What is 11 plus? – A complete guide for parents

This guide is useful for parents who are just starting with their 11 plus journey.

What exactly is the 11 Plus exam?

In England, the 11+ exams are entrance tests taken by some Year 6 pupils. Also known as the “Transfer Test”, it’s a selective entrance exam where the students are offered seats in secondary schools based on their academic ability.

Why do you need 11 plus?

You only need to sit for 11 Plus if you prefer to send your child to attend some of the selective secondary, grammar or selective independent schools. The test is supposed to identify academic ability of the students.

It’s not compulsory for all children to take take the 11 plus exam. Many parents decide to not send their children to grammar schools or selective independent schools. Instead, they prefer to send them to a comprehensive secondary school. Also, in many parts of the country, there are no grammar schools so the children living in those areas do not have a choice but to attend a comprehensive school.

What does it test? What is in the 11 plus exam?

The content of the exam differs among various areas in England, but usually, the 11+ test focuses on a combination of literacy, numerical and reasoning skills assessment.

The 11 plus exam questions generally fall in the following categories.

Maths
English
Non-verbal reasoning
Verbal reasoning
Creative writing

What is the pass mark for 11+?

There are no pass marks in 11+. There is also no pass or fail in the 11+ exam. 11+ is a competitive exam and the selection is based on the top scorers. It depends on which local educational authority your child takes the test in and various other factors like the scoring method. The scoring is based on standardisation and the raw results are converted to a standardised score.

What is a good score in 11+?

It varies from exam board to exam board. In general, the average score for a standardised score is 100. As such, there is no good or bad score. As this is a selective entrance examination the higher the score the greater the chances of securing a place in a selective school.

How long does the 11 plus exam take?

11+ examination papers are timed and they usually last between 45-60 minutes.

When do you sit for the exam?

There’s no synchronicity on the start date of the 11+ examinations. Nevertheless, state grammar schools should provide preliminary results prior to the closing date for all secondary school applications in October. Therefore, in most cases, your child needs to sign up by May of Year 5, and examinations usually happen in September of Year 6.

How do I know if the 11+ exam is right for my child?

You can wait till Year 4 or so until you get a good feel of your child’s ability for 11+. By then, the system will have been changed, but most likely, a promising 11+ candidate would be a year or so advanced of the average attainment levels for their year.

How hard is the 11 plus exam?

Eleven plus exams are quite competitive and although based on the KS2 foundation, it gets very challenging with verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Without regular practice, it is very difficult to get through the eleven plus exams with good scores.
If you defer the 11 plus preparation to the last minute then it can quickly get very stressful for the child and the parents.
Starting the 11+ exams preparation early and using the right preparation techniques is the key to a stress-free journey during the process.
A strong foundation and plenty of time on practice papers can help prepare your child for the 11+ exams.

When do 11 plus results come out?

For the 11 plus examinations that take place during the month of September, the results are declared within a month or so. The exact date for the results can be obtained from the school or the eleven plus examination authority.
A majority of the independent schools conduct 11+ exams during the month of January and pre-tests in the month of November. The 11 plus results for the January exams are declared by February.
If you have specific questions about your schools or region then write to us and we can find the details for you.

What are selective secondary schools?

In England, partially selective schools are those state-funded secondary schools that select a fraction of their intake by skill or aptitude, acceptable as an arrangement continuation that occurred before 1997.

What is grammar school?

In the UK, it is a state secondary school in which students are accepted based on their abilities.

Some English counties have maintained mostly selective schools systems and that includes Lincolnshire, Kent, Buckinghamshire and Medway.

There are 163 grammar schools in the UK.

What’s ‘special’ about grammar schools is that they are state secondary schools that choose their students through an exam taken by kids at age 11, hence, being named as the “11-plus”.

Open days are a good way for parents and children in order to evaluate the school. If you can’t be present on these chosen days, most schools invite parents with their kids by way of appointment during the school term.

Because these are state-funded, grammar schools do not charge students, although there are a few grammar schools that have boarding facilities. So in that case, these schools would charge payments not for tuition but for boarding fees.

Grammar schools in the UK register the same ages of students just like other state secondary schools in the country. This means that pupils normally attend grammar schools during their 7th Year, at age 11, and when they turn 17 or 18, they leave usually that’s at the end of their Year 13.

What is a selective grammar school?

A selective school is one wherein it accepts pupils based on academic ability.

Why are grammar schools controversial?

Grammar schools are controversial because critics claim that this system is divisive– it could cause a gap between learners coming from more affluent families destined for universities and better jobs, and learners from middle class or working-class families may be destined for less profitable roles.

What is a comprehensive school?

Particularly in the UK, a comprehensive school is a kind of school for secondary aged pupils, which does not choose its students on the basis of academic aptitude or abilities.

What is an independent school?

In the UK, independent schools are also known as private schools. These are fee-levying schools, administered by a board of governors (elected)

What are secondary modern schools?

This is a type of school in the UK, for students who didn’t pass the 11+ exam. This focuses on practical instead of academic subjects.

What is the difference between a grammar school and a comprehensive school?

The grammar school was created for those learners who are academically gifted and would proceed to universities and consequently, better jobs. Comprehensive schools, however, admit children of all capacities and base their criteria on a variety of factors such as their location from school, etc.

Are private schools better than grammar schools?

Grammar schools have always been in competition with Independent schools. But according to a study by Durham University that examined over half a million pupil records, grammar schools are no worse or better than non-selective state schools when it comes to attainment.

What are the different types of 11 plus exams?

What is the GL assessment?

The GL Assessment is divided into 4 subjects; Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The exam comes with a separate answer book where questions are typically answered by filling in the blank space provided or by multiple choice. Some would say that the GL Assessment is easier than the CEM test because its queries usually come from a question bank. That said, test-takers can prepare for the exam by acquainting themselves with the different types of questions and by practising regularly.

What is the CEM Test?

Unlike the GL Assessment, CEM tests are not split by subject and they are usually divided into several sections instead. A typical exam would have 2 paper tests – one for English and Verbal Reasoning, and the other for Maths and Non-Verbal Reasoning. However, the format tends to change every year so expect the unexpected when it comes to the CEM test. But just like the GL Assessment, the CEM test comes with a separate answer book where the questions are typically answered by multiple-choice or by filling in the blank space available. It’s important to note that the flow of the CEM test is random, which is why it is considered to be the tougher test out of the two 11 plus exams. It may start out with simple math equations before moving on to non-verbal questions. And then it may end with worded problems before wrapping up the whole test. The weight of each subject is unknown so test-takers may need more preparation for the CEM test.

What is the CSSE exam?

The CSSE Essex 11+ Test is designed for children who are looking to apply for a place at one of the ten Grammar schools that are part of the consortium of selective schools in Essex.

What is the Kent Test?

The Kent Test is an examination used to assess whether Year 7 grammar school entry is a suitable option for your child. It is used by most, but not all, of the 35 wholly selective and 4 partially selective grammar schools in the region.

What’s the difference between the GL & CEM 11 Plus exams?

Although the topics covered in both exams are the same there are some key differences between the GL and CEM exams.

Both exams cover Maths, English, Non-Verbal Reasoning, and Verbal Reasoning

The GL Assessment comes with a separate answer book where questions are typically answered by filling in the blank space provided or by multiple choice.
Some would say that the GL Exam is easier than the CEM test because its queries usually come from a question bank. That said, test-takers can prepare for the exam by acquainting themselves with the different types of questions and by practicing regularly. Meanwhile, CEM tests are not split by subject and they are usually divided into several sections instead. A typical exam would have 2 paper tests – one for English and Verbal Reasoning, and the other for Maths and Non-Verbal Reasoning. However, the format tends to change every year so expect the unexpected when it comes to the CEM test.
But just like the GL Assessment, the CEM test comes with a separate answer book where the questions are typically answered by multiple-choice or by filling in the blank space available.
It’s important to note that the flow of the CEM test is random, which is why it is considered to be the tougher test out of the two 11 plus exams. It may start out with simple math equations before moving on to non-verbal questions. And then it may end with worded problems before wrapping up the whole test. The weight of each subject is unknown so test-takers may need more preparation for the CEM test

The GL exam usually takes 45 minutes to finish but this can vary depending on the school or your location. The CEM, on the other hand, does not follow a set format as it tends to change annually. That said, no one can tell exactly how long the exam timing is. It is said that the average exam time is between 45 minutes to 60 minutes. Knowledge and Skills Those who are taking the 11 plus exam are expected to have proficiency in maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning. In some cases, test-takers may also be required to be equipped with creative writing skills and music as well.

What sort of 11 Plus test will my child have to take?

Your child’s 11 Plus Exam depends on their school and the region where you reside. It is important to remember that schools may also choose to change the examiner. This essentially means that although schools in your region may have a standard, your child’s school may choose to do their exams differently. To better prepare for the exams, it is crucial to do your research. Be updated with not just the exam board, but also the subject, format, and length of the exam. Additionally, some schools may have other tests such as creative writing that are not usually included.

Will my child have to sit more than one exam?

This depends on your child’s school and the type of exam your child will take. The GL Assessment usually takes just 45 minutes of the test-takers time, but the CEM Test may require your child to sit more than one exam. In the past, the CEM Test had given out 4 different papers, each covering one subject. The test takers were then given short breaks in between, taking up more time than the usual 45-minute test. But again, the format of the CEM Test is highly unpredictable so your child may or may not be required to sit more than one exam.

When can you start 11 plus tutoring?

There is no right or wrong time to start 11 Plus Tutoring. The perfect time to start would totally depend on your child’s skills, schedule, and personality. On average, kids start their 11 Plus tutoring at around Year 4. This would give them ample time to prepare for the exam without getting burned out from studying. Meanwhile, some parents may feel that Year 3 is the best time to start. This may be true if your child needs more time to study and practice what they’ve learned. However, one of the major drawbacks of starting too early is the stress that your child might feel. You’d want to make the learning process fun and enjoyable for them instead of making them feel pressured to succeed in the exam. The fear of failure tends to get the best of even the brightest kids. On the other hand, starting at Year 5 may also be suitable for your child. But just remember that it may be more difficult to book a tutor at this time. Most tutors would prefer to work with their students earlier, giving them more opportunities to assess their skills, learn new concepts, and work on their weaknesses.

Some kids start their 11 Plus tutoring at Year 3 and this is perhaps the earliest time when you can enrol your kids with a tutor. Most children begin their tutoring in Year 4 and this is considered to be the best time to start according to a majority of parents.

How can I help my child prepare at home?

There are 5 factors that could help your child with 11 plus exam preparation: participation, feedback, planning, consistency, and accountability. As you can already expect, having enough time and being available for your child’s study time is crucial. With the help of study resources and apps like Kidsmart, you don’t need to be physically present with your child during their hours of study. But you need to put in a bit of time for planning and giving feedback. Planning entails choosing and purchasing the right study resources and scheduling study-related activities for the week. Following up with your child’s progress and giving feedback is equally important as it helps your child get back on track when they feel unmotivated. Giving praise when they’ve earned it is also a great way to show support.

How do I prepare my child for the 11 plus exams?

Research about the 11+ in your area
The first thing you need to do to prepare your child for the 11 plus exams is to do some research and find out about the 11 plus exam in your area. The exam varies from region to region or school to school. There may be some important things to take note of that may not be part of the usual exam. Creative writing, for example, is not typically part of the 11+ but it may appear on the test for some institutions.
Decide when to start preparing your child for the 11+
Preparation is everything when it comes to the 11+ exams. You’d want your child to have ample time to study and to be familiar with the exam. Most kids start their 11+ preparation at Year 4 but the best time to begin depends on your child’s preferences. Some may perform better by starting earlier, while others feel stressed and burned out when there’s too much studying.
Create a preparation plan for your child
The next step is to create a study plan that matches the 11+ exam requirements in your area. Assess your child’s strengths and weaknesses and figure out a plan that can help them develop their knowledge and skills. There are plenty of pre-planned resources on the internet but it may be more effective to create a custom plan for your child’s progress.

To tutor or not to tutor?

Contrary to popular belief, tutoring is not mandatory. However, your child may benefit a lot from 11 plus tuition, especially if you do not have enough time to assist your kids with their studies. At the end of the day, it all depends on what works best for your child.

KidSmart’ self-paced learning modules help strengthen the foundation, practice tests and dedicated tutor support.
Find the right practice materials for your child
Not all practice materials are created with the same quality. You’d want to have resources that are engaging and fun but also challenging and informative. Choosing the right study materials for your child is difficult. But the sooner you find what keeps them motivated, the faster and easier it is for them to keep learning.

When and where 11+ take place?

For most grammar schools, the 11+ exams take place within the first two weeks of September, but this could vary according to your location. If your child attends a local authority primary school, then the exam will be taken in one of their classrooms. But if your child goes to a different type of school, then they will be invited to take it at a local grammar school.

What happens after the exam?

Exam results are typically released during mid-October but again, the exact date depends upon your location. They are sent by post or by email, and they could also be posted online as well for you to view. Test results are usually sent in by this time so that parents can proceed to submit secondary school applications by the end of the month.

How do I find out more about the 11+?

Information about the 11 plus is limited since most schools prefer not to divulge the contents of their exams. Having said that, it may be tough to dig out the info you need for your child to prepare. While there may be plenty of websites online that offer advice and study tips, the exact details of the exams are never included. Also, it is important to note that information varies depending on your location and the school. To find out more about the 11+ exam, try asking your local authority or the school you are applying to.

When can I apply for 11 plus exam?

The deadline for registration depends on where you are in the country. Registration typically begins during the month of May and it ends in October. However, some schools may also set their deadlines as early as July so it’s best to stay updated.

Which children have to take the Eleven-Plus?

The 11+ exam is not mandatory. If your child attends a local authority primary school in an area that still has grammar schools, then your child will be automatically registered for the exam. However, you may always choose to opt out of the 11 plus. Only those who are interested in enrolling to a grammar school are required to take the exam.

What is the Eleven-Plus exam made up of?

The 11 plus exam typically covers 4 disciplines: Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. All questions are typically answered by multiple choice except for the English exam which may also be a written piece of work. For some schools, they may also require a Music Aptitude Test (MAT)

What is verbal reasoning?

The verbal reasoning portion of the exam involves solving word and text problems. This test is an assessment of your child’s understanding of English grammar and vocabulary. What is a good verbal reasoning score? It is difficult to determine a good verbal reasoning score because the 11 plus exam is standardised using a complex statistical process. This process takes into account the difficulty of the exam and the age of your child. However, a child must approximately score between 80-85% for the whole exam in order to pass.

What is non-verbal reasoning?

The non-verbal reasoning portion, on the other hand, contains problems that deal with pictures and diagrams. This exam may also include a few Maths questions.

How are Eleven-Plus exams marked?

The passing score of the 11 plus exam depends on the standards of the Local Educational Authority (LEA) your child took the test in. Each region has its own minimum mark for entry into a grammar school. Schools within the same LEA may also have varying minimum pass marks. Moreover, the 11 plus exam is standardised using a complex statistical process. Your child’s score will be adjusted to reflect their age and the difficulty level of the exam. This is to ensure fairness among all test-takers.

How do I find grammar schools in my area?

A quick search online should give you a list of the nearest grammar school in your area. You may also visit the National Grammar Schools Association (NGSA) website to find a school.

What is grammar school appeal?

We don’t like to think about it but there’s a possibility that your child might not make it into their first choice of school. But all hope is not lost as you can always make an appeal for your child to be reconsidered. A grammar school appeal is a collection of documents that are submitted to the school’s admission board. It may include letters of recommendations from your child’s previous teachers, awards, and recognition. You may also provide documents that prove how your child may be placed at harm if they are not admitted to the school. Examples of such documents includes travel timetables or your child’s health records.

How do I win a grammar school appeal?

After submitting your appeal to the school, you will be invited to a hearing in front of a panel. Although attendance is not obligated, participating in the hearing is another opportunity to explain your case. How to cope with the pressure of 11 plus? To avoid the stress of the 11 plus exams, preparation and organization is key. Help your child by planning ahead and by gathering all the necessary information about the exam beforehand. It is also important to give emotional support by reassuring them of their future. Let them know that no matter what happens, you are proud of them and will continue to cheer for them throughout their journey. Meanwhile, it is also important to manage your stress. By having a cool and calm demeanour, you are not only giving your child’s self-confidence a boost but you are also setting a good example for your child on how to manage stress.

Where to get more advice?

You can chat with our support team who will be more than willing to help you with any 11 plus questions.

Where to get practice test papers?

There are plenty of study materials available online. In fact, Kidsmart offers a collection of 350+ practice papers for you to use with your child.

Where can I get free 11 plus revision sheets?

You can search online for revision sheets, download and print the sheets. There is a lot of free material online.
If you already have a KidSmart subscription then revision worksheets are already included with your subscription.

Are 11 plus mock exams any good?

11 plus mock test is a great way of preparing your child for the real exam. There are multiple ways you can help your child experience the 11 plus mock tests and it comes with some cost as well.
Some mock test providers offer classroom style mock exams which are normally quite expensive but letting your child sit a couple of these tests can help them get a feel of what a real test may feel like.
Other providers can send mock tests by post or email and these are relatively cheaper than the classroom-style options.

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