Parent Hub | The 11+ Exams

Find information, tips and the best workbooks to prepare your children for the 11+ exams.

What you need to know

What is it?

The 11+ is an optional assessment used taken by some Year 6 children in primary schools in England. It is commonly used to determine grammar school or selective secondary school places.

Which year group?

Year 6 (ages 10-11)

When is it?

Autumn

What does it assess?

  • English: comprehension; vocabulary; spelling, punctuation and grammar; writing.
  • Maths: mental maths; maths concepts; maths skills.


What is the 11+?

The 11 Plus is an entrance exam that is mainly used in parts of the UK that have state-funded grammar schools. It is also used by some selective private schools. The exam is usually taken towards the end of primary school when children are in Year 6.

The 11 Plus exam generally focuses on four key subjects:
  • English
  • Maths
  • Verbal reasoning
  • Non-verbal reasoning
The exams in the UK are mainly administered by two exam providers:
  • GL Assessment – the most popular 11 Plus exam provider. GL create and administer the exam for most grammar schools in the UK.
  • CEM – developed by the Centre for Evaluation & Monitoring at Durham University, the CEM 11 Plus exam was created in response to feedback that the exam had become too predictable. The CEM team aimed to create an exam that would be ‘tutor-proof’ to provide a balanced assessment process for all children. The CEM exam is also more closely aligned with the National Curriculum. This is to help children to draw upon the knowledge and skills they have developed throughout primary school.
Find out more
Advice for parents

Pass Your 11+

11+ Practice Papers for the CEM Test Ages 10-11
Practice Papers
11+ 15-Minute Practice Papers for the CEM Test Ages 9-10
Quick Practice
11+ English Comprehension Practice and Assessment for the CEM Test Ages 10-11
In-depth Skills

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