiple choice, while CEM Select prefers longer passages with varied formats. Refer to Bond 11+ Books sample pages for cloze and SPaG drills to match regional variations like Kent Test or Bucks 11+.

Maths

Maths tests Year 3-6 curriculum: arithmetic (40%), reasoning (35%), geometry (25%) - no calculator allowed. This 11+ maths test checks numeracy skills from primary school maths. Students face questions on basic operations, problem-solving, and shapes.

The exam splits into five main question types. Each type builds on everyday maths topics from Year 6. Practice helps with time management in this timed section.

Common formats include multiple choice questions from GL Assessment or standard format in CGP 11+ Maths practice book pages 20-45. These cover maths reasoning and quantitative reasoning. Familiarity reduces exam stress during secondary school transfer.

• Mental arithmetic: 12 questions, 60 seconds each. Examples include quick sums like 7 x 8 or 456 + 789. Speed is key for selective schools.
• Word problems: Real-life scenarios, such as If a train leaves at 9am and travels 60 miles in 2 hours, what time does it arrive?. Focus on extracting numbers and operations.
• Fractions/decimals: Simplify 3/4 + 1/2 or convert 0.75 to a fraction. Practice equivalents and calculations without aids.
• Shape/space: Identify angles in triangles or area of rectangles. Visualise rotations and symmetry for spatial reasoning.
• Data handling: Read charts or find averages from sets of numbers. Interpret pie charts or bar graphs common in entrance exams.

For 11+ preparation, use Bond Papers or Letts revision books alongside CGP guides. Mock exams build exam technique. An 11+ tutor offers targeted help for grammar schools like Kent Test or Bucks 11+.

Verbal Reasoning

Verbal Reasoning measures vocabulary and pattern skills via 21 question types, with 4-6 per paper in the 11 Plus exam. These questions test a child's ability to think logically with words. They appear in GL Assessment papers for grammar schools.

Practice helps build speed and accuracy for this entrance exam section. Children aged 10-11 tackle puzzles that boost literacy skills. Familiarity reduces exam stress during Year 6 tests.

Top types include synonyms, letter codes, and more. The GL Verbal Reasoning Book offers targeted practice with examples. Use it alongside Bond Papers for 11+ preparation.

• Synonyms: Find words with the same meaning, like house = home.
• Letter codes: Convert words using a pattern, like HOUSE → KMVGI where each letter shifts forward by 3.
• Word pairs: Identify relationships, such as pen: ink:: knife: blade.
• Odd one out: Spot the different word, like apple, banana, carrot, pear (carrot is a vegetable).
• Analogies: Complete pairs, such as bird: fly:: fish: swim.
• Hidden words: Find a word inside another, like thunder hides under.
• Sequences: Arrange letters or words in order, like A, C, E, G (every other letter).
• Compound words: Combine parts, like foot + ball = football.

Focus on multiple choice questions in standard format. Parents can track progress with mock exams. This builds confidence for selective schools.

Non-Verbal Reasoning

Non-Verbal Reasoning tests visual and spatial intelligence via shape rotation, pattern completion with no language bias. This section appears in most 11 Plus exams, including those from GL Assessment and CEM Select. It helps selective schools assess cognitive skills beyond reading or maths.

Questions often use multiple choice formats where children spot relationships between shapes or figures. Practice builds spatial reasoning, key for grammar school entrance. Resources like the Letts Non-Verbal book offer targeted exercises.

Six core types dominate this area. They include 3D rotation with cube faces, pattern sequences, and analogies showing shape relationships. Nets convert 2D to 3D, matrices follow Raven's style, and mirror images test reflection skills.

• 3D rotation: Imagine turning a cube to match opposite faces, like identifying which face sits next to a dotted side.
• Pattern sequences: Complete a row where shapes grow, shrink, or change colour step by step.
• Analogies: Spot how one pair of shapes relates, then apply to another, such as overlapping circles becoming a Venn diagram.
• Nets: Fold a flat net into a 3D cube and pick the correct unfolded version from options.
• Matrices: Fill a 3x3 grid missing one cell based on row and column rules.
• Mirror images: Recognise a shape flipped horizontally or vertically among distractors.

For 11+ preparation, start with Bond Papers or CGP guides alongside Letts revision. Mock exams improve time management and exam technique, vital for year 6 pupils facing the Eleven Plus transfer test.

What is the 11 Plus Exam?

The 11 Plus exam is a selective entrance test taken by Year 6 pupils in the UK to gain admission to over 160 grammar schools and many independent schools. Children aged 10-11 sit this academic selection test as part of the secondary school transfer process. It assesses suitability for selective education paths.

The exam, often called the 11+ or Eleven Plus, focuses on cognitive and subject skills developed in primary school. Providers like GL Assessment, CEM Select, and others create papers with multiple choice questions in standard formats. Parents often use Bond Papers or CGP guides for familiarisation.

Regional variations exist, such as the Kent Test, Bucks 11+, or Birmingham 11+, with different exam boards like CSSE or SET. These tests cover verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths test, and English test sections. Preparation involves practice papers, mock exams, and building exam technique.

Success depends on time management and core skills like numeracy skills, literacy skills, comprehension, vocabulary, and spatial reasoning. Families consider 11+ tutor support, online practice, or tuition centres starting in Year 5. The pass mark or qualifying score varies by area due to oversubscription and catchment priorities.

Purpose of the 11 Plus Exam

The main purpose of the 11 Plus is to identify pupils with high academic potential for grammar schools and certain independent schools. It acts as a transfer test at age 10-11 for September intake into selective secondary education. This helps separate students based on ability from comprehensive schools.

Exams test cognitive ability through sections like verbal ability (vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, grammar) and non-verbal ability (patterns, sequences). Maths reasoning and English comprehension evaluate subject knowledge. Tools like CAT4 sometimes supplement these assessments.

Selective schools use scores to allocate places, considering raw score, standardised score, and pass thresholds. Factors like sibling priority, distance criteria, and waiting lists influence offers. Borderline candidates may enter appeal processes.

Preparation emphasises early preparation with baseline tests and progress tracking. Experts recommend practice papers, past papers, and 11+ courses to master quantitative reasoning. Parental advice focuses on reducing exam stress through consistent routines.

Structure and Format

The 11+ test typically includes four core papers: English test, maths test, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. Formats vary by consortium, with multiple choice questions common in GL or CEM styles. Exams last 50-60 minutes per paper.

• English: Tests comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, grammar through passages and exercises.
• Maths: Covers arithmetic, problem-solving, quantitative reasoning with word problems.
• Verbal reasoning: Involves codes, analogies, synonyms to assess language logic.
• Non-verbal reasoning: Features shapes, spatial reasoning, patterns for visual skills.

Some regions use consortium exams like Hannon Fowler with combined papers. Syllabus coverage aligns with primary school curriculum up to Year 6. Students practice with Letts revision books or online platforms.

Scoring system converts raw scores to age-standardised marks. Pass thresholds adjust annually based on cohort performance. Familiarity with exam boards aids targeted 11+ preparation.

Regional Variations and Exam Providers

Regional variations mean no single 11 Plus exam format across the UK. Areas like Kent use the Kent Test, Bucks the Bucks 11+, and Birmingham its own version. Independent schools may set custom papers alongside state grammar requirements.

Key providers include GL Assessment for multiple-choice heavy tests, CEM Select for less predictable questions, CSSE exams with longer subject papers, and SET exams. Faith schools or academies adapt these further. Parents check local authority sites for specifics.

• Kent and Bucks: Two papers combining verbal/non-verbal and maths.
• Birmingham 11+: Separate English, maths, verbal, non-verbal sections.
• CSSE areas: Traditional essay-style English and maths.

Families use group classes, one-to-one lessons, or private tutoring tailored to local styles. Mock exams simulate exact conditions. Awareness of these differences improves success rates in oversubscribed areas.

Historical Background

Introduced by the 1944 Butler Education Act, the 11+ created the UK's tripartite system: grammar schools for 30% of pupils, technical schools for 20%, and secondary modern schools for 50%. This 11 Plus exam aimed to select children at age 10-11 based on academic ability for secondary school transfer. RAB Butler, the Act's architect, described it as a way to provide "education according to age, aptitude and ability".

Post-war implementation saw national rollout by 1944, with grammar schools expanding rapidly. The exam tested verbal reasoning, maths and English skills to identify talent for selective schools. By the 1950s, thousands sat the Eleven Plus each year in year 6.

The 1960s comprehensive movement challenged this, reducing grammar schools from around 1,400 to 163 as local authorities shifted to non-selective education. Circular 10/65 in the late 1960s encouraged phasing out the 11+ in favour of comprehensive schools. The 1970s saw many regions abandon the test entirely.

Today, the 11+ test survives in areas with grammar schools, using formats like GL Assessment or CEM Select. Parents prepare year 5 and year 6 children with practice papers, mock exams and tutors for this entrance exam.

Who Takes the 11 Plus?

Approximately 120,000 Year 6 pupils (age 10-11) take the 11 Plus exam annually for around 30,000 selective places across 163 state grammar schools. These children, typically in their final primary school year, sit the test to secure entry into grammar or selective secondary schools. Parents in relevant areas often start 11+ preparation in Year 5 to build skills in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths, and English.

The exam targets pupils in grammar school areas across England, where academic selection remains common. Not all Year 6 children take it, only those aiming for selective places over local comprehensives. Families consider factors like catchment areas, oversubscription, and sibling priority when deciding.

Regional variations mean eligibility differs by location, with some areas using consortium exams like the Kent Test or Bucks 11+. Pupils from state primaries dominate, but independent school candidates sometimes join. Early practice papers from GL Assessment or CEM Select help gauge readiness.

Experts recommend baseline tests in Year 5 for progress tracking. This identifies strengths in maths reasoning or comprehension, guiding choices like 11+ tutor sessions or mock exams. Parental advice focuses on balancing prep with wellbeing to manage exam stress.

Eligibility by Region

Eligibility for the 11+ test hinges on living in or near selective areas, with rules set by local authorities or consortia. In Kent, all Year 6 pupils in state schools receive the Kent Test invitation, while others must register. Birmingham's 11+ targets residents applying to its grammar schools via specific exam boards.

Buckinghamshire uses the Bucks 11+ for state grammar entry, open to local Year 6 children with registration deadlines in spring. Essex follows CSSE exams for its grammars, requiring early application. Always check council websites for exact postcode criteria and September intake dates.

• Kent: Automatic invite for state primary pupils; registration for others.
• Birmingham: Open to city residents; uses GL Assessment format.
• Bucks: Secondary school transfer via consortium test; distance criteria apply.
• Essex: CSSE papers for select grammars; syllabus covers verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
• Other areas like Trafford or Slough: Similar local rules with SET exams or Hannon Fowler.

Private candidates from outside areas can sometimes sit via tuition centres. Faith schools may add criteria like baptism certificates alongside qualifying scores. Contact admissions for appeals, waiting lists, or borderline cases.

Exam Structure and Format

11+ exams last 2-2.5 hours total, split across 2-4 papers (45-60 mins each) using GL Assessment or CEM Select formats. Most are paper-based, though some selective schools now offer digital versions. Parents should check the specific grammar school or independent school requirements for the exact setup.

Exams test core skills like maths, English, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. Papers often include multiple-choice questions or standard format answers. Familiarity with the structure helps with 11+ preparation and time management.

Regional variations exist, such as the Kent Test or Bucks 11+, which may use consortium exams like CSSE or SET. Practice with Bond Papers or past papers builds exam technique. Mock exams from tuition centres simulate real conditions for Year 6 pupils.

Scoring uses a raw score converted to a standardised score, with a pass mark or qualifying score set by schools. Oversubscription means high scores are key for places. Early Year 5 prep with CGP guides or Letts revision aids success.

GL Assessment Format

The GL Assessment style splits content into separate papers for English test, maths test, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. Each paper lasts about 45-60 minutes with multiple-choice or short-answer questions. This format suits pupils practising literacy skills and numeracy skills through targeted practice papers.

For example, the English paper tests comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Maths covers arithmetic, problem-solving, and shapes. Parents can use 11+ books like those from GL to match this style.

Verbal reasoning involves word puzzles and sequences, while non-verbal uses patterns and spatial tasks. Online practice or private tutoring helps master these. Focus on speed for the time limits in group classes.

Many state grammar schools in areas like Birmingham use GL. Baseline tests track progress. An 11+ tutor explains question types clearly for better scores.

CEM Select Format

CEM Select combines topics into fewer papers, often two longer ones covering multiple areas. Questions mix verbal ability, non-verbal ability, and quantitative reasoning without separate maths or English sections. This tests quick thinking under exam stress.

A typical question might ask to identify patterns in shapes for spatial reasoning or complete number sequences. Unlike GL, it avoids heavy reliance on taught curriculum. 11+ courses emphasise flexible skills over rote learning.

Examples include jumbled sentences for verbal tasks or code-breaking for reasoning. Practice mock exams builds confidence in this less predictable style. Track progress tracking with varied question banks.

Used in regions like Kent or Bucks, CEM suits transfer tests for September intake. One-to-one lessons refine techniques. Aim for strong performance across mixed content for the pass threshold.

Core Subjects Tested

All 11+ exams test 4 core areas: English (25%), Maths (25%), Verbal Reasoning (25%), and Non-Verbal Reasoning (25%). This standard format applies across most grammar schools and independent schools in the UK. Providers like GL Assessment and CEM Select structure their papers this way to assess a child's overall ability.

Parents preparing for the 11+ test should focus on balanced practice in these areas. Practice papers from Bond Papers or CGP guides help build familiarity with multiple choice questions and standard formats. Early Year 5 prep ensures steady progress towards the Year 6 exam.

Regional variations exist, such as the Kent Test or Birmingham 11+, but core subjects remain consistent. Exam boards like CSSE or SET may adjust timings, yet the emphasis on literacy skills and numeracy skills persists. Mock exams aid in time management and exam technique.

Understanding the scoring system, including raw scores and standardised scores, helps track performance. 11+ courses or a 11+ tutor can target weaknesses. This approach supports secondary school transfer to selective schools.

English

The English test evaluates comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Children read passages and answer questions on meaning, inference, or word choice. This section tests literacy skills essential for UK education.

Common question types include spotting errors in sentences or choosing synonyms. For example, a child might select the correct spelling from options like recieve or receive. Practice with Letts revision books strengthens these areas.

English comprehension often features poems or stories from primary school texts. Time pressure means quick reading is key, so online practice builds speed. Parents can review past papers to familiarise children with formats.

Experts recommend daily reading to boost verbal ability. Tuition centres offer group classes focused on exam stress reduction. Consistent progress tracking via baseline tests ensures readiness for the pass mark.

Maths

The maths test covers numeracy skills up to Year 6 level, including arithmetic, fractions, and geometry. Questions test problem-solving without calculators. This assesses practical application for grammar school entry.

Expect problems like calculating percentages or interpreting charts. A typical question might ask for the area of a shape given its dimensions. Maths reasoning uses CGP guides effectively for drills.

Quantitative reasoning includes sequences or data handling. Children practise mental maths for speed, vital in consortium exams like Bucks 11+. Private tutoring hones weak spots such as decimals.

One-to-one lessons tailor practice to syllabus coverage. Mock exams simulate the entrance exam environment. Focus on accuracy over rushing helps achieve the qualifying score.

Verbal Reasoning

Verbal reasoning measures thinking skills through words, with codes, analogies, and word puzzles. It goes beyond rote learning to test logic. This is standard in GL Assessment papers for age 10-11 pupils.

Question types include completing sentences or finding opposites. For instance, happy: sad:: big: small tests relationships. Bond Papers provide varied examples for 11+ preparation.

Practice identifies patterns in synonyms or cloze passages. Group classes at tuition centres encourage peer discussion. Time management is crucial in this fast-paced section.

Parents track improvement with assessment tests. Cognitive ability test elements like CAT4 overlap here. Steady practice raises confidence for the transfer test.

Non-Verbal Reasoning

Non-Verbal Reasoning uses shapes, patterns, and diagrams to assess spatial reasoning. No language is needed, making it fair for all. It's key in CEM Select and Hannon Fowler formats.

Common tasks involve rotating figures or spotting sequences. A child might continue a series of growing triangles. 11+ books offer visuals for home practice.

Non-verbal ability tests include matrices or folding nets. Practice papers build recognition of reflections. This suits visual learners in state grammar schools.

Exam technique involves eliminating wrong options quickly. Online practice tracks scores against pass threshold. Early preparation minimises borderline candidates risks.