What is the 11 Plus test?
The 11 Plus test, which is often simply known as "the 11 Plus", is an entrance test used by grammar schools, and some independent schools, to select pupils for Year 7 entry. It is normally taken in September or early October of Year 6.
What subjects are tested at 11 Plus?
The 11 Plus test can include papers in English, maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning, but the exact mix depends on the individual school, and the region. A few schools also include a written English paper, and some schools include spatial reasoning questions in their non-verbal reasoning test. The best way to find out which subjects your child will be tested on is to check the Admissions page of your chosen school's website.
Are all 11 Plus tests the same?
No - and that’s one of the reasons the 11 Plus can feel so confusing for parents! There isn’t a single national 11 Plus exam. Different regions and schools use different exam boards, formats, and even scoring systems. The main ones are:
GL Assessment – the most widely used board in England. GL produces tests in English, maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning, but each paper is custom-written for a particular school or consortium. That means the mix of topics and level of difficulty can vary, even between neighbouring counties.
CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) – this test used to be widely used, but is now quite rare.
FSCE (Future Stories Community Enterprise). A small but growing number of grammar schools now use FSCE tests.
Sutton SET – the Sutton Grammar Schools’ Selective Eligibility Test, used in parts of South London and Surrey. It’s a two-stage process: the SET first, then second-round exams written by individual schools.
Medway Test – used by grammar schools in the Medway area of Kent. It includes English, maths, and reasoning, but has its own question styles, weightings, and a unique marking system.
CSSE Test – set by the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex, focusing on English and maths papers written specifically for that group of schools.
Even if two schools both use “GL,” the papers themselves might well not be identical. Every test reflects the priorities of the local authority or school group that commissions it.
At Club 11 Plus, we focus specifically on preparing children for GL 11 Plus tests, as these are now used by the majority of grammar schools across England. Our lessons and quizzes are carefully designed to cover every question type and skill your child could encounter - so they’re ready for whichever GL test version their school uses.
Do I have to apply for the 11 Plus test?
Yes - you do need to apply if you want your child to sit the 11 Plus. Registration isn’t automatic, even if your local area has grammar schools.
Each local authority or group of grammar schools handles registration separately. You’ll usually need to complete an online application form through either via your local council’s website, or via the grammar school’s or consortium’s own admissions page.
Applications normally open in April or May of Year 5 and close around June or July, though exact dates vary by region. After you register, you’ll receive confirmation and later details of the test date, location, and procedures. If you miss the deadline, some areas allow late registration under special circumstances, but it’s best not to rely on this.
For detailed, up-to-date information, check the admissions pages for your chosen grammar schools - and remember, Club 11 Plus can help you plan your child’s preparation timetable once you know the test dates.
Do all areas in the UK have grammar schools?
No - only certain parts of England still have grammar schools. The UK’s education system isn’t the same everywhere. Grammar schools operate in some English counties and boroughs, but not in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland (which has its own separate selective system).
Within England, grammar schools survive mainly in areas such as Kent, Buckinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Essex, Gloucestershire, Birmingham, and parts of Berkshire, Devon, and Yorkshire. In these places, children can take the 11 Plus test for a grammar-school place.
Many other local authorities no longer have grammar schools at all. In those areas, all pupils attend comprehensive secondary schools, regardless of ability.
So before starting 11 Plus preparation, it’s important to check whether your local area or your preferred schools actually use selective entry.
At what age should my child start preparing?
Most families begin preparation during Year 4 or at the beginning of Year 5. Some start earlier, some later - it depends on your child’s confidence and schedule, and your personal preference. With Club 11 Plus, you can start anytime, go at your own pace, and pick up extra practice when needed. If you're currently wondering when the best time is for your child to start preparing, you might find our blog on this topic interesting: https://www.club11plus.co.uk/blog/best-age-to-start-11-plus-tuition
Does my child need a tutor?
At Club 11 Plus, we have strong opinions on this topic! You might like to read our blog post on the subject: https://www.club11plus.co.uk/blog/does-my-child-need-an-11-plus-tutor
Should my child take mock tests?
This is another subject the Club 11 Plus boffins have strong opinions on. Our blog on the topic discusses the matter in depth: https://www.club11plus.co.uk/blog/how-to-use-mock-tests-wisely-with-just-weeks-to-go-before-the-test
What's included in the 11 Plus maths test?
At Club 11 Plus, we specialise in preparing children for the GL 11 Plus test. If you'd like to know which topics are included in the GL maths test, you'll definitely find this blog post useful: https://www.club11plus.co.uk/blog/which-topics-are-included-in-the-11-plus-maths-test
What's included in the 11 Plus verbal reasoning test?
If you'd like to know what sorts of questions can be included in the GL verbal reasoning test, you might find this blog post useful: https://www.club11plus.co.uk/blog/understanding-the-11-plus-verbal-reasoning-test
What's included in the 11 Plus non-verbal reasoning test?
If you'd like to know the types of questions that can be included in the GL non-verbal reasoning test, you might like to read this blog post: https://www.club11plus.co.uk/blog/what-is-the-11-plus-non-verbal-reasoning-test. In addition to this, some schools also include spatial reasoning questions in their non-verbal reasoning test. Club 11 Plus doesn't currently offer spatial reasoning questions, but we will be adding them very soon!
What's included in the 11 Plus English test?
If you'd like to know how best to help your child prepare for the GL English test, check out our blog post on the subject for some hints and tips: https://www.club11plus.co.uk/blog/how-best-to-prepare-for-11-plus-english-test
