How Does the 11 Plus Work? A Simple Explanation
Key Takeaways
- The 11 plus is a free entrance exam for state grammar schools.
- It tests English, Maths, and Reasoning in various combinations.
- Registration is typically April-July with exams in September.
- Places go to the highest scorers, with distance as a tiebreaker.
If you have just heard about the 11 plus and have no idea where to start, this guide is for you. No jargon, no assumptions about what you already know, just a clear, step-by-step explanation of how the 11 plus system works in England. The 11 plus is an entrance exam for grammar schools, state-funded secondary schools that select children based on academic ability. Not every area has grammar schools, so the first step is finding out whether you live in or near a selective area. This guide covers everything from what the exam tests to how places are offered. EdifyPod Nexus provides adaptive 11 plus practice across all tested subjects.
The 11 plus is an entrance exam for state grammar schools in England, taken in September of Year 6. It tests combinations of English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning depending on the area. Registration is typically April-July. Grammar schools rank applicants by score and offer places to the highest scorers. National Offer Day is March 1.
What Is the 11 Plus?
The 11 plus is an exam taken by children in Year 6 (age 10 to 11) to determine whether they qualify for a place at a grammar school. Grammar schools are free state schools, they do not charge fees, but they select students based on exam performance.
There are approximately 163 grammar schools in England, concentrated in certain areas: Kent, Buckinghamshire, Birmingham, Lincolnshire, Essex, and several London boroughs. If you do not live in or near one of these areas, the 11 plus is unlikely to be relevant.
The exam is not compulsory. You choose to register your child if you want them to be considered for a grammar school place. In some areas, like Buckinghamshire, all children are automatically registered unless parents opt out.
What Does the Exam Test?
The 11 plus typically tests some combination of four subjects: English (reading comprehension and sometimes creative writing), Mathematics (the Year 5 and 6 curriculum with emphasis on problem-solving), Verbal Reasoning (working with words and logic), and Non-Verbal Reasoning (working with shapes and patterns).
Which subjects are tested depends on your area. Some test all four, others test only two or three. The exam is set by one of two main providers: GL Assessment or CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring). Each provider uses a different format.
GL Assessment papers are typically separate, subject-specific papers with multiple-choice answers. CEM papers blend subjects together and are designed to be harder to prepare for. Check your target school to find out which provider they use.
How Does Registration and Testing Work?
You must register your child for the 11 plus, usually between April and July of Year 5. Registration is typically done through your local authority website or the school directly.
The exam takes place in September or early October of Year 6. Your child sits the papers at a designated test centre, usually a local school. The exam typically lasts between one and two hours in total.
Results are released in October. You then include your grammar school preferences on the common application form, which must be submitted to your local authority by October 31. You can list grammar schools alongside non-selective schools, the application allows up to six preferences in most areas.
How Are Places Offered?
Grammar schools rank all applicants by their exam scores. Places are offered to the highest-scoring children first, up to the number of available places. If more children qualify than there are places, the school uses oversubscription criteria, typically distance from the school or catchment area, to decide between equally qualified children.
National Offer Day is March 1. You will receive a single offer for one secondary school, this may or may not be a grammar school depending on your child's score and preferences.
If you do not receive a grammar school offer, you can appeal. You can also remain on waiting lists, which are maintained until at least December 31. Some families receive grammar school places from waiting lists well into the autumn term.
EdifyPod Nexus helps families navigate this process with target school tracking and adaptive practice. For personalised support, explore our programmes at edifypod.com/11plus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 11 plus the same everywhere in England?
No. Different areas use different test providers (GL or CEM), test different subjects, and have different registration processes. There are approximately 70 different 11 plus tests across the country.
Do you have to pay for the 11 plus exam?
In most areas, the exam is free for children attending state schools. Some areas charge a registration fee for out-of-county applicants. Independent school entrance exams typically charge a fee.
What happens if my child does not pass the 11 plus?
Your child will attend a non-selective secondary school. You can appeal the grammar school decision and remain on waiting lists. Many excellent secondary schools are non-selective.