11+ FAQs
What is the 11+ exam and who has to take it?
The 11+ exam is an entrance test used by many grammar schools in England to decide which pupils they admit. It is usually taken in Year 6, typically in September, with results released in time for secondary school applications.
Not every child has to take the 11+. Only pupils who wish to apply to grammar schools (or certain selective independent schools) need to sit the exam. In areas without grammar schools, the 11+ is not required.
The exam commonly tests:
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English (including comprehension and sometimes creative writing)
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Mathematics
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Verbal Reasoning
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Non-Verbal Reasoning
The exact format and subjects can vary depending on the local authority or individual school, which is why early and targeted preparation is so important.
When should my child start preparing for the 11+ exam?
Most children begin preparing for the 11+ between Year 4 and Year 5, depending on their confidence, ability, and familiarity with the exam style. Starting too early can lead to burnout, while starting too late can cause unnecessary stress.
A gentle introduction in Year 4 helps children build core skills in English and Maths without pressure. More focused, exam-style preparation usually takes place during Year 5, with regular practice and gradual exposure to timed questions.
The key is consistent, manageable preparation rather than intensive cramming. Short, regular sessions over time are far more effective than last-minute revision and help children feel confident and in control as the exam approaches.
What subjects are included in the 11+ exam?
The subjects tested in the 11+ exam can vary depending on the school or local authority, but most exams include a combination of the following:
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English – reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and sometimes creative writing
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Mathematics – arithmetic, problem-solving, fractions, decimals, percentages, and reasoning
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Verbal Reasoning – word-based logic, patterns, and language skills
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Non-Verbal Reasoning – visual patterns, shapes, and spatial reasoning
Some schools may test only English and Maths, while others include Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning as well. Because formats differ, it’s important to check the exact requirements for the schools your child is applying to.
Targeted preparation ensures your child practises the right subjects in the right format, avoiding unnecessary work and building confidence where it matters most.
How is the 11+ exam marked and what score does my child need to pass?
The 11+ exam is usually standardised, which means your child’s score is adjusted to take account of their age and how other children performed. This helps ensure fairness, as some pupils may be slightly younger or older when they sit the exam.
There is no universal pass mark for the 11+. Each grammar school sets its own cut-off score, which can change from year to year depending on:
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The number of places available
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The number of children taking the exam
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Overall performance in that year
In some areas, children must first achieve a qualifying score, after which places are offered based on ranking. In others, meeting the pass mark does not guarantee a place if the school is oversubscribed.
This is why strong preparation aims not just to “pass”, but to help children achieve the highest score they are capable of.
How much preparation does my child need for the 11+ exam?
The amount of preparation needed varies from child to child, depending on their starting level, confidence, and learning style. There is no fixed number of hours that guarantees success.
For most children, short and regular sessions work best — for example, 20–40 minutes, three to five times a week. This allows skills to develop steadily without overwhelming the child or taking away their enjoyment of learning.
Effective preparation should include:
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Building strong English and Maths foundations
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Gradual introduction to exam-style questions
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Practice under timed conditions closer to the exam
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Regular review of mistakes to identify weak areas
Quality and consistency matter far more than quantity. Well-structured preparation helps children feel confident, capable, and calm on exam day.