Trafford 11 Plus
Key Info
11 Plus Exam Format
Find Schools
How to Apply
What is the Trafford 11 Plus?
The Trafford 11 Plus is an 11 Plus exam set by GL Assessment. Used only by grammar schools within the Trafford 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 assessing maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, all in a multiple-choice format.
Each year, thousands of children in Year 6 take the Trafford 11 Plus Exam, competing for limited places at the schools part of the Trafford 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 Trafford 11 Plus
Applies To:
The Trafford 11 Plus is used by all 5 grammar schools in the Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium.
Test Format:
The test provider is GL Assessment, and includes two papers with content in the areas of: maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
Eligibility:
Any child in Year 6 can sit the Trafford 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 Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium. There are approximately 800-900 places available across all grammar schools which use the Trafford 11 Plus. There are also other selective schools in the area who use their own.
Applications:
Grammar schools in the Trafford area are over-subscribed. In September 2022 around 1,500 students sat the entrance exam.
The Trafford 11 Plus Exam Format
The Trafford 11 Plus includes multiple choice papers 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.
Both Papers (GL Assessment)
Both papers are sat on the same day with a short break between them. Both papers will consist of a mixture of verbal, non-verbal and mathematical reasoning and last around an hour in length. They start with an introduction and some practice questions.
Maths section
-
Based on Year 5 and early Year 6 curriculum topics, with a focus on applying knowledge to unfamiliar problem-solving questions
Verbal reasoning
-
Includes codes, sequences and logic using words, letters and symbols
- Not included on the national curriculum
Non-verbal and spatial reasoning
-
Focuses on patterns, shapes, sequences and 3D spatial awareness
- Not included on the national curriculum
GL Assessment Papers
Maths
Non-Verbal Reasoning and Maths Papers
Verbal Reasoning
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Non-Verbal Reasoning & Maths
Trafford 11 Plus Pass Mark
Your child’s Trafford 11 Plus Test raw mark is age-standardised to ensure that younger age on the date of sitting does not cause unfair advantages. Each child receives a final score is calculated using a weighting system.
Every year a minimum total weighted score or qualifying standard is determined based on a set proportion of the total number of children attending Trafford schools getting a place. This number becomes the cut off for the highest scoring children who take the test.
Which Schools Use the Trafford 11 Plus?
The Trafford 11 Plus is used by 5 grammar schools part of the Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium. Loreto Grammar School and St. Ambrose College are also selective but use separate entrance examinations.
These are made up of:
Admissions Criteria for the Trafford 11 Plus exam
Trafford 11 Plus Exam Admissions Criteria
There are no formal admissions criteria to sit the Trafford 11 Plus, however the timeline is something to bear in mind. The Trafford 11 Plus 2025 is for children who are:
-
Aiming for a grammar school place in Trafford
-
In Year 5, planning to start Year 7 in September 2026
-
Working at or above their age-group academically
-
Able to handle extra practice in non-curriculum based subjects such as verbal and non-verbal reasoning
Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium Admissions Criteria
Once the Trafford 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 24th April 2025 |
| Registration closes Registration closes | Friday 20th June 2025 |
| Trafford 11 Plus Exam Date Trafford 11 Plus Exam Date | Monday 15th September 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 Trafford 11 Plus
To register your child for the Trafford 11 Plus, complete the online application on the council website. This is required whether you live in Trafford or are applying from outside the area.
-
Register online with the Trafford 11 Plus Form– Visit the school’s website or council website to fill out the registration form during the registration window. You’ll need to provide your child’s details and the primary school they attend.
-
Test centre for non-Trafford schools – You will be assigned a test centre where your child can sit the Trafford 11 Plus in September if they do not attend a Trafford primary school.
-
Keep your confirmation email – After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email which you should keep to refer to it later.
Preparing for the Trafford 11 Plus
Supporting your child’s preparation for the Trafford 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 Trafford 11 Plus-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 the English and reasoning papers.
Try Online Tools
Use online platforms that offer Trafford 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.
Trafford 11 Plus FAQs
Who can sit the Trafford 11 Plus exam?
Any child currently in Year 5 who is aiming to start Year 7 in a grammar school part of the Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium can sit the Trafford 11 Plus exam. 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 Trafford 11 Plus each year?
Across the Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium there are around 800-900 grammar school places available each year. There are also a further few hundred places available across the two other selective schools in the area.
What subjects are covered in the Trafford 11 Plus test?
The Trafford 11 Plus includes two papers: both assessing maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
What is the pass mark for the Trafford 11 Plus?
The pass mark for the Trafford 11 Plus exam varies each year, as it is calculated from the number of pupils on the cohort at Trafford maintained schools. The cut off is for approximately the top 25% of pupils.
How do I register my child for the Trafford 11 Plus test?
You can register your child with the form available on the school’s and council’s websites. You must complete this during the registration window.
Can my child use their Trafford 11 Plus result for more than one grammar school?
Yes, your child only needs to sit the Trafford 11 Plus once. Their results will be used for applications to any of 5 the grammar schools within the Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium.