Dorset 11 Plus
Key Info
11 Plus Exam Format
Find Schools
How to Apply
What is the Dorset 11 Plus?
The Dorset 11 Plus is an entrance exam set by GL Assessment. Used exclusively by grammar schools within the Dorset area, the exam is designed to assess whether pupils meet the level required for grammar school entry. The test forms part of the schools’ admissions processes, and includes multiple-choice papers in English, maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning.
Every year, thousands of children in Year 6 take the Dorset 11 Plus, competing for limited places at the schools within the Dorset Grammar Schools Consortium. All applicants take the same exam for admission to any of the participating schools. The test typically takes place in September, either at the child’s primary school or at a designated test centre, depending on the school and location.
Key Information About the Dorset 11 Plus
Applies To:
The Dorset 11 Plus is used by all 4 grammar schools in the Dorset Grammar School Consortium
Test Format:
The test is provided by GL Assessment and will cover mathematics, English and verbal reasoning.
Eligibility:
Any child in Year 6 can sit the Dorset 11 Plus. There are no formal admissions criteria, but parents and carers must register the child during the council’s application window, which typically happens the academic year before the test, when the child is in Year 5.
Places Available:
Planned Admission Numbers (PANs) can vary by year for each school in the Dorset Grammar School Consortium. There are approximately 730 places available across all grammar schools which use the Dorset 11 Plus.
Applications:
Grammar schools in the Dorset area are mostly at capacity or over-subscribed. The are no published numbers for the amount of test takers each year, but it is known that the test is highly competitive and is designed to find the top 20-30% of pupils before being considered for a place.
Dorset 11 Plus Exam Format
The Dorset 11 Plus includes multiple-choice papers in English, maths and verbal reasoning. These papers are designed to assess your child’s academic abilities and reasoning skills and compare their results to the cohort of applicants.
Paper 1: Mathematics (GL Assessment)
Mathematics
This multiple choice paper, lasting 50 minutes, is designed to assess a pupil’s competency across a multitude of mathematics skills. The content is usually reflective of year 5 content which the applicant is expected to have learned prior to the test date.
Paper 2: English (GL Assessment)
English
The English paper is 45 minutes long and assesses language skills in a multiple choice format. Questions vary in their content and test reading comprehension and English language understanding.
Paper 3: Verbal Reasoning (GL Assessment)
Verbal Reasoning
The verbal reasoning paper lasts 50 minutes and is also multiple choice. Covering areas such as vocabulary, verbal analogies and logical reasoning, the test aims to assess critical and logical thinking as well as just English skills.
GL Assessment Practice Papers
Maths
English
Verbal Reasoning
Dorset 11 Plus Pass Mark
There is no fixed Dorset 11 Plus pass mark but scores are age-standardised and then compared to select a set proportion of students. Typically, a score of 120 or more is a very strong score which puts a student in around the top 10% of their cohort. This would put them into contention for a place at one of the schools. The standardisation process is done by a separate agency to the school and is used to offset any potential age-based advantage some students will have over others.
Which Schools Use the Dorset 11 Plus?
The Dorset 11 Plus is used by all 4 schools which make up the Dorset Grammar School Consortium.
Dorset Grammar School Consortium
Admissions Criteria for the Dorset 11 Plus
There are no specific admissions criteria for sitting the Dorset 11 Plus exam, but children must be in Year 6, with the aim of starting Year 7 in the following academic year. After meeting the pass mark, children must then satisfy individual school admissions criteria, which may include sibling status, proximity to the school, or specific needs. The timeline is important to bear in mind, however. The Dorset 11 Plus 2025 is for children who are:
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Aiming for a grammar school place in Dorset
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In Year 5, planning to start Year 7 in September 2026
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Working at or above their age-group academically
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Able to handle extra practice in non-curriculum based subjects such as verbal reasoning
Key Dates for Entry
| Description | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration opens Registration opens | Tuesday 22nd April 2025 |
| Registration closes Registration closes | Friday 5th September 2025 |
| Test date Test date | Saturday 20th September 2025 |
| Results Results | October 2025 |
| Secondary school application deadline Secondary school application deadline | Friday 31st October 2025 |
| National allocation day: March National allocation day: March | March 2nd 2025 |
How to Apply for the Dorset 11 Plus
To register your child for the Dorset 11 Plus, complete the online application on the school’s website. This is required whether you live in Dorset or are applying from outside the area.
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Register online with the school – Visit the website of the school you wish to sit the test at during the registration window and complete the Dorset 11 Plus application form. You’ll need to provide your child’s details and the primary school they attend. The school in which they sit the test has no bearing on which school they want to apply to.
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Test centre for non-Dorset schools – You will be assigned a test centre where your child can sit the Dorset 11 Plus in September if they do not attend a Dorset primary school.
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Keep your confirmation email – After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email which you should keep to refer to it later.
Preparing for the Dorset 11 Plus
Supporting your child’s preparation can make a significant difference. Some tips to help your child succeed include:
- Start Early: Begin preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5.
- Use Practice Papers: Practice Dorset-test-style 11 Plus papers in simulated test conditions.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Track your child’s progress and focus on areas that need improvement.
- Encourage Daily Reading: Help your child improve their vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking.
- Use Online Tools: Online practice platforms can provide feedback and improve learning efficiency.
Consistent, structured, and positive preparation will help your child feel confident and ready for the test day.
Dorset 11 Plus FAQs
Who can sit the Dorset 11 Plus exam?
Any child in Year 6 aiming for a grammar school place in Dorset can sit the Dorset 11 Plus exam.
How many grammar school places are available through the Dorset test each year?
There are approximately 750 places available across the Dorset Grammar Schools Consortium.
What subjects are covered in the Dorset 11 Plus test?
The Dorset 11 Plus test includes a paper for each of English, maths and verbal reasoning.
How do I register for the Dorset 11 Plus test?
Register online through the website of the school you wish to sit the test at. The venue of the test does not limit you to apply just to that school.
Can my child use their Dorset test result for more than one grammar school?
Yes, the same Dorset 11 Plus test is still used for applications to any of the schools in the Dorset Grammar School Consortium.