Slough 11 Plus
Key Info
11 Plus Exam Format
Find Schools
How to Apply
What is the Slough 11 Plus?
The Slough 11 Plus is an entrance exam set by GL Assessment. It is used exclusively by grammar schools within the Slough area to assess pupils’ academic abilities, ensuring they meet the level required for grammar school entry. The test is part of the admissions process for these schools and includes multiple-choice papers in English, maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning.
Each year, thousands of Year 6 students take the Slough 11 Plus Exam, competing for a limited number of places at the schools within the Slough Grammar Schools Consortium. All applicants sit the same exam for admission to any of the participating schools. The exam 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 Slough 11 Plus
Applies To:
The Slough 11 Plus is used by all 4 grammar schools in the Slough Grammar Schools Consortium.
Test Format:
The test provider is GL Assessment, and includes the content in the areas of: maths; English; verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
Eligibility:
Any child in Year 6 can sit the Slough 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 Slough Grammar Schools Consortium. There are approximately 600-700 places available across all grammar schools which use the Slough 11 Plus.
Applications:
Grammar schools in the Slough area are over-subscribed. The amount of test-takers for 2023 entry is around 4,150, with around 1,538 deemed eligible for consideration. With only around 650 places available, the test is highly competitive.
The Slough 11 Plus Exam Format
The Slough 11 Plus includes multiple choice papers in English, 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.
Paper 1: Verbal Reasoning and English (GL Assessment)
Both papers are sat on the same day with a short break between them. The papers are multiple choice format, set by GL Assessment and will last around an hour each.
Paper 1 topics may include:
- Spelling, grammar
- Comprehension skills
- Vocabulary knowledge
- Problem solving with words and verbal features
Paper 2: Non-verbal Reasoning and Maths (GL Assessment)
Paper 2 topics may include:
- Visual-based problem solving
- Logic and puzzles using shapes
- Algebra manipulation
- Data handling
GL Assessment Papers
Maths
Non-Verbal Reasoning and Maths Papers
English
Verbal Reasoning
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Non-Verbal Reasoning & Maths
Slough 11 Plus Pass Mark
The eligibility score, for consideration, is set at 111 on the standardised scale. Pupils who score above this will be in the top 35% of the cohort. The places are then allocated based off the individual criteria of the schools which may take in to consideration factors such as proximity of home address to the school as well as test score.
Which Schools Use the Slough 11 Plus?
The Slough 11 Plus is used by the 4 grammar schools part of the Slough Grammar Schools Consortium.
Slough Grammar Schools Consortium
Herschel Grammar School
Langley Grammar School
St. Bernard's Catholic Grammar School
Upton Court Grammar School
Admissions Criteria for the Slough 11 Plus
Slough 11 Plus Admissions Criteria
There are no formal admissions criteria to sit the Slough 11 Plus, however the timeline is something to bear in mind. The Slough 11 Plus 2025 is for children who are:
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Aiming for a grammar school place in Slough
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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
Slough Grammar Schools Consortium Admissions Criteria
Once the Slough 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 | Thursday 1st May 2025 |
| Registration closes Registration closes | Thursday 5th June 2025 |
| Entrance examination Entrance examination | Saturday 20th September 2025 |
| Results day Results day | Mid October 2025 |
| Secondary school application deadline Secondary school application deadline | Friday 31st October 2025 |
| National offer day National offer day | Monday 2nd March 2026 |
How to Apply for the Slough 11 Plus
To register your child for the Slough 11 Plus, complete the online application online. This is required whether you live in Slough or are applying from outside the area.
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Register online – Visit the Slough Council website or individual school’s website and complete the online application form during the registration window. You’ll need to provide your child’s details and the primary school they attend.
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Test centre for non-Slough schools – You will be assigned a test centre where your child can sit the Slough 11 Plus in September if they do not attend a Slough 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 Slough 11 Plus
Supporting your child’s preparation for the Slough 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 Slough 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 Slough 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.
Slough 11 Plus FAQs
Who can sit the Slough 11 Plus exam?
Any child currently in Year 5 who is aiming to start Year 7 in a grammar school part of the Slough Grammar Schools Consortium can sit the Slough 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 Slough 11 Plus each year?
Across the Slough Grammar Schools Consortium there are around 600 to 700 grammar school places available each year.
What subjects are covered in the Slough 11 Plus test?
The Slough 11 Plus includes two papers: both assessing English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
What is the pass mark for the Slough 11 Plus?
The pass mark for the Slough 11 Plus Exam may change each year, but has been set as a standardised score of 111 recently. This puts students who are in the top 35% of their cohort in consideration for a place.
How do I register my child for the Slough 11 Plus test?
You can register your child on the Council or school’s website. You must complete this during the registration window.
Can my child use their Slough 11 Plus result for more than one grammar school?
Yes, your child only needs to sit the Slough 11 Plus once. Their results will be used for applications to any of 4 the grammar schools within the Slough Grammar Schools Consortium.