Wirral 11 Plus
Key Info
11 Plus Exam Format
Find Schools
How to Apply
What is the Wirral Test?
The Wirral 11 Plus is an exam set by GL Assessment. It is used only by grammar schools within the Wirral Grammar Schools Consortium to identify pupils performing at the level expected for grammar school entry. The test is part of each school’s admissions process and includes papers in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and mathematics, all in a multiple-choice format.
Each year, many Year 6 children sit the Wirral 11 Plus, competing for limited places at consortium grammar schools. A single shared test is used for all schools’ admissions. The exam usually takes place in September, either at the child’s primary school or at a test centre, depending on their school or location.
Key Information About the Wirral Test
Applies To:
The Wirral 11 Plus is used by all grammar schools in the Wirral Grammar Schools Consortium.
Test Format:
The test provider is GL Assessment and the exam covers maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning.
Eligibility:
Any child in Year 6 can sit the Wirral 11 Plus. There are no formal admissions criteria, but parents and carers must register their child during Wirral Council’s application window, which usually takes place in Year 5.
Places Available:
Planned Admission Numbers (PANs) can vary by year for each school in the Wirral Grammar Schools Consortium. There are approximately 740 places available across all grammar schools which use the Wirral 11 Plus test.
Applications:
Grammar schools in the Wirral area are highly competitive. For October 2024 entry, around 1,700 children sat the Wirral 11 Plus, which is more than twice the number of available Year 7 places.
The Wirral 11 Plus Exam Format
The Wirral 11 Plus includes multiple-choice papers in maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. These tests are designed to assess your child’s academic ability and reasoning skills, and to compare their results against other applicants.
Paper 1: Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning & Mathematics (GL Assessment)
Item Content:
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Approximately 60 minutes with audio instructions
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Multiple-choice questions
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Includes:
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Verbal reasoning: language, vocabulary, and logic-based questions
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Non-verbal reasoning: patterns, sequences, shapes, and spatial awareness
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Mathematics: questions based on Year 5 and early Year 6 curriculum, including problem-solving
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Paper 2: Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning & Mathematics (GL Assessment)
Item Content:
-
Approximately 60 minutes with audio instructions
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Multiple-choice questions
-
Includes:
-
Verbal reasoning: language, vocabulary, and logic-based questions
-
Non-verbal reasoning: patterns, sequences, shapes, and spatial awareness
-
Mathematics: questions based on Year 5 and early Year 6 curriculum, including problem-solving
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GL Assessment Papers
Maths
Non-Verbal Reasoning and Maths Papers
Verbal Reasoning
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Wirral Test Pass Mark
Your child’s Wirral 11 Plus raw scores are age-standardised to ensure that no child is advantaged or disadvantaged based on their age at the time of the test. Each child’s final standardised score is used for selection, with no extra weighting given to any subject.
Each year, a qualifying score is set to determine eligibility for grammar school entry. As places are limited, offers are made to the highest scoring children until all places are filled.
Which Schools Use the Wirral Test?
The Wirral 11 Plus is used by the four grammar schools in the Wirral Grammar Schools Consortium.
Admissions Criteria for the Wirral Test
Wirral 11 Plus Admissions Criteria
There are no formal admissions criteria to sit the Wirral 11 Plus. The test is for children who:
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Are aiming for a grammar school place in Wirral
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Are in Year 5 and will start Year 7 in September 2026
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Are working at or above age-related expectations academically
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Can manage extra practice in subjects such as verbal and non-verbal reasoning
Wirral Grammar Schools Consortium Admissions Criteria
Once a child meets the Wirral 11 Plus qualifying score, they must also meet each grammar school’s individual admissions criteria. These may include distance from the school, priority for pupil premium or looked-after children, sibling status, or children of staff. Check each school’s admissions policy for specific details and application procedures.
Key Dates for Entry
| Description | Date |
|---|---|
| National offer day | Monday 2nd March 2026 |
| Registration opens Registration opens | Thursday 1st May 2025 |
| Registration closes Registration closes | Saturday 31st May 2025 |
| Test date Test date | Mid-September 2025 |
| Results day Results day | Mid-October 2025 |
| Secondary school application deadline Secondary school application deadline | Friday 31st October 2025 |
How to Apply for the 11 Plus Wirral Test
To register your child for the Wirral 11 Plus, complete the online application on the Wirral Council website. This is required whether you live in Wirral or are applying from outside the area.
Register online with Wirral Council – Visit the Wirral Council website during the registration window and complete the 11 Plus application form. You’ll need to provide your child’s details and the primary school they attend.
Test centre for non-Wirral schools – If your child does not attend a Wirral primary school, Wirral Council will assign a test centre where they can sit the Wirral 11 Plus in September.
Keep your confirmation email – After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Be sure to keep this for future reference.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Wirral Test
Supporting your child’s preparation for the Wirral 11 Plus can make a big difference. Here are some practical steps to help them succeed:
Start Early
Begin preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5 to give your child plenty of time to build confidence and skills.
Use Practice Papers
Work through Wirral 11 Plus-style practice papers under timed conditions. This helps your child become familiar with the test format and develop good exam technique.
Focus on Weak Areas
Monitor your child’s progress and focus revision on areas where they need the most improvement.
Encourage Daily Reading
Regular reading helps develop vocabulary, comprehension, and reasoning skills—key for verbal reasoning and other sections of the test.
Try Online Tools
Make use of online resources that offer Wirral 11 Plus practice questions and feedback to keep revision engaging and effective.
Keeping preparation consistent, structured, and positive will help your child feel confident and ready for the test day.
Wirral Test 11 Plus FAQs
Who can sit the Wirral 11 Plus exam?
Any child currently in Year 5 who is aiming to start Year 7 at a grammar school in the Wirral Grammar Schools Consortium can sit the Wirral 11 Plus test. There are no formal eligibility requirements, but children should be working at or above the expected academic level for their age.
How many grammar school places are available through the Wirral test each year?
Across the Wirral Grammar Schools Consortium, there are around 740 grammar school places available each year.
What subjects are covered in the Wirral 11 Plus test?
The Wirral 11 Plus includes two papers, each combining verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and mathematics. There is no creative writing task in the Wirral 11 Plus.
What is the pass mark for the Wirral 11 Plus?
The pass mark for the Wirral 11 Plus is set each year and does not represent a fixed percentage of pupils. Instead, a standardised qualifying score—usually 110—is used to determine eligibility for grammar school entry. Places are offered to the highest scoring children until all places are filled.
How do I register my child for the Wirral 11 Plus test?
You can register your child on the Wirral Council’s website. Registration must be completed during the registration window.
Can my child use their Wirral test result for more than one grammar school?
Yes, your child only needs to sit the Wirral 11 Plus once. Their results will be used for applications to any of the four grammar schools in the Wirral Grammar Schools Consortium.