Gloucestershire 11 Plus
Key Info
11 Plus Exam Format
Find Schools
How to Apply
What is the Gloucestershire 11 Plus?
The Gloucestershire 11 Plus is an 11 Plus exam set by GL Assessment. Used only by grammar schools within the Gloucestershire Council area, the exam is made for identifying pupils performing at the level expected for grammar school entry. The test is used as part of the schools’ admissions processes, and includes papers in verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, all in a multiple-choice format.
Each year, thousands of children in Year 6 take the Gloucestershire 11 Plus Exam, competing for limited places at the schools part of the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Consortium. Children take the one test for all schools’ admissions. The exam typically takes place in September, either at their primary school or at a test centre, dependent on their school or location.
Key Information About the Gloucestershire 11 Plus
Applies To:
The Gloucestershire 11 Plus is used by all 7 grammar schools in the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Consortium.
Test Format:
The test provider is GL Assessment, and includes the content in the areas of: maths, verbal, and non-verbal reasoning.
Eligibility:
Any child in Year 6 can sit the Gloucestershire 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 Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Consortium. There are approximately 1,000 places available across all grammar schools which use the Gloucestershire 11 Plus.
Applications:
Grammar schools in the Gloucestershire area are over-subscribed. The published numbers for test-takers in September 2024 is 3,130, meaning around 3 times as many children sit the test than there are places.
The Gloucestershire 11 Plus Exam Format
The Gloucestershire 11 Plus includes multiple choice papers assessing competence in maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. They are designed to assess your child’s academic ability and reasoning skills, and compare their results against their cohort of applicants. At the beginning of each session there is time built in for the sharing of instructions and, for the non-verbal reasoning element, some worked examples. Students are allocated a total of 45 minutes to complete the tests themselves.
Paper 1: Verbal Reasoning (GL Assessment)
In this paper, students will be tested on their verbal skills (including comprehension, vocabulary and verbal reasoning). The test lasts around an hour in total.
Paper 2: Maths and Non-Verbal Reasoning (GL Assessment)
This paper assesses non-verbal reasoning and mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding. The test lasts around an hour in total.
GL Assessment Papers
Maths
Non-Verbal Reasoning and Maths Papers
Verbal Reasoning
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Non-Verbal Reasoning & Maths
Gloucestershire 11 Plus Pass Mark
Your child’s score will be age-standardised to ensure no one has an unfair advantage due to their age. This score is then used to determine whether they qualify for a place. The qualifying standard for the Gloucestershire 11 Plus exam is not pre-determined but instead calculated after the test is taken and places are then allocated to students based on a school’s specific admissions criteria.
The qualifying standard is calculated based off a predetermined proportion of applicants getting places in the schools.
Which Schools Use the Gloucestershire 11 Plus?
The Gloucestershire 11 Plus is used by the 7 grammar schools part of the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Consortium.
Admissions Criteria for the Gloucestershire 11 Plus
Gloucestershire 11 Plus Admissions Criteria
There are no formal admissions criteria to sit the Gloucestershire 11 Plus, however the timeline is something to bear in mind. The Gloucestershire 11 Plus 2025 is for children who are:
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Aiming for a grammar school place in Gloucestershire
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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 and non-verbal reasoning
Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Consortium Admissions Criteria
Once the Gloucestershire 11 Plus pass mark is met by a child, they must then meet each grammar school’s admissions rules. These can include distance from the school, pupil premium priority, sibling status, or children of staff. Click the link in the table above for your preferred school to find out more about their specific admissions criteria and application process.
Key Dates for Entry
| Description | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration opens Registration opens | 19 May 2025 |
| Registration closes Registration closes | 27 June 2025 |
| Online application facility opens Online application facility opens | 3 September 2025 |
| Grammar School Entrance Test Day Grammar School Entrance Test Day | 13 September 2025 |
| Grammar School Test results sent out Grammar School Test results sent out | Prior 31 October 2025 |
| Closing date for applications Closing date for applications | Midnight, 31 October 2025 |
| National offer day National offer day | 2nd March 2026 |
How to Apply for the Gloucestershire 11 Plus
To register your child for the Gloucestershire 11 Plus exam, complete the online application on the council website. This is required whether you live in Gloucestershire or are applying from outside the area.
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Register online with Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Consortium – Complete the registration form during the registration window available from the school’s website. You’ll need to provide your child’s details and the primary school they attend.
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Test centre for non-Gloucestershire schools – You will be assigned a test centre where your child can sit the Gloucestershire 11 Plus in September if they do not attend a Gloucestershire 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 Gloucestershire 11 Plus
Supporting your child’s preparation for the Gloucestershire 11 Plus makes a huge difference. Here are some practical steps you can take to help them succeed:
Start Early
Begin preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5 to give them ample time to confidently build the skills they need.
Use Practice Papers
Work through Gloucestershire 11 Plus style test papers in simulated test conditions. This helps your child get accustomed to the format and practices exam technique.
Focus on Weak Areas
Track your child’s progress to identify the areas and topics they find the most difficult to succeed in.
Encourage Daily Reading
Reading regularly strengthens their vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills, which help out with the the English and reasoning papers.
Try Online Tools
Use online platforms that offer Gloucestershire 11 Plus test papers, specific practice questions and personal feedback to help make revision more engaging and effective.
Keeping preparation consistent, structured, and positive can help your child feel confident and ready for the test on the day.
Gloucestershire 11 Plus FAQs
Who can sit the Gloucestershire 11 Plus exam?
Any child currently in Year 5 who is aiming to start Year 7 in a grammar school part of the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Consortium can sit the Gloucestershire 11 Plus test. There are no formal eligibility requirements, though children should be working at higher academic levels than expected for their age.
How many grammar school places are available through the Gloucestershire 11 Plus exam each year?
Across the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Consortium there are around 1,000 to 1,100 grammar school places available each year.
What subjects are covered in the Gloucestershire 11 Plus?
The Gloucestershire 11 Plus includes two papers: one in English and verbal reasoning, and the other with maths and non-verbal reasoning.
What is the pass mark for the Gloucestershire 11 Plus?
The pass mark for the Gloucestershire 11 Plus exam varies each year, as it is calculated from the number of pupils on the cohort at Gloucestershire schools. The cut off is for approximately the top 25% of pupils.
How do I register my child for the Gloucestershire 11 Plus test?
You can register your child on the school’s website. You must complete this during the registration window.
Can my child use their Gloucestershire 11 Plus test result for more than one grammar school?
Yes, your child only needs to sit the Gloucestershire 11 Plus once. Their results will be used for applications to any of 7 the grammar schools within the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Consortium.