11+ Exam in Wales
- Suratna Solutions
- Oct 24, 2025
- 2 min read
Are you searching for information about the 11+ exam in Wales? Here’s what might surprise you: the traditional 11plus exam in Wales no longer exists for state schools. However, that doesn’t mean Welsh families have abandoned selective education altogether.
Table of Contents
What Happened to the 11+ Exam in Wales?
Understanding the 11+ exam in Wales begins with a brief look back. After the 1944 Butler Education Act, grammar schools flourished across the UK. However, Wales moved towards comprehensive education during the 1960s and 1970s, with the last grammar school closing in 1988.
Today, no state-funded grammar schools remain in Wales. This marks a sharp contrast with parts of England such as Kent, Buckinghamshire, and Lincolnshire, where the 11 Plus continues to shape children’s academic futures.
Where the 11+ Exam Still Matters
Although state grammar schools have vanished, the 11plus exam remains relevant for two main groups of Welsh families:
1. Independent School EntryWales has around 79 independent schools teaching nearly 10,000 pupils. Many of these, especially in Cardiff and Powys, use entrance exams based on the 11+ format. They typically assess English, mathematics, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning skills.
2. Cross-Border ApplicationsFamilies near the England-Wales border often apply to grammar schools in Cheshire, Shropshire, or Gloucestershire. For them, preparing for the 11+ exam remains essential to access selective education across the border.
Should Wales Bring Back the 11+ Exam?
The debate about reintroducing the 11+ exam in Wales resurfaces every few years. In 2025, senior Welsh Conservatives argued that the country’s “educational crisis” could be improved by reintroducing selective education.
Supporters believe grammar schools once helped bright pupils from working-class backgrounds succeed. However, critics say selective systems increase inequality and create underperforming schools for those who don’t pass.
Preparing for the 11plus Exam in Wales
For families applying to independent or English grammar schools, preparation is crucial. Many use trusted tuition providers such as Math & Reason | Affordable 11+ tutor UK and Mock Tests, which offer comprehensive 11 Plus programmes and mock exams tailored to real-life exam conditions.
Math & Reason | Affordable 11+ tutor UK and Mock Tests platform provides detailed practice across all four key areas: English, maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. Their resources mirror actual 11+ assessments, helping students gain confidence and accuracy before test day.
Whether you’re in Cardiff aiming for independent school entry or in Flintshire applying to Cheshire grammar schools, quality preparation makes the difference between confidence and stress.
Final Thoughts
Even though the state-run 11+ exam in Wales is no longer in place, opportunities still exist through independent and cross-border routes. With expert preparation, Welsh families can continue accessing top-tier selective education and unlock their children’s full academic potential.
Ready to start preparing? Explore Math & Reason | Affordable 11+ tutor UK and Mock Tests 11plus preparation programmes trusted by families across Wales and beyond.
