What is the 11+?

Understanding the 11+ Examination

The 11+ exam is a selective entrance test taken by students in their final year of primary school in certain parts of England. Named for the age group it serves (11-12 years), this assessment determines admission to grammar schools and other academically selective secondary institutions.

Geographic Availability

While historically widespread, the 11+ is now primarily administered in select English regions, as Wales and Scotland no longer maintain grammar schools. Northern Ireland has officially phased out the traditional 11+, though some schools continue to use a modified version called the Northern Ireland Transfer Test.

Exam Structure and Content

The examination consists of four key components:

  • Mathematics

  • English

  • Verbal Reasoning

  • Non-verbal Reasoning

Each paper typically runs between 45 minutes to an hour, with assessments taking place at either the child's primary school or a designated testing center, such as a local grammar school.

Timing and Results

Tests are usually conducted in September, at the start of Year 6. This scheduling allows students to prepare over the summer holidays and receive their results by October, in time for secondary school applications.

Optional Participation

The 11+ remains non-compulsory, even in areas with grammar schools. Local authorities operate either:

  • Opt-in systems: Where parents must actively choose to enter their child

  • Opt-out systems: Where children are automatically enrolled but can withdraw

Some regions offer flexibility in timing, allowing students to take the exam a year early (10+) or late (12+) under special circumstances.

Performance and Pass Rates

Pass marks vary by local authority, often influenced by available grammar school places and the number of applicants. Generally, successful candidates achieve 80% or above, though this threshold can fluctuate.

Preparation Guidelines

Most educators recommend beginning preparation approximately one year in advance, typically when children are 9-10 years old. However, the optimal preparation timeline should be tailored to each child's individual needs and abilities.

Assessing Suitability

Parents can evaluate their child's readiness for the 11+ by:

  • Reviewing current academic performance, particularly in English and Mathematics

  • Conducting practice assessments

  • Considering the child's ability to handle examination pressure

  • Consulting with their current teachers

Results are typically distributed in October, allowing families time to make informed decisions about secondary school applications. The examination serves as one pathway to secondary education, offering academically inclined students the opportunity to access selective schools while maintaining alternative options for those who choose not to participate or achieve different outcomes.

What does the English component consist of?