What is the 11+ Exam? The Complete Parent Guide
The 11+ is a selective entrance exam taken by children in Year 6 to gain a place at a grammar school. Around 170,000 children sit it every year. If you're hearing about it for the first time — or just need a clear, honest overview — this guide covers everything you need to know.
~170,000
Children sit the 11+ each year
~164
Grammar schools in England
Year 6
When children typically sit the exam
4 subjects
English, Maths, VR, NVR
What you'll learn from this guide
- What the 11+ actually is, who takes it, and why it exists
- The four subjects tested and how they differ by exam board
- Grammar school vs independent school — an honest comparison
- What preparation actually costs — from free to thousands of pounds
- What exam day looks like and what happens after results
What is the 11+ Exam?
The 11+ (or "eleven-plus") is a selective entrance exam used by grammar schools and some independent schools in England to choose which children to offer places to. It is not a government exam — it is administered by external exam boards or individual schools, and the format varies significantly by region.
The name comes from the age at which children take it: 11 years old, in Year 6 of primary school. The exam was introduced as part of the 1944 Education Act and, while its role has changed dramatically since then, it remains the gateway to grammar school education for around 170,000 children every year.
Grammar schools are state-funded schools that select pupils based on academic ability. They are free to attend — unlike independent schools — but places are limited and competitive. There are approximately 164 grammar schools in England, concentrated in specific counties and boroughs.
“I wish someone had just explained the basics clearly at the start. Every website seems to assume you already know what GL and CEM mean, what a SAS score is, and when to register. It took me weeks to piece it together.”
— Parent, Mumsnet 11+ forum
Who Takes the 11+?
Children in Year 5 or Year 6, typically aged 10–11 at the time of the exam. The 11+ is not compulsory — it is only relevant if your family is considering a grammar school or a selective independent school.
Grammar school route
- State-funded, free to attend
- ~164 schools in England
- Concentrated in Kent, Bucks, Sutton, Birmingham, Lincolnshire, Essex
- Shared consortium test per region
- Competitive: some schools have 10:1 application ratios
Independent school route
- Fee-paying (typically £15,000–£25,000/year)
- Hundreds of schools nationwide
- School-specific entrance exams
- Often includes an interview
- Bursaries and scholarships available at some schools
This guide focuses primarily on the grammar school 11+, as that is the most common pathway. Not sure if the 11+ is the right choice for your family? Read our decision guide before going further.
What Does the 11+ Test?
Most 11+ exams test four core subjects. The exact combination depends on your region and exam board, but these are the building blocks:
English
Reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and sometimes creative or extended writing. Tests whether children can read carefully and express ideas clearly.
Full english guide →Mathematics
Covers the KS2 national curriculum — arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percentages, geometry, data handling — plus problem-solving under time pressure. Mental maths speed matters.
Full mathematics guide →Verbal Reasoning (VR)
Word patterns, analogies, codes, letter sequences, and logic puzzles using language. Not taught in school — children need specific exposure to these question types.
Full verbal reasoning (vr) guide →Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR)
Shape patterns, spatial reasoning, sequences, matrices, and visual logic. Also not taught in school. Tests abstract thinking and pattern recognition without relying on language.
Full non-verbal reasoning (nvr) guide →GL Assessment vs CEM
There is no single "11+ exam". Two major exam boards write the tests used by grammar schools, and they take quite different approaches:
GL Assessment
- Separate papers per subject
- Multiple choice (optical mark recognition)
- Predictable format — easier to practise for
- Used in Kent, Sutton, most of Buckinghamshire, parts of Birmingham
CEM (Durham University)
- Mixed-format papers (subjects combined)
- Less predictable — designed to reduce coaching advantage
- Emphasis on comprehension and vocabulary breadth
- Used in parts of Buckinghamshire, Devon, Warwickshire, and others
Not sure which exam board your area uses? Check our regional guides for Kent, Sutton, and Buckinghamshire.
Grammar School vs Independent School
Both use selective entrance exams, but they are fundamentally different pathways. This comparison is often glossed over by other guides — it matters.
| Grammar School | Independent School | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free (state-funded) | £15,000–£25,000/year |
| Entry process | Single consortium test for all schools in region | School-specific exam, often + interview |
| Availability | ~164 schools, concentrated in specific counties | Hundreds of schools nationwide |
| Answer format | Usually multiple choice | Written answers (human-marked) |
| Exam timing | September Year 6 | November–January Year 6 |
| Financial support | No fees to pay | Bursaries and scholarships at some schools |
When Does the 11+ Take Place?
The 11+ is not a single event — it's a process that unfolds over more than a year. Understanding the full timeline helps you plan calmly instead of reacting under pressure.
The 11+ Journey
Six stages from first questions to offer day
Should we?
Year 3–4
Research schools, understand the process, decide if it suits your child
Register
Summer Year 5
Sign up via council or school website before the deadline
Prepare
12–18 months
Build foundations, learn exam format, practise under timed conditions
Exam Day
Sep Year 6
Sit the test — typically 2–2.5 hours across multiple papers
Results
Oct Year 6
Receive standardised scores and a qualifying/not-qualifying outcome
Offers
1 March
National Offer Day — find out which school your child has been allocated
Should we?
Year 3–4
Research schools, understand the process, decide if it suits your child
Register
Summer Year 5
Sign up via council or school website before the deadline
Prepare
12–18 months
Build foundations, learn exam format, practise under timed conditions
Exam Day
Sep Year 6
Sit the test — typically 2–2.5 hours across multiple papers
Results
Oct Year 6
Receive standardised scores and a qualifying/not-qualifying outcome
Offers
1 March
National Offer Day — find out which school your child has been allocated
Key insight: The 11+ is not a single event — it's a journey that unfolds over 12–18 months. Understanding each stage helps you plan calmly instead of reacting under pressure.
For a detailed preparation timeline, see our guide on when to start 11+ preparation.
How is the 11+ Scored?
Results are given as a Standardised Age Score (SAS). This adjusts your child's raw score based on their exact age on the test date, so a child who has just turned 10 is not disadvantaged against one who is nearly 11.
What the scores mean
- SAS 100 = average for the age group
- SAS 111–120 = above average, competitive for some grammars
- SAS 121+ = well above average, competitive for most grammars
- "Qualifying score" = the threshold set by each school or consortium, varies yearly
Important caveats
- Cut-off scores change every year based on the cohort
- Schools rank applicants — qualifying is necessary but not always sufficient
- Distance, sibling priority, and other criteria may also apply
- A "pass" at one school may not be enough for another
What Does Preparation Actually Cost?
This is the question most guides avoid. The 11+ preparation industry ranges from free to thousands of pounds — and cost does not reliably predict results. Here's an honest breakdown:
£0
Free resources
Library books, free online practice, school support. Many children pass this way.
£50–£150
Books and workbooks
Bond, CGP, Schofield & Sims. The traditional approach — effective with parental guidance.
£0–£300/year
Online platforms
Adaptive practice, progress tracking, instant feedback. Free tiers available (including TrueViQ).
£1,500–£4,000/year
Private tutoring
Weekly 1-to-1 sessions. Helpful but not essential. Quality varies enormously.
£500–£2,000
Intensive courses
Holiday bootcamps or group sessions. Can be effective for exam technique in the final months.
“We didn't tutor our daughter and only bought books which cost about £20. She passed and now attends a grammar school. Please do not read this thinking you need to spend a fortune.”
— Parent, Mumsnet 11+ tutoring thread
What Exam Day Actually Looks Like
Most guides skip this part, but knowing what to expect reduces anxiety — for children and parents.
A typical exam day
Arrival & check-in
Children arrive at the test centre (often a school), show ID or confirmation letter, and are directed to their seat. Parents wait outside or nearby.
The test
Usually 2–3 separate papers with breaks in between. Total time: approximately 2–2.5 hours. Pencils and erasers provided. No calculators.
Collection
Children are released to parents. Most are fine — it's the waiting for results that's harder than the test itself.
Checklist: the night before
For guidance on managing the emotional side, read our guide on talking to your child about the 11+.
What Happens After the Exam?
Results arrive in mid-October — typically by email or letter. Your child will receive a Standardised Age Score and a "qualifying" or "not qualifying" outcome.
If they qualify
- List grammar schools on your secondary application (by October 31)
- Rank schools in genuine preference order — not by perceived difficulty
- Wait for National Offer Day (1 March) to learn which school they receive
- Accept the offer and begin the transition to secondary school
If they don't qualify
- It is not a reflection of your child's worth or potential
- Appeals are possible — check your region's process
- Excellent non-selective schools exist and children thrive in them
- The skills built during preparation transfer to secondary school
For an honest, research-backed perspective on outcomes, read our guide: What happens to kids who don't pass the 11+?
Ready to start practising?
Free, unlimited practice across all four 11+ subjects. Currently in beta — join early for free access.
Join the BetaFrequently Asked Questions
What is the 11+ exam?
The 11+ is a selective entrance exam taken by children in Year 6 (age 10–11) to gain a place at a grammar school or some independent schools. It typically tests English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning, though the exact format varies by region and exam board.
What age do children take the 11+ exam?
Children sit the 11+ in September or October of Year 6, when they are typically 10 or 11 years old. Registration usually happens in the summer term of Year 5.
Is the 11+ exam the same everywhere?
No. The 11+ varies significantly by region. Different areas use different exam boards (GL Assessment or CEM), test different subject combinations, and have different qualifying scores. See our regional guides for specifics.
What subjects are in the 11+ exam?
Most areas test four subjects: English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. However, some regions (like Buckinghamshire) only test Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Check your local exam format.
How long is the 11+ exam?
Typically 2 to 2.5 hours in total, spread across multiple papers with breaks. Each individual paper is usually 45–60 minutes.
Do you need a tutor for the 11+?
No. Many children pass the 11+ with parental support, books, and free or low-cost online resources. Tutoring can help, but consistent practice and strong fundamentals matter more than the method of preparation.
Is the 11+ exam multiple choice?
For GL Assessment areas (Kent, Sutton, most of Buckinghamshire), yes. CEM exams use a mix of formats. Independent school entrance exams typically require written answers.
When should you start preparing for the 11+?
Most families begin 12–18 months before the exam, in Year 4 or early Year 5. The right timing depends on your child's current level and your target school. Read our detailed preparation timing guide.
Sources & References
- Grammar School Statistics, House of Commons Library
- GL Assessment: What is the 11+?
- CEM (Durham University): 11+ Information
- GOV.UK: Types of School
- The Sutton Trust: Grammar Schools and Social Mobility
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