What is the 11 Plus Exam?
The complete guide for UK parents — everything you need to know about England’s grammar school entrance exam, from subjects tested to how to prepare your child for success.
In This Guide
1. What is the 11 Plus Exam?
The 11 Plus (often written as 11+) is an entrance examination taken by children in England, UK, to gain admission to grammar schools. Grammar schools are state-funded secondary schools that select their pupils based on academic ability, rather than catchment area alone.
The name “11 Plus” comes from the age at which children sit the exam — typically 10 or 11 years old, at the start of Year 6. The exam was originally introduced as part of the 1944 Education Act and, while most areas of England moved away from selective education in the 1960s and 70s, 163 grammar schools remain in operation today.
Grammar schools are completely free to attend — they are funded by the state just like any other secondary school. The only difference is that entry is determined by performance in the 11+ exam rather than where you live (though some schools also consider distance as a tiebreaker).
2. Who Takes the 11 Plus Exam?
Approximately 100,000 children sit the 11+ exam each year in England. The exam is taken by children in Year 5 or Year 6 of primary school (the exact timing depends on the region). It is entirely voluntary — no child is required to sit the 11+.
Any child can register to take the 11+, regardless of which primary school they attend or where they live. However, some grammar schools prioritise applicants who live within a certain distance, so it is worth checking the admissions policy of your target school.
~100,000
Children sit the 11+ each year
163
Grammar schools in England
Top 25%
Ability range targeted
Free
No tuition fees at grammar schools
3. Where Are Grammar Schools in England?
Grammar schools are concentrated in specific regions of England. Some counties like Kent and Buckinghamshire are “fully selective” — meaning most children in those areas sit the 11+. Other areas have just one or two grammar schools serving a wider population. There are no grammar schools in Wales or Scotland. Northern Ireland has its own separate system of approximately 65 grammar schools with transfer tests, but these are administered independently and are not covered in this guide.
| Region | Grammar Schools | Exam Type |
|---|---|---|
| Kent | 32 | Kent Test (GL) |
| London Boroughs | 19 | Various |
| Lincolnshire | 15 | GL Assessment |
| Buckinghamshire | 13 | GL Assessment |
| Essex | 10 | CSSE / FSCE |
| Birmingham | 8 | GL Assessment |
| Trafford | 7 | GL Assessment |
| Medway | 6 | Medway Test (GL) |
| Wirral | 4 | GL Assessment |
| Devon, Yorkshire & Others | 10 | FSCE / GL |
| Other Areas | 39 | Various |
4. 11 Plus Exam Subjects: What Is Tested?
The 11+ exam typically tests four subjects. English and Maths are based on the KS2 curriculum, while Verbal Reasoning (VR) and Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR) are not taught in schools and require separate practice at home.
English
Tests reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Children read passages and answer questions that assess their understanding, inference skills, and language knowledge.
Key Topics:
Mathematics
Covers KS2 maths curriculum with emphasis on problem-solving, mental arithmetic, and multi-step word problems. Fluent recall of times tables up to 12x12 is essential.
Key Topics:
Verbal Reasoning
Measures problem-solving ability using language and words. This subject is not taught in schools, so dedicated practice at home is essential. There are 21 standard question types.
Key Topics:
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Evaluates visual-spatial thinking through shape-based puzzles and pattern recognition. Like VR, this is not part of the school curriculum and requires separate practice.
Key Topics:
5. GL Assessment vs CEM vs FSCE: Which Exam Board?
The 11+ exam is not a single, national test. Different grammar schools use different exam boards, and the format varies significantly between them. The three main exam systems are:
GL Assessment
The dominant 11+ exam board since CEM's withdrawal in 2023. Separate papers for each subject, consistent multiple-choice format, predictable structure. Used by the large majority of grammar schools including those in Kent, Buckinghamshire, and Lincolnshire.
CEM (Durham)
Developed by the Centre for Evaluation & Monitoring at Durham University. CEM ceased offering paper-based 11+ exams in 2023, and most former CEM schools have since switched to GL Assessment. CEM now offers online-only testing (CEM Select) mainly used by independent schools.
FSCE
The newest exam format (created 2022). Replaces Verbal/Non-Verbal Reasoning with Creative Writing. Does not publish past papers. Used by Reading School, Colyton Grammar, and schools in West Yorkshire and Essex.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | GL Assessment | CEM | FSCE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Used By | Large majority of grammar schools (Kent, Bucks, Lincolnshire, etc.) | Withdrew from grammar school 11+ in 2023; now online-only for independent schools | Select schools (Reading School, Colyton, etc.) |
| Subjects Tested | English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning | English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning | English, Maths, Creative Writing |
| Format | Multiple choice, separate papers per subject | Mixed questions, subjects combined in papers | Multiple choice + free response + creative writing |
| Verbal/Non-Verbal Reasoning | Separate dedicated papers | Mixed into English and Maths papers | Not included |
| Past Papers | Widely available | Limited availability | Not published (by design) |
| Predictability | Consistent format year to year | Format can change between years | Changed annually to prevent drilling |
11 Plus Exam Format: How Long Is the Exam?
For GL Assessment (the most common format), the 11+ exam typically consists of 3-4 separate papers taken across approximately 2-2.5 hours in total:
English
~50 minutes
~50 questions
Mathematics
~50 minutes
~50 questions
Verbal Reasoning
~60 minutes
~80 questions
Non-Verbal Reasoning
~60 minutes
~80 questions
All GL answers are multiple choice marked on an OMR (optical mark recognition) answer sheet. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so children should attempt every question. Some areas combine papers into two longer sittings. Exact timings vary between consortia — always check with your target school.
6. 11 Plus Key Dates and Timeline for 2026
The 11+ process follows a specific timeline each year. While exact dates vary by region, here is the general calendar that most areas follow:
Start Preparation
Begin familiarising your child with 11+ question types, especially Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning which are not taught in school.
Registration Opens
Register your child for the 11+ exam through your local authority or directly with the grammar school. Deadlines vary by region.
Exam Day
The 11+ exam is taken in September of Year 6, typically in the first two weeks. Some areas hold exams in October.
Results Released
Results are usually released in mid-October. You will receive a standardised score and whether your child has reached the qualifying threshold.
Application Deadline
Submit your Common Application Form (CAF) listing your preferred schools by 31st October, regardless of whether you have received results.
National Offer Day
Local authorities release school allocation results on 1st March. You can accept, decline, or join waiting lists.
7. What is a Good 11 Plus Score?
Most grammar schools convert raw exam marks into age-standardised scores (SAS). This ensures fairness — a child born in August is not disadvantaged compared to one born in September, because the standardisation adjusts for age differences within the year group.
The standardised score has a mean of 100. Qualifying thresholds vary significantly by region — from around 104 in some areas to 121+ for the most competitive schools:
Below 100
Below average for the cohort
Unlikely to qualify in any area100-110
Average to above average
May qualify in some areas (e.g. Redbridge threshold is 104)111-120
Strong performance
Qualifies for many grammar schools (e.g. Slough threshold is 111)121+
Exceptional performance
Required for super-selective schools (e.g. Bucks, top London schools)8. How Competitive is Grammar School Entry?
Competition varies enormously by region. In fully selective areas like Kent and Buckinghamshire, a significant proportion of children sit the 11+ and the pass rate is higher. In areas with just one or two “super-selective” grammar schools (such as London boroughs), competition is fierce.
Some London grammar schools such as Henrietta Barnett School receive over 3,000 applications for around 120 places, making them among the most competitive schools in the country. By contrast, grammar schools in Lincolnshire or Devon may have a less intense application process.
9. Is the 11 Plus Exam Hard?
Yes, the 11+ is a challenging exam. It is designed to identify the highest-performing children in the cohort, and only a minority of those who sit the test will gain a grammar school place. There are several reasons the exam is considered difficult:
Unfamiliar Subjects
Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning are not part of the school curriculum. Children encounter these for the first time only through 11+ preparation.
Advanced Content
The English and Maths content is often pitched at least a year ahead of the national curriculum, with complex multi-step problems and demanding comprehension passages.
Time Pressure
Children must answer approximately 260 questions across all papers in around 2-2.5 hours. Speed and accuracy under pressure are critical.
High Competition
Only the top 15-25% of children who sit the exam typically gain a grammar school place. For super-selective schools, the acceptance rate can be below 5%.
However, the difficulty should not discourage families. With structured preparation starting 12-18 months before the exam, children can significantly improve their performance. The 11+ tests learnable skills — every question type has patterns and techniques that can be practised and mastered. Children who prepare consistently perform substantially better than equally bright children who do not.
10. How to Prepare for the 11 Plus Exam
Effective 11+ preparation is a gradual process. Education experts recommend starting 12-18 months before the exam, building skills progressively rather than cramming. Here is a year-by-year guide:
Year 3: Building Foundations
Read widely for at least 20 minutes daily (fiction and non-fiction)
Master times tables up to 12x12
Play word games and puzzles to build vocabulary
Develop neat handwriting and good study habits
Year 4: Starting Structured Preparation
Introduce Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning question types
Begin with 30-minute sessions, 2-3 times per week
Cover the 21 standard VR question types systematically
Strengthen comprehension with longer reading passages
Year 5: Intensive Preparation
Complete timed papers under exam conditions
Take full mock exams to build stamina
Register for the 11+ exam (May-July deadline)
Visit target grammar schools on open days
Year 6 (September): Exam Day
Focus on exam technique and time management
Complete final mock exams weekly
Ensure good sleep, nutrition, and calm routines
Pack essentials the night before: HB pencils, eraser, water
11. Can My Child Pass the 11 Plus Without a Tutor?
Yes. Many children pass the 11+ without private tutoring. The keys to success are a structured study plan, consistent practice, and parental support. Private tutoring typically costs £30-100 per hour, which puts it out of reach for many families.
Online learning platforms offer a cost-effective alternative. For example, Prep4All provides interactive lessons, thousands of practice questions, timed mock exams, vocabulary games, and flash cards — all the tools needed for effective home preparation at a fraction of the cost of a private tutor.
Private Tutor
1-to-1 personalised attention
Costs £30-100+ per hour
Typically 1 session per week
Quality varies enormously
Fixed schedule required
Online Platform (e.g. Prep4All)
Thousands of questions with instant marking
From £10/month — affordable for all families
Practice anytime, anywhere
Detailed performance analytics for parents
Mock exams, games & video lessons included
12. What Happens if My Child Doesn’t Pass the 11 Plus?
Not passing the 11+ is not a reflection of your child’s intelligence or potential. The exam is highly competitive, and many bright children do not reach the qualifying score. There are several important things to remember:
Many excellent comprehensive schools achieve outstanding GCSE and A-Level results.
Some grammar schools maintain waiting lists, and places can become available if families decline offers or move away.
A few areas allow formal appeals against 11+ results.
Your child's secondary school experience will be shaped far more by their attitude, effort, and support at home than by which school they attend.
Several grammar schools offer entry at other points (Year 9, Year 12) for students who develop later.
13. Frequently Asked Questions About the 11 Plus
Quick answers to the most common questions parents ask about the 11+ exam.
The 11 Plus (11+) is an entrance exam taken by children in Year 6 (aged 10-11) to gain admission to grammar schools in England. Grammar schools are state-funded secondary schools that select students based on academic ability. The exam typically tests English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning, though the exact format depends on the exam board used by your local area.
There are 163 state-funded grammar schools in England, educating approximately 176,000 pupils (around 5% of all secondary school students). Kent has the largest grammar school system with 32 schools. Grammar schools are free to attend as they are state-funded — entry is based solely on 11+ exam performance and, in some cases, distance from the school.
Children take the 11+ exam at the start of Year 6, typically when they are 10 or 11 years old. The exam is usually held in September, and children must be registered during Year 5 (usually between May and July). Results are released in October, and parents must submit their secondary school application by 31st October.
The 11+ exam typically tests four subjects: English (reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, spelling), Mathematics (KS2 curriculum with problem-solving), Verbal Reasoning (word-based logic puzzles — not taught in schools), and Non-Verbal Reasoning (shape and pattern puzzles — not taught in schools). The exact combination depends on the exam board. GL Assessment tests all four as separate papers. The newer FSCE exam tests English, Maths, and Creative Writing instead.
GL Assessment is the dominant 11+ exam board used by the large majority of grammar schools. GL exams use separate multiple-choice papers for each subject with a consistent, predictable format. CEM (Centre for Evaluation & Monitoring, Durham University) previously provided exams for many grammar schools but ceased offering paper-based 11+ tests in 2023. Most former CEM schools have since switched to GL Assessment. A third option, FSCE (Future Stories Community Enterprise), has been adopted by some schools since 2025 and replaces Verbal/Non-Verbal Reasoning with Creative Writing.
Most grammar schools convert raw scores to age-standardised scores (SAS) with a mean of 100. Qualifying thresholds vary significantly by region — for example, Redbridge sets a threshold around 104, Slough uses 111, while Buckinghamshire and top London super-selectives may require 121 or higher. Because scores are age-standardised, a child born in August is not disadvantaged compared to one born in September.
Grammar school entry is highly competitive. Nationally, grammar schools cater to roughly the top 25% of the ability range. Some London grammar schools such as Henrietta Barnett School receive over 3,000 applications for around 120 places. Competition varies significantly by region — in fully selective areas like Kent or Buckinghamshire, a higher proportion of children sit the exam and gain places, while super-selective schools in London can have acceptance rates below 5%.
Most education experts recommend starting structured 11+ preparation 12-18 months before the exam, typically in Year 4 or early Year 5. Year 3 should focus on building foundations through reading, times tables, and general curiosity. Year 4 is ideal for introducing Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning question types. Year 5 should involve regular timed practice and mock exams. Starting too early can lead to burnout.
Yes, many children pass the 11+ without a private tutor. The key requirements are: a strong foundation in KS2 English and Maths, systematic practice of Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning question types (since these are not taught in school), regular timed practice papers, and parental support with a structured study schedule. Online platforms like Prep4All provide structured lessons, practice tests, and mock exams that enable effective preparation at home for a fraction of the cost of private tutoring.
If your child does not reach the qualifying score, they will attend a comprehensive secondary school instead. This is not a reflection of their intelligence or potential. Many excellent comprehensive schools achieve outstanding GCSE and A-Level results. Some grammar schools maintain waiting lists, and places occasionally become available if families move or decline offers. A few areas also allow appeals.
No, the 11+ exam varies significantly by region. Different areas use different exam boards (GL Assessment, FSCE, or their own consortium tests like the Kent Test or CSSE). The subjects tested, question format, timing, and pass marks all differ. This is why it is essential to check which exam board your target grammar school uses and prepare accordingly.
For GL Assessment exams, children typically face around 260 questions in total across all papers. English and Maths each have approximately 50 questions with around 50 minutes allowed. Verbal Reasoning has roughly 80 questions in approximately 60 minutes. Non-Verbal Reasoning also has around 80 questions in approximately 60 minutes. Exact timings vary between schools and consortia. All GL answers are multiple choice with no penalty for wrong answers, so children should attempt every question.
Yes, the 11+ is considered a challenging exam. It tests Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, which are not taught in school, and the English and Maths content is often pitched at least a year ahead of the national curriculum. Only the top 15-25% of children who sit the exam typically gain a grammar school place. However, the 11+ tests learnable skills — with structured preparation starting 12-18 months before the exam, children can significantly improve their performance.
Most grammar schools hold the 11+ exam in September of Year 6. For 2026 entry, exams are typically held in the first two weeks of September 2025. Registration opens in May-July of Year 5 (2025). Results are released in mid-October, and the Common Application Form deadline is 31st October. National Offer Day is 1st March 2026. Exact dates vary by region — always check with your local authority or target grammar school.
In most areas, children can only sit the 11+ exam once. There is no opportunity to retake the test if they do not achieve the qualifying score. However, some grammar schools maintain waiting lists, and places may become available if other families decline their offers. A small number of grammar schools also offer entry at later stages, such as Year 9 or Year 12 (sixth form), through separate entrance exams.
Registering for the 11+ exam at state grammar schools is usually free. There is no charge to sit the test. However, families typically spend money on preparation materials such as practice papers (£5-15 per book), online platforms (£10-30 per month), or private tutoring (£30-100+ per hour). Some families spend very little by using free resources and online platforms, while others invest significantly in private tuition.
No. Different grammar schools use different exam boards and formats. The majority use GL Assessment, which tests English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning in separate multiple-choice papers. Some schools have adopted the newer FSCE format, which replaces VR and NVR with Creative Writing. A few areas run their own consortium tests (such as the Kent Test or CSSE in Essex). It is essential to check which exam format your target school uses and prepare specifically for that format.
Start Your Child’s 11+ Preparation Today
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