The Complete 11+ (Eleven Plus) Guide for Parents
For many families, the 11+ (Eleven Plus) exam is the first major academic milestone. It can feel daunting — competitive, complex, and full of county-specific rules. Parents often ask:
- When should my child start preparing?
- What subjects are tested?
- How do exam boards differ?
- Which grammar schools are in my area?
This parent-focused guide covers everything you need to support your child, from exam formats and grammar school lists to prep strategies, key dates, and GLECTA’s insider tips.
What Is the 11+ Exam?
- A selective entrance test taken in Year 6 (age 10–11).
- Determines entry to grammar schools and some independent schools.
- Usually held in September, with results released in October (before school application deadlines).
Subjects tested:
- English (comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, sometimes writing).
- Maths (KS2 up to Y5/6, fractions, algebra, geometry, problem-solving).
- Verbal Reasoning (codes, synonyms, antonyms, analogies).
- Non-Verbal Reasoning (patterns, rotations, nets, spatial skills).
A Short History of the Eleven Plus
- Introduced in 1944 (Butler Act) to sort pupils into Grammar, Technical, or Secondary Modern schools.
- Abolished in most areas during the 1970s.
- Today: 164 grammar schools remain in England + selective schools in Northern Ireland.
- Grammar schools consistently top UK league tables, making the 11+ fiercely competitive.
Exam Boards and Formats
| Board | Subjects | Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English, Maths, VR, NVR | Separate subject papers | English: vocab + comprehension; Maths: arithmetic → algebra |
| CEM (Durham) | Mixed: English, Maths, VR, NVR | Short timed sections | Strong vocab focus; no official past papers |
| FSCE | English, Maths, Writing | MCQ + written | Growing adoption in selective schools |
| SET (Sutton) | English, Maths | 45-min MCQs each | Second rounds may include written papers |
School-Specific Formats
- HBS (Henrietta Barnett School, Barnet):
Round 1 – GL (English, VR, NVR). Round 2 – School-written English & Maths.
- QE Boys (Queen Elizabeth’s, Barnet):
Two MCQs – English + Maths.
- Latymer (Enfield):
Round 1 – SET-style. Round 2 – English & Maths.
- St Olave’s (Orpington):
Stage 1 – SET-style MCQs. Stage 2 – Written English & Maths.
Grammar School Counties (Complete List)
| Region | Grammar Schools |
|---|---|
| Bexley | 4 |
| Birmingham | 8 |
| Buckinghamshire | 13 |
| Cheshire | 1 |
| Cumbria | 1 |
| Devon (Torbay & Plymouth) | 3 |
| Dorset | 1 |
| Essex (CSSE) | 10 |
| Gloucestershire | 7 |
| Greater London | Barnet, Enfield, Kingston, Redbridge, Sutton, Wandsworth |
| Halifax | 1 |
| Kent | 35 |
| Lancashire | 4 |
| Lincolnshire | 15 |
| Medway | 6 |
| Reading | 2 |
| Ripon | 1 |
| Slough | 4 |
| Southend-on-Sea | 4 |
| South West Hertfordshire | 7 schools using Consortium Test |
| Trafford | 7 |
| Warwickshire | 6 |
| Wirral | 6 |
| Yorkshire | Heckmondwike, Skipton |
👉 Scotland & Wales – no grammar schools. 👉 Northern Ireland – Transfer Test (similar to 11+).
Key Dates & Application Process
- March–June (Y5): Registration.
- Summer (Y5): Open days + prep.
- Sept (Y6): Exams.
- Oct (Y6): Results.
- 31 Oct (Y6): CAF deadline.
- 1 March (Y7): Offer Day.
Preparation Strategy for the 11+
- Start Early – 12–18 months before.
- Focus on Core KS2 – build Maths & English first.
- Use Past Papers – start untimed → timed.
- Sit Mocks – practise exam-day conditions.
- Balance – manage stress, keep hobbies, use growth mindset.
Exam Day Tips
- Pack essentials: pencils, eraser, water, snack.
- Healthy breakfast + good sleep.
- Remind: read carefully, pace, check answers.
Results & Next Steps
- Results in October.
- A “pass” ≠ guaranteed place (catchment, siblings matter).
- If unsuccessful → appeals, comprehensives, or independents.
- Emphasise skills gained: resilience, reasoning, time management.
Summary Table – The 11+ at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Boards | GL, CEM, FSCE, SET, School-specific |
| Subjects | English, Maths, VR, NVR, Writing |
| Registration | March–June (Y5) |
| Exam Dates | Sept–Oct (Y6) |
| Results | October |
| Preparation | 6–12 months early; practice, mocks, reading |
| Stress | Growth mindset, rest, balance |
| Exam Day | Stationery, calm, nutrition |
| Appeals | Oct–Nov results; appeals possible |
Why Grammar Schools?
- High academic standards.
- Ambitious peer group.
- Enrichment (sport, music, drama).
- Excellent routes to top universities.
- Skills + confidence for life.
❓ FAQs (Parent Questions)
When should my child start preparing for the 11+?
Ideally 12–18 months before the test, but steady preparation from Year 4–5 also works.
Which is harder: GL or CEM?
GL is predictable, CEM has surprise elements and strong vocabulary. Both require targeted prep.
What’s the difference between 11+ and SATs?
SATs assess national curriculum; 11+ tests speed, reasoning, and advanced problem-solving.
Do I need a tutor for the 11+?
Not always. But structured tutoring (like GLECTA’s) ensures exam-hall strategies and reduced mistakes.
How many mocks are recommended?
Bi-weekly from March to June, weekly from July until exams.
What happens if my child doesn’t “pass”?
Appeals are possible; also consider excellent comprehensives or independents. Focus on transferable skills.
How does GLECTA support parents?
We provide courses, mocks, feedback reports, WhatsApp support, and free resources.
🔗 Quick Links (GLECTA)
- 📘 Our Courses
- 📞 Request a Callback
- 💬 11+ Tips WhatsApp Group
- 📱 Direct WhatsApp Support
- 📝 Free Vocabulary List
- 🎯 11+ Tips & Mastery Techniques