The 11+ exam: a parent's guide
TutorAura guide · Updated
The 11+ (eleven plus) is an entrance test some children in England take in Year 6 to get a place at a grammar school, a state secondary school that selects pupils by academic ability. Grammar schools are free, but places depend on passing the test as well as the school's other admission criteria (GOV.UK).
There's no single national 11+. Each area or school decides its own test, so check your local council and the schools' admission arrangements first.
Key takeaways
- The 11+ is set locally: content, dates and pass marks vary by area.
- Many areas test early in Year 6, with registration in Year 5.
- Common sections: English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
- You still apply for secondary schools by 31 October.
What does the 11+ test?
Depending on the area, the test may include:
| Section | What it involves |
|---|---|
| English | Comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, grammar, sometimes creative writing |
| Maths | Key stage 2 maths, often with multi-step problems |
| Verbal reasoning | Word and letter puzzles, codes, analogies |
| Non-verbal reasoning | Patterns and sequences in shapes |
Some areas test all four; others only some. The school or council publishes which sections they use, often with familiarisation materials.
When does it happen?
In many areas, parents register in the spring or summer of Year 5 and children sit the test in September of Year 6, so results arrive before the 31 October deadline for secondary school applications. Secondary offers are sent on 1 March (GOV.UK). Registration deadlines are strict and separate from the main application, so diary them early.
Independent schools run their own entrance exams on their own timetables. Northern Ireland has its own transfer test system.
A calm preparation plan
- Year 4 to early Year 5: focus on strong basics. Reading widely builds vocabulary for English and verbal reasoning; times tables and arithmetic fluency underpin the maths. Our free times tables quiz helps.
- Year 5: get familiar with the question types used in your area. Short, regular sessions (20 to 30 minutes a few times a week) beat long weekend marathons.
- Summer before Year 6: a few timed practice papers to build stamina and speed, then go through mistakes together.
- The weeks before: keep it light. Sleep, routine and confidence matter.
Should you get a tutor?
Many families prepare without one. A tutor can help with a specific weak area, with exam technique, or if home practice causes friction. If you're considering one, see signs your child needs a tutor and how much tutoring costs. An AI tutor can provide regular maths and reading practice at a lower cost.
Keeping it in proportion
Grammar school isn't the right fit for every child, and the test is one day. Visit the schools, talk to your child about how they feel, and have a positive plan whatever the result. Children pick up on parents' stress, so keep preparation routine and low-key. See how to support your teen through exams for ideas that apply at any age.
Frequently asked questions
Are 11+ tests the same as the KS2 SATs?
No. KS2 SATs are national tests taken in May of Year 6 to measure schools. The 11+ is a local selection test, usually taken earlier in Year 6, and is used to decide grammar school places.
Can my child sit the 11+ if we live outside the area?
Often, yes. Many grammar schools accept applications from outside the local authority, but admission criteria such as distance may make a place less likely. Check each school's admission arrangements before registering.
What is the pass mark for the 11+?
There's no single pass mark. Each area or school sets its own qualifying score, often standardised for age, and some schools then rank qualifying children by score or by other criteria such as distance.
When should my child start preparing for the 11+?
Strong reading and arithmetic habits help from Year 4. Focused familiarisation with the question types usually starts in Year 5, with timed practice in the months before the test.
Is the 11+ the same everywhere?
No. The subjects, format, dates and test provider vary by area and school. Check your local council and each school's admission arrangements.
Sources
- School admissions: admission criteria. GOV.UK.
- School admissions: how to apply. GOV.UK.
- National curriculum in England: mathematics programmes of study. Department for Education.
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