1. What is the 11+ exam?

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The 11+ is an entrance test used by grammar and selective schools to identify children who are suited to an academically challenging environment. It typically assesses skills in English, maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. Some areas also include creative writing.
The test is designed to evaluate how well children can think, problem-solve, interpret information, and apply what they’ve learned — rather than how much they can memorise.

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2. When does my child sit the 11+ exam?

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Most children sit the exam at the beginning of Year 6, often in September.
However, registration usually opens in April–July of Year 5, and deadlines are strict. Areas like Kent, Buckinghamshire, and Birmingham all have slightly different timelines, so it’s important to check your local authority or school’s admissions page.

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3. What subjects are tested in the 11+?

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This varies between regions and schools, but commonly includes:

• English: comprehension, vocabulary, grammar

• Maths: arithmetic, reasoning, word problems

• Verbal Reasoning: logic and language-based problem solving

• Non-Verbal Reasoning: visual puzzles, patterns, sequences
  Some selective schools, especially independents, include creative writing, assessing structure, imagination, clarity, and technical accuracy.

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4. Which exam board will my child sit?

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Most grammar schools use either:

• GL Assessment (the most common, predictable structure), or

• CEM-style papers (more varied, often mixed-section tests)

Independent schools typically write their own exams.
Knowing the exam board helps you choose the right practice materials, as the style, layout, and question types differ considerably.

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5. When should my child start preparing for the 11+?

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Preparation often begins gently in Year 4 or early Year 5, but the right time depends on your child’s confidence, reading ability, and existing maths foundation.
The most effective approach is:

• little and often

• building habits

• focusing on core skills first (reading, vocabulary, mental arithmetic)
  A rushed, intense start rarely leads to sustainable progress.

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6. Do we need a tutor for 11+ preparation?

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Not necessarily.
Many children succeed through:

• structured online platforms

• guided video lessons

• consistent practice

• supportive parental involvement

A tutor may help if:

• your child lacks confidence

• certain topics cause repeated difficulty

• you prefer external guidance
  What matters most is routine, not whether learning is tutor-led or home-led.

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7. How can I help my child at home?

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Parents can make a huge difference by supporting:

• Daily reading (fiction + non-fiction)

• Times tables fluency

• Mental maths practice

• Vocabulary expansion (synonyms, antonyms, definitions)

• Short, regular sessions rather than long cramming

Creating a calm, encouraging environment helps your child stay motivated and confident.

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8. Are grammar schools the right choice for every child?

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Not always.
Grammar schools suit children who:

• enjoy academic challenge

• can cope with fast-paced learning

• are comfortable with homework demands

They may not suit children who thrive with more creative, practical, or pastoral-focused approaches.
It’s important to consider your child’s personality, strengths, and happiness — not just academic ability.

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9. What happens if my child doesn’t pass the 11+?

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If your child doesn’t reach the required standard, they will be allocated a place at a local non-selective school.
Many children flourish academically in comprehensive schools, and the 11+ outcome does not determine long-term success.
Options like top set classes, enrichment programmes, or later-entry exams (13+ or private school assessments) remain available.

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10. How can I reduce stress for my child during preparation?

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You can help by:

• keeping sessions short (20–30 minutes)

• celebrating progress, not perfection

• avoiding comparisons with other children

• ensuring regular breaks and down time

• reinforcing the message: “This is just one path — you will succeed wherever you go.”

Confidence and emotional well-being are more important than over-practice.

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11. How do I register my child for the 11+?

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Registration is usually completed online via either:

• your local authority website, or

• the grammar school’s admissions page

Parents must complete the Common Application Form (CAF) later in the autumn, listing school preferences. Missing a registration deadline usually means your child cannot take the test that year.

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12. How do grammar school catchment areas work?

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Some grammar schools admit children only from specific areas, while others accept applicants from anywhere.
Catchments may also be:

• circular (e.g., within 6 miles)

• postcode-based

• priority zones

Always check:

• the school’s admissions policy

• last year’s cut-off distances

• whether “in-catchment” affects scoring priority

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13. What score does my child need to pass?

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Scores vary by area. Some regions have a fixed pass mark, while others take the highest scorers until all places are filled.
Because scores are standardised, younger children are not disadvantaged.
Schools publish previous years’ data, which can give you an indication of competitiveness.

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14. How are 11+ papers marked?

Papers are machine-marked in most areas.
Scores are then:

• converted to a standardised score

• adjusted for age

• ranked against other candidates

This ensures fairness and consistency across the cohort.

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15. Can I appeal if my child doesn’t get a place?

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Yes.
The appeals process allows parents to submit:

• academic evidence

• school reports

• explanations of extenuating circumstances

• recent work or assessments

Success varies between schools, and outcomes depend on panel decisions and whether the school is oversubscribed.

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16. Are practice papers similar to the real exam?

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Good-quality materials closely reflect the real structure, especially for GL Assessment.
However, the exact exam papers are never released, so children should expect some variation.
Timed practice builds familiarity with the format and question types.

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17. Is creative writing part of the 11+?

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In some regions, yes — especially for independent and super-selective schools.
Tasks may include:

• story openings

• descriptive writing

• recounts

• viewpoints

• continuation tasks

Children are assessed on clarity, imagination, language choices, punctuation, and structure.

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18. How long is the 11+ exam?

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Most 11+ papers last 45–60 minutes, but some areas combine sections into longer tests.
Children may sit two papers on the same day or across two dates.
Instructions vary, so practising following directions is essential.

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19. Should my child practise timed papers?

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Yes — timing is a major challenge.
Many children know how to answer questions but struggle with speed and accuracy under pressure.
Start untimed, then gradually introduce time limits once confidence improves.

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20. What happens after the exam?

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Parents usually receive results in October.
You then submit your school choices via the local authority.
Offers are made on National Offer Day (1st March).
Late applicants, appeals, and waiting lists continue into the summer term.