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What Is the 11+ Exam? Ultimate Parent Guide

What Is the 11+ Exam? The Ultimate Parent Guide to Understanding and Acing the 11 Plus

If you're a parent with a child in Key Stage 2, chances are you've heard of the 11+ exam. Whether you're just beginning to explore selective schools or already deep in the preparation phase, understanding the 11+ is crucial. In this ultimate guide, we'll explain what the 11 Plus exam is, why it matters, how it works, and exactly what you can do to support your child.

What is the 11+ Exam?

The 11 Plus (or 11+) exam is an entrance test used by selective grammar schools and independent schools in England and Northern Ireland to determine admission. It is usually taken by students in Year 6, at the age of 10 or 11. The exam aims to assess a child's academic ability and potential, acting as a gateway to top-performing secondary schools.

Unlike SATs or school assessments, the 11+ is not part of the national curriculum. This means your child won't necessarily be prepared for it through school learning alone, which is why many parents choose to supplement with tutoring, courses, or educational apps.

Why Is the 11+ Important?

  • Grammar Schools: These are state-funded schools that select pupils based on academic performance. Many have outstanding Ofsted ratings and offer a rigorous, supportive environment.
  • Independent Schools: Some private schools use the 11+ as part of their admissions process, either directly or in combination with their own entrance tests.
  • Long-Term Academic Benefits: Attending a selective school often correlates with higher GCSE and A-Level performance, as well as increased access to top universities.

Beyond academics, the 11+ preparation process can help children develop critical thinking, discipline, and independent learning skills.

When Does the 11+ Take Place?

The exam is usually held in September of Year 6, but dates can vary depending on the school or region. It’s crucial to:

  • Check school websites for deadlines and exam dates
  • Register early, often between May and July
  • Prepare your child well in advance — ideally starting from Year 3 onwards

At 11 Plus Pathway, we recommend beginning light preparation in Year 3, with a focus on core skills like reading, vocabulary, and number fluency. This gives your child the best chance of building confidence and mastering content without stress.

What Subjects Are Covered in the 11+?

  • Verbal Reasoning: Tests a child’s ability to understand and reason using language. Includes vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms, analogies, and code-breaking.
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning: Focuses on logic and spatial reasoning using shapes and patterns. Ideal for assessing raw problem-solving ability.
  • Mathematics: Covers number operations, algebra, measurement, data handling, and word problems. Requires strong conceptual understanding and arithmetic skills.
  • English / Comprehension: Includes reading passages, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and creative writing (depending on the school).

Not every school includes all four areas. Some may only test English and Maths, while others include reasoning components.

Exam Boards: GL, CEM, and Others

The content and format of the 11+ exam vary depending on the test provider. The main boards are:

  • GL Assessment: Tends to use a multiple-choice format, with separate papers for each subject
  • CEM (Durham University): Integrates subjects across fewer papers, with a greater emphasis on comprehension and problem-solving
  • Independent Schools: May create their own bespoke papers

Knowing which board your target schools use will determine the resources and prep materials you should focus on.

How Competitive Is the 11+?

Extremely. In some regions, 10+ children compete for every available place. This level of competition means strong preparation is essential.

Popular grammar school regions include:

  • Kent
  • Buckinghamshire
  • Essex
  • London boroughs (e.g., Barnet, Redbridge)

Cut-off scores vary each year, based on applicant numbers and performance. In most cases, scoring in the top 10–20% is necessary for a grammar school place.

Registration and Key Deadlines

Each school or local authority has its own registration process. Here’s a general timeline:

  • April – June: Begin researching schools
  • May – July: Register for the 11+ test
  • September: Sit the 11+ exam
  • October: Results released
  • March (Year 6): School allocations confirmed

Missing registration deadlines is one of the most common (and avoidable) errors parents make.

Should You Use a Tutor or Go DIY?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Consider the pros and cons:

Private Tutoring

  • Pros: Tailored 1:1 support, consistent accountability, immediate feedback and guidance
  • Cons: Can be expensive (£30–£60/hr or more), quality varies widely, may increase pressure or stress

DIY Prep (Books, Apps, Online Resources)

  • Pros: Flexible and low-cost, can be fun and interactive, good for independent learners
  • Cons: Requires parental oversight, harder to diagnose weak areas without support

Blended Options (e.g., 11 Plus Pathway)

  • Pros: Combines the structure of a course with cost-effective accessibility, progress tracking and adaptive learning paths, designed by education experts specifically for Year 3–6 learners
  • Cons: Still requires consistency from child and parent

Ultimately, the best approach is the one your child will actually stick to. Consistency matters more than intensity.

How Much Prep is Enough?

This depends on your child’s starting level and goals. A rough guide:

  • Year 3: Fun, low-pressure learning. Focus on vocabulary, number fluency, reading.
  • Year 4: 1–2 short sessions a week to build foundations
  • Year 5: 3–4 sessions per week, adding in mock exams
  • Summer before Year 6: 4–5 sessions per week, targeting weak areas

Over-preparation can lead to burnout. Balance is essential — make time for breaks, hobbies, and relaxation.

How to Support Your Child Emotionally

The 11+ can be emotionally taxing. Common challenges include:

  • Test anxiety
  • Fear of failure
  • Peer pressure

What parents can do:

  • Focus on effort over results
  • Avoid comparing with other children
  • Praise progress and resilience
  • Talk openly about nerves and coping strategies
  • Keep weekends and evenings fun where possible

What Happens After the 11+?

Once results are out, you’ll:

  • Submit school choices via your local authority
  • Wait for allocation in March (National Offer Day)
  • If your child doesn’t get into your first-choice school:
    • Consider appeals
    • Explore independent school scholarships
    • Reassure them: this isn’t the end of the road

Final Thoughts: Is the 11+ Worth It?

Absolutely — for the right child. The process fosters discipline, independence, and academic growth. But it should never come at the cost of wellbeing.

Your job as a parent is to guide, not pressure. With the right tools and mindset, the 11+ can be a rewarding journey that builds confidence and opens doors.

🎁 Bonus: Get Free 11+ Resources

Want expert-backed tools to help your child prepare?

👉 Download the 11 Plus Pathway App — access practice questions, revision tips, and parent guides in one place. It’s 100% free and designed to make your life easier.