11+ Exam: Everything to Know About This Crucial Gateway to the Grammar Schools
- Suratna Solutions
- Aug 31
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 7
The 11+ exam represents one of the most significant educational milestones in a child's academic journey, serving as the gateway to prestigious grammar schools across England. This comprehensive examination, taken by thousands of Year 6 students annually, can dramatically shape your child's secondary education path and future opportunities.
Whether you're a parent just beginning to explore selective education options or already deep into preparation, understanding every aspect of the 11+ exam: everything to know about this selective assessment is crucial for making informed decisions about your child's academic future.
What Exactly is the 11+ Exam?
The 11+ exam: everything to know about begins with understanding its fundamental purpose. This standardised examination is administered to students in their final year of primary education, typically in Year 6 when children are 10 or 11 years old. The name "11+" refers to the age at which children start secondary school, not their current age when taking the test.
The 11+ exam: everything to know about its origins reveals it was introduced in 1944 as part of the Tripartite System, originally designed to determine which type of school a student should attend: grammar school, secondary modern school, or technical school. Today, it primarily serves as the entrance examination for grammar schools and selective independent schools across England.
Currently, 163 grammar schools operate in England, all fully state-funded, making them highly competitive destinations for academically gifted students. These schools focus intensively on academic achievement and have consistently demonstrated exceptional results in national league tables.
Core Subjects Covered in the 11+ Exam
When exploring 11+ exam: everything to know about subject content, four main disciplines form the foundation of most tests:
English Component
The English section typically includes reading comprehension, spelling, punctuation, grammar, and occasionally creative writing tasks. Students encounter complex texts requiring analytical thinking and demonstrate their understanding through various question formats. Vocabulary knowledge plays a crucial role, with successful candidates typically knowing over 1,800 advanced words.
Mathematics Assessment
The mathematics component covers Key Stage 2 curriculum topics including number operations, algebra, geometry, and problem-solving. Questions often require students to apply mathematical concepts in unfamiliar situations, testing both knowledge and reasoning ability. Math & Reason | Affordable 11+ tutor UK and Mock Tests
Verbal Reasoning
Verbal reasoning represents a unique challenge in the 11+ exam: everything to know about this section involves understanding that it's not typically taught in primary schools. This component tests logical thinking with words, including analogies, word patterns, codes, and sequences. Students must demonstrate vocabulary knowledge alongside logical reasoning skills.
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Non-verbal reasoning assesses spatial awareness and pattern recognition using shapes, diagrams, and visual puzzles. This section identifies students with strengths in mathematics and sciences by testing reasoning processes that don't rely on language skills. Math & Reason | Affordable 11+ tutor UK and Mock Tests
Understanding Different Exam Providers
The 11+ exam: everything to know about providers reveals significant variation across regions. Two main examination boards dominate the landscape:
GL Assessment
GL Assessment (formerly Granada Learning) administers approximately 59% of all 11+ exams across England. GL tests typically include separate papers for English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning, with schools choosing combinations that suit their selection criteria.
CEM Assessment
The Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM), developed by Durham University, handles approximately 27% of 11+ exams. CEM was specifically designed to be less "coachable" than GL assessments, with tests focusing on Numerical Reasoning, Verbal Skills, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Key differences between providers affect preparation strategies. CEM exams typically feature longer, more complex problems with less predictable question types, while GL assessments follow more recognizable patterns that allow for systematic preparation.
Timing and Examination Schedule
The 11+ exam: everything to know about timing centres on September of Year 6. Most grammar schools conduct their assessments during the first weeks of the autumn term, though some may schedule tests in early October. Schools often announce their specific examination dates during the summer term of Year 5, giving families approximately one year to prepare.
The examination typically consists of two or three papers, each lasting 45-60 minutes. These are usually taken on the same day with short breaks between sessions, creating an intensive assessment experience that tests both knowledge and stamina.
Scoring System and Pass Marks
Understanding 11+ exam: everything to know about scoring reveals a sophisticated standardisation process. Raw scores undergo adjustment based on three key factors: paper difficulty, student age, and different test versions.
Standardisation ensures fairness by giving younger students additional marks to compensate for age-related disadvantages. For instance, a child born in August receives extra points compared to a September-born classmate, recognizing that older children may have learned up to 1,000 additional vocabulary words.
Generally, scores above 121 are considered competitive for grammar school entry, with top scores typically reaching 140-141. However, pass marks vary significantly between schools and regions based on demand and available places.
Effective Preparation Strategies
The 11+ exam: everything to know about preparation emphasizes starting early and maintaining consistent practice. Educational experts recommend beginning preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5, allowing sufficient time for skill development without overwhelming pressure.
Building Strong Foundations
Successful preparation requires developing core skills gradually through regular practice. Spaced repetition proves particularly effective for retaining difficult concepts, allowing children to revisit challenging topics multiple times before mastery. (Talior made tutoring for Maths and Non Verbal reasoning at an affordable price: Math & Reason | Affordable 11+ tutor UK and Mock Tests )
Structured Study Approach
Creating a consistent timetable helps children develop routine and reduces anxiety. Parents should balance 11+ preparation with regular school homework and maintain their child's overall wellbeing.
Practice Materials and Mock Examinations
Regular exposure to past papers and practice tests builds familiarity with question formats and timing requirements. Both GL Assessment and CEM provide official practice materials, though availability varies between providers.
Regional Variations and School Selection
The 11+ exam: everything to know about regional differences highlights significant variation across England. Different areas use different examination providers and may focus on specific subject combinations:
Kent: Uses the Kent Test, combining GL Assessment papers with additional writing assessments
Buckinghamshire: Employs CEM assessments focusing on reasoning abilities
Birmingham: Utilizes GL Assessment with emphasis on all four core subjects
When selecting target schools, families must research each institution's specific requirements, as schools within the same area may use different assessment approaches.
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Supporting Your Child Through the Process
The 11+ exam: everything to know about emotional support recognizes that preparation involves more than academic study. Children need encouragement, realistic expectations, and reassurance that their worth isn't determined by examination results.
Maintaining balance between preparation and childhood activities prevents burnout and preserves enthusiasm for learning. Successful families often integrate 11+ practice into daily routines rather than treating it as separate, stressful activity.
Alternative Pathways and Backup Plans
The 11+ exam: everything to know about alternative options ensures families prepare for various outcomes. Many excellent comprehensive schools provide outstanding education without selective entry requirements. Additionally, some areas offer partial selection or later entry opportunities.
Independent schools may use different assessment criteria or accept applications throughout the year, providing additional pathways for academically able students.
Looking Ahead: Future Considerations
The 11+ exam: everything to know about future trends suggests increasing competition due to various factors, including potential changes to private school fee structures. Early preparation and thorough understanding of local arrangements become increasingly important for success.
The examination system continues evolving, with some regions modifying their approaches or changing examination providers. Staying informed about local developments ensures families make appropriate preparation decisions.
Understanding every aspect of the 11+ exam empowers families to make informed decisions about their children's education while maintaining perspective on what truly matters: nurturing young minds to reach their full potential, regardless of which secondary school they attend.
What’s Next After the 11+ Exam?
Once the 11+ exam is completed, parents and students often ask:
For more tailored guidance, explore resources like Math & Reason to boost your preparation efforts.
