The Complete 11 Plus Syllabus for 2026
Every 11+ topic and question type your child will face — English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning — with original example questions, worked answers and parent-friendly explanations. Aligned with GL Assessment, CEM, CSSE, ISEB and FSCE.
What's inside
4
Core subjects36
Topics145
Question types150
Worked examplesThe complete 11 plus syllabus for 2026 — every topic and question type explained
The 11 plus (11+) is a selective entrance exam taken by Year 6 children in the UK to gain places at grammar schools and many independent schools. It tests four core subjects: English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The exact format varies by exam board — most schools use GL Assessment or CEM, while some use CSSE (Essex), ISEB Common Pre-Test (independent schools) or the newer FSCE format.
This 11+ syllabus hub covers every topic and every question type your child will face, aligned with the UK National Curriculum Key Stage 2. Each subject page breaks topics into clear sections with original example questions, worked answers and parent-friendly explanations — including SVG diagrams for geometry and visual question types. There are 36 topics, 145 question types and 150 worked examples covering everything from fractions and comprehension to GL's 21 verbal reasoning types and non-verbal puzzles like paper folding and cube nets.
Year 6 children (aged 10-11)
September & October of Year 6
Multiple choice (mostly) + writing
English, Maths, VR, NVR
~260 across 4 papers (GL)
Set per region (top 23-30%)
Comprehensive
Every topic and question type your child will face — across all major exam boards.
Original Examples
Every example question is original — no copyright issues, just clear illustrations.
Parent-Friendly
Plain-English explanations so you can support your child even if it's been a while since you sat exams.
Choose a subject to explore
Each subject opens a deep-dive page covering every topic, question type and worked example.
Which exam board does your child take?
The 11+ is set by different boards in different regions. Topics overlap heavily — but the question style and timing differ.
GL Assessment
Kent, Bexley, Bromley, Lincolnshire, YorkshireStandard 21 VR question types, multiple-choice maths and English.
CEM (Durham)
Birmingham, Buckinghamshire, Wolverhampton, WalsallLess predictable — blends VR with vocabulary and comprehension. Now used less widely.
CSSE
Essex (Colchester, Chelmsford, Southend)Long-form maths, full English comprehension, written composition.
ISEB Common Pre-Test
Many UK independent schools (taken at age 10–11)Computer-adaptive across English, maths, VR and NVR.
FSCE
New format used by some grammar school consortiaCoursework-style assessment that includes a creative writing element.
Independent Schools
School-specific entrance exams (e.g. North London Consortium)Often include a written paper and an interview alongside maths and English.
Turn the syllabus into confident answers
Knowing the syllabus is the start. These resources turn it into structured practice — interactive lessons, flash cards, timed tests and full mock papers.
Subject-specific resources
Dedicated hubs and revision tools tailored to each 11+ subject.
11 plus syllabus — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the questions parents most often ask about the 11+ exam syllabus, format and preparation.
From syllabus to exam-ready
Once your child knows the syllabus, the next step is practice. Our timed mock exams, lessons and games turn knowledge into confidence.