11 Plus Exam

Discover everything you need to know about the 11 Plus exam, from what it involves to how your child can prepare confidently for success.

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Start with Pass 11 Plus

Pass 11 Plus seeks to clear up how the 11 Plus exams work, the subjects, question types, and how the exams are structured. From there, you can build a steady preparation plan with regular practice, reading, and revision. Starting early and taking small, consistent steps helps your child grow in confidence and feel ready for exam day. We’re here to answer your questions.

Purpose of the 11 Plus

The 11 Plus is a selective entrance exam for secondary schools. Until the early 1970s, all children in the UK took the 11 Plus, but this changed when many areas moved from grammar schools to non-selective comprehensive schools. Today, the 11 Plus is no longer compulsory, but it’s still used in areas that have grammar schools and by some independent schools to assess academic ability and potential.

Children usually take the 11 Plus towards the end of Year 5 or the start of Year 6. The 11 Plus subject content varies depending on where you live, but it typically includes a mix of English, maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning or spatial awareness. Since verbal and non-verbal reasoning aren’t part of the standard primary school curriculum, children often benefit from extra support and practice to get used to these question types. Here at Pass 11 Plus, you can find a wide range of resources to help your child prepare confidently for every part of the exam.

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Finding the 11 Plus Curriculum

You can’t find a single 11 Plus curriculum because the exam isn’t part of the national curriculum and is not set by the government. Instead, each region or school decides what to include, which means the content can vary across the country. In many areas, grammar schools group together into consortia, such as the Kent Test, the Bexley Test, or the CSSE consortium in Essex.

Each consortium uses its own format to test skills like problem-solving, comprehension, and reasoning. Most 11 Plus exams include English, maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning, but the balance between these subjects changes depending on the location and school. To make things easier, Pass 11 Plus provides detailed guides and practice materials to help parents understand what to expect and how to prepare for the specific exam in their area.

11 Plus Consortiums

11 Plus Exam Start Times

The 11 Plus exams usually take place at the beginning of Year 6, typically between early September and mid-October, though exact dates can vary depending on the area and school. Some independent schools hold their entrance exams slightly later in the autumn or early spring term.

If your child is applying for more than one grammar or selective school, it’s important to check the specific timetable for each one, as some areas run shared exams through consortia such as the Kent Test, Bexley Test, or CSSE in Essex. Registration for the 11 Plus exam normally opens in the summer term of Year 5, giving families time to confirm which schools they’re applying to and plan their 11 Plus preparation. Pass 11 Plus provides up-to-date information and guidance on regional test dates to help you stay organised and ready for your child’s exam.

11 Plus Schools

Getting a Tutor for the 11 Plus

With so much competition for grammar school places, it’s natural for parents to wonder whether their child needs a tutor. The truth is, every child is different. Some only need a little guidance to get used to 11 Plus question styles, while others benefit from more structured support over a longer period. Tutoring can be a great way to build confidence and develop problem-solving skills, especially when tackling subjects like verbal and non-verbal reasoning that aren’t always covered in school.

However, one-to-one tuition can be costly, and not every child needs it to succeed. Pass 11 Plus offers dedicated 11 Plus tuition alongside a wide range of high-quality online resources, practice papers, and preparation tips. Whether your child learns best with one-to-one support or prefers to study independently, Pass 11 Plus provides everything you need to make preparation effective, enjoyable, and tailored to your child’s needs.

11 Plus Tution

11 Plus Exam FAQs

What subjects are included in the 11 Plus exam?

The 11 Plus typically includes English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, though the exact mix varies depending on the region or consortium.

Why does the content of the 11 Plus Exam vary across the country?

Each region or consortium sets its own version of the exam, meaning the format and subject weighting differ depending on where you live and which schools you are applying to.

When do children normally take the 11 Plus Exam?

Most children sit the exam at the start of Year 6, usually between early September and mid-October, although independent schools may run their tests slightly later.

How do grammar school consortia affect the 11 Plus Exam format?

Consortia such as the Kent Test, Bexley Test or CSSE use shared exams across multiple schools, which standardises the content and timetable for families within that region.

Why are verbal and non-verbal reasoning included in the 11 Plus Exam?

These reasoning areas test problem-solving and spatial awareness skills that are not always covered in the primary curriculum, helping schools assess a broader range of abilities.

What support does Pass 11 Plus provide for parents and families preparing for the exam?

Pass 11 Plus offers tuition, guidance, practice materials and preparation tips to help children understand the exam format and build confidence throughout the process. We understand the pressure and stress the 11 Plus is for parents, we’re here to help.