11 Plus is the gateway for children to get to
11 Plus is the gateway for children to get to the best education system in Grammar or the independent schools. It is often get very confusing for the parents to provide the right support and guidance to their children at the right time, there is a lot of information online about the whole process where the main purpose lost in the dust. But here’s the good news, with the clear information, a right roadmap, and positive encouragement , the journey to the 11+ becomes feasible, manageable and children and parents can enjoy the whole process.
This guide will make you feel more confident and explain to you everything related to your child’s journey to pass the 11 plus exams in the UK. Mostly Grammar schools use the 11 plus exam as the entry test to get a place in year 7 however, the independent schools have different criteria to meet the expectation. This guide will explain everything by using simple language and step by step advice. This article will support you at every step whether you are new in the process or already practicing.
What Is the 11 Plus Exam?
Children who want to get into grammar schools in year7, have to pass a selective exam in the start of year 6. This selective entrance exam is called 11 plus. Some independent schools also use similar test but this article only guide you for 11 Plus exam.
The purpose of the test is to see how well your child can do in school, including their critical thinking, problem-solving, and ability to respond quickly to new questions.
Why Do Some Children Take the 11+?
Many parents or guardian choose the 11+ because:
- Grammar schools offer high standard education without hefty fees like private school.
- Grammar schools have excellent reputations and amazing academic results.
- These schools provide a more challenging environment for children, where children flourish academically.
However, not every county in the UK uses grammar schools. Areas like Kent, Buckinghamshire, Trafford, and parts of Greater London still use selective education, while others no longer do.
A Small Anecdote to Put You at Ease
When my daughter was preparing for 11 plus exam
“I used to think the 11+ was an exam only super-genius children could pass. But once we understood the process and followed a steady routine, my daughter actually began enjoying the practice and she passed the exam and got a place in a grammar school and has achieved high later in her education”
Once everything get clear to understand, the process gets less confusing, this way everything gets in to place and you become more confident.
Understanding the Subjects in the 11 Plus
Most tests include four core subjects which are English, Maths, Verbal and Non verbal reasoning.
1. English
English questions typically assess: reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, and spelling,
vocabulary and inference skills and creative writing (only in some regions).
2. Maths
Maths covers topics from the Key Stage 2 curriculum, sometimes including challenging word problems that require using logic, not just calculation. Children must show skills in: number operations, fractions and decimals, word problems, data handling, reasoning and applied maths.
3. Verbal Reasoning (VR)
Verbal reasoning tests language based logic. This includes:
Codes and sequences, odd one out, synonyms & antonyms, word patterns and logic puzzles. Even strong readers may find verbal reasoning tricky if they haven’t solve these question types before.
4. Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR)
Non-verbal reasoning focuses on visuals instead of words. It includes: shape patterns, rotations and reflections. It requires spatial awareness, identifying rules in picture sequences.
NVR is highly coachable with regular practice.
Exam Boards: GL Assessment, CEM, and FSCE
GL Assessment
The most widely used board. It offers subject-specific papers:
English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning
Its structure is predictable, and there are many practice papers available.
CEM
Originally created to be “tutor-proof,” CEM tests combine subjects more fluidly.
They emphasise: vocabulary, comprehension, numerical reasoning, mixed section and time pressured questions.
FSCE (Future Stories Community Enterprise)
Increasingly popular, FSCE exams follow a multiple-choice format similar to GL but with their own style and structure.
When Do Children Take the 11 Plus?
The exam is usually taken in the autumn term of Year 6, mostly in September although some regions test in early October.
Key milestones:
- Year 4–5: Start exploring schools, subjects, and the exam format
- Year 5 (spring/summer): Register for the exam
- Year 5 (autumn): Begin steady preparation
- Year 6 (September): Sit the exam
- Year 6 (October): Receive results
How to Apply for the 11 Plus
Applying is straightforward, but deadlines vary.
Step-by-Step: How to Register
- Choose a grammar schools which suits you or in your catchment area
Visit their websites and admissions pages. - Check whether they belong to a consortium
(e.g., Kent, Bucks, Gloucestershire) - Find the registration form (SIF)
Complete it online or download it. - Provide details about your child
Name, DOB, school, address. - Submit before the deadline
Some close as early as June of Year 5! - Sit the exam (Year 6)
After results arrive, list your preferred schools on the Common Application Form (CAF).
How Is 11+ Marked?
Most 11+ tests follow this process:
1. Raw Score
The number of questions answered correctly.
2. Age Standardisation
Younger children aren’t disadvantaged. Scores are adjusted based on age in months.
3. Final Standardised Score (SAS)
This is what schools use to determine eligibility.
A typical passing score is 110–121, depending on competition in the area.
What Score Does My Child Need?
Every school sets its own threshold.
- Highly competitive areas may require very high percentile scores.
- Some schools prioritise catchment area, siblings, or distance.
Can Children Resist the 11+?
Usually no.
Most children only get one attempt for Year 7 entry.
However:
- Children may take different exams for different schools.
- Some schools allow a new test for Year 8 entry.
Is the 11 Plus Hard?
Yes and no.
It’s designed to identify children in roughly the top 25% of academic ability. However, with:
- strong reading habits
- regular reasoning practice
- consistent exposure to question formats
- timed mock tests
Children become confident and capable, regardless of where they started.
How to Prepare for the 11 Plus: A Practical, Friendly Guide
Below is a clear, step-by-step roadmap to help your child prepare effectively.
Step 1: Find Out the Exact Exam Format
Visit your target school’s website and confirm:
- exam board
- subjects tested
- whether creative writing is included
- number of papers
- timing
- multiple-choice or written
- any school-specific tests
This prevents unnecessary study on question types your child won’t encounter.
Step 2: Build Strong Core Skills
Encourage:
- Daily reading (fiction + non-fiction)
- Rich vocabulary exposure
- Mental maths
- Real-life problem-solving (shopping, cooking, measuring)
Children who read regularly perform significantly better in verbal reasoning and comprehension.
Step 3: Introduce 11+ Style Questions
Start gently with:
- short VR puzzles
- shape-based NVR questions
- simple cloze exercises
- manageable maths challenges
Transition to full papers gradually.
Step 4: Use Mock Tests Under Timed Conditions
Timed practice teaches:
- focus
- resilience
- time management
- exam-day stamina
Doing this early can reduce pressure significantly.
Step 5: Review Mistakes Carefully
Don’t just correct answers understand why.
This helps children develop pattern recognition and critical thinking.
Step 6: Build Confidence and Exam Day Habits
Teach children to:
- read instructions carefully
- manage time
- skip challenging questions and return later
- use process of elimination
- stay calm under pressure
Confidence is as important as knowledge.
Anecdote: A Small Victory That Made a Big Difference
One student I supported struggled for months with non-verbal reasoning. Every time she saw a shape sequence, she would sigh dramatically and say, “Why do they want me to solve alien puzzles?”
But her turning point came during a practice test where she solved a full page of NVR questions correctly — something she never thought she could do. When she looked up, she whispered:
“I think the aliens are on my side now.”
Moments like this show that the 11+ is not just about academic ability, it builds resilience, confidence, and a sense of achievement.
Should Your Child Take the 11 Plus?
Here are some points to help you decide:
Does your child enjoy academic challenges?
Are they reading confidently and solving problems independently?
Do they perform above expectations at school?
Would they thrive in a fast-paced environment?
If the answer is “yes,” the 11 Plus may be a great opportunity.
However, if your child feels stressed by competition, there are many other excellent secondary schools where they can thrive.
Final Thoughts: The 11 Plus Is a Journey Not a Race
The 11+ exam can feel overwhelming at first, but once you understand the structure, subjects, timelines, and preparation strategies, it becomes a simple, achievable process.
Remember:
- Start early
- Practise regularly
- Build confidence steadily
- Understand the test format
- Focus on core skills
- Keep the process positive
Whether your child passes or not, the skills they gain resilience, reasoning, time management, and focus will help them throughout life.