Herts 11 Plus
Key Info
11 Plus Exam Format
Find Schools
How to Apply
What is the Herts 11 Plus?
The Herts 11 Plus is an 11 Plus exam set by GL Assessment. Used only by grammar schools within the South West Herts 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 maths and verbal reasoning, all in a multiple-choice format, as well as aptitude tests for music and sports.
Each year, thousands of children in Year 6 take the Herts 11 Plus, competing for limited places at the schools part of the South West Herts Schools Consortium. Children take the one test for all schools’ admissions except for Croxley Danes which just uses a Music aptitude test. 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 Herts 11 Plus
Applies To:
The Herts 11 Plus is used by all 7 grammar schools in the South West Herts Schools Consortium.
Test Format:
The test provider is GL Assessment, and it includes a paper on mathematics and a paper for verbal reasoning.
Eligibility:
Any child in Year 6 can sit the Herts 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 South West Herts Schools Consortium. There are approximately 1,400 places available across all grammar schools which use the Herts 11 Plus.
Applications:
Grammar schools in the Herts area are over-subscribed. The published numbers for test-takers in September 2021 is 3,623, meaning around 3 times as many children sit the test than there are places.
The Herts 11 Plus Exam Format
The Herts 11 Plus includes a multiple choice paper in maths and one in verbal reasoning. The papers are sat on the same day and have a short break between them. They are designed to assess your child’s academic ability and reasoning skills, and compare their results against their cohort of applicants. All of the schools also offer a Musical Aptitude Test with an amount of places offered on this basis. A Sports Test is also used by Queens’ School with places allocated to those with exceptional sporting performance.
Paper 1: Maths (GL Assessment)
Maths
- Test lasts 45 minutes – 1 hour.
- Based on Year 5 and early Year 6 curriculum topics, with a focus on applying knowledge to unfamiliar problem-solving questions.
Paper 2: Verbal Reasoning (GL Assessment)
Verbal reasoning
- 45 minutes – 1 hour test.
- Includes codes, sequences and logic using words, letters and symbols.
Music Test
Music Aptitude Test
All 7 schools offer places based on performance in the music test, with Croxley Danes School only utilising this test for entry.
- Written Test – 60 questions divided into four sections across around 45 minutes. The test is typically taken in the main hall using the school’s Audio/Visual equipment. The four sections are: (Pitch, Melody, Rhythm and Texture)
- Second Stage – Your child will be required to perform in their chosen instrument to demonstrate their ability. Performances must not exceed 3 minutes and are not age-standardised.
Sports Test
Sports Aptitude Test
Queens’ School organises a Sports Test for applicants with exceptional sporting aptitude within its catchment area. The tests which take place are:
- Sit-ups – 30-seconds to complete as many correct sit-ups as possible.
- Endurance Run – Run around a rectangular set of cones with total distance getting measured after 8 minutes
- Shuttle Run – Time measured for the time taken to run 5 times between two lines 5m apart.
- Sit and Reach – Pupils sit, with legs laid flat, and need to bend forward and push a ruler as far as possible without lifting their legs. The position must be held for 2 seconds to count. The test is done twice with the better score recorded.
- Standing Broad Jump – The pupil must stand in a stationary position and then jump as far forward as possible. The test is done twice with the better score being recorded.
- Plate Tapping – A pupil’s non-preferred hand is places on the middle of three plates with their preferred hand on the opposite side plate. The student must then keep their weaker hand planted while they use their preferred hand to tap the plates on either side. Every time they return to the plate they started at, one cycle is counted. They are timed until 25 cycles have been completed.
- Flamingo Test – The student is required to hold their non-preferred foot up behind their back with the hand on the same side. They then have to stay balanced on a beam in this position for one minute. The number of attempts it takes to complete a full minute is recorded.
More information can be found here.
GL Assessment Papers
Maths
Verbal Reasoning
Herts 11 Plus Pass Mark
There is no fixed pass mark for the test; places are allocated according to each school’s admission criteria. After receiving your child’s final standardised test score, you can choose which school(s) to apply to. Each Consortium school’s website provides historical data showing the lowest scores that gained entry over the past three years. While these historical scores can offer some guidance, they should be interpreted carefully as standards may change from year to year.
Every year a minimum total weighted score is determined based on a set proportion of the total number of children attending South West Herts schools. This number becomes the cut off for the highest scoring children who take the test. In the 2024 tests, the minimum academic test scores for entry across the 7 schools ranged from 186 – 245 varying with other criteria such as postcode.
Which Schools Use the Herts 11 Plus?
The Herts 11 Plus is used by the 7 grammar schools part of the South West Herts Schools Consortium.
Admissions Criteria for the Herts 11 Plus
Herts 11 Plus Admissions Criteria
There are no formal admissions criteria to sit the Herts 11 Plus, however the timeline is something to bear in mind. The Herts 11 Plus 2025 is for children who are:
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Aiming for a grammar school place in South West Herts
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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
South West Herts Schools Consortium Admissions Criteria
Once the Herts 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 | Tuesday 1st April 2025 |
| Registration closes Registration closes | Friday 6th June 2025 |
| Date of Test Venue Notification Date of Test Venue Notification | Friday 27th June 2025 |
| Special Provision Notification Deadline Special Provision Notification Deadline | Friday 6th June 2025 |
| Academic Test Academic Test | Saturday 6th September 2025 |
| Music Test Music Test | Monday 8th September 2025 |
| Sports (Queens’ School Only) Sports (Queens’ School Only) | Wednesday 10th September 2025 |
| First Round Music Scores Notified to Parents First Round Music Scores Notified to Parents | Thursday 18th September 2025 (around noon) |
| Start of Second Round Music Tests Start of Second Round Music Tests | Monday 22nd September to Friday 26th September 2025 |
| Scores Notified to Parents Scores Notified to Parents | Thursday 16th October 2025 (around noon) |
| Secondary Application Deadline Secondary Application Deadline | Thursday 31st October 2025 |
How to Apply for the Herts 11 Plus
To register your child for the Herts 11 Plus, complete the online application on the council website. This is required whether you live in the area or are applying from elsewhere.
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Register online with South West Herts Schools Consortium – Visit the South West Herts Schools Consortium website during the registration window and complete the application form. You’ll need to provide your child’s details and the primary school they attend.
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Test centre for non-Herts schools – You will be assigned a test centre where your child can sit the test in September if they do not attend a local 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 Herts 11 Plus
Supporting your child’s preparation for the Herts 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 Herts-style 11 Plus 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 verbal reasoning paper.
Try Online Tools
Use online platforms that offer Herts 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.
Herts 11 Plus FAQs
Who can sit the Herts 11 Plus exam?
Any child currently in Year 5 who is aiming to start Year 7 in a grammar school part of the South West Herts Schools Consortium can sit the Herts 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 South West Herts 11 Plus test each year?
Across the South West Herts Consortium there are around 1,400 grammar school places available each year.
What subjects are covered in the Herts 11 Plus test?
The Herts 11 Plus test includes two papers: one in maths, and the other with verbal reasoning. There are also the additional music and sports tests for a certain number of places across schools in the South West Herts Consortium.
What is the pass mark for the Herts 11 Plus?
The pass mark for the Herts 11 Plus exam varies each year, as it is calculated from the number of pupils on the cohort at Herts maintained schools. The cut off is for approximately the top 25% of pupils.
How do I register my child for the Herts 11 Plus test?
You can register your child on the South West Herts Consortium website. You must complete this during the registration window.
Can my child use their Herts test result for more than one grammar school?
Yes, your child only needs to sit the Herts 11 Plus once. Their results will be used for applications to any of 7 the grammar schools within the South West Herts Schools Consortium.