The 11+ Exam: The Ultimate 2025 Guide
Your one-stop guide to the 11+ exam. We cover subjects, key dates, exam boards, practice resources, and how scores are calculated. Everything you need for grammar school success is right here.
Start AI-Powered PreparationWhat is the 11+ Exam?
The 11 Plus (11+) is a selective entrance exam taken by pupils in Year 6. It's used by state-funded grammar schools across the UK to identify academically able children for admission. It is a crucial gateway that tests skills often beyond the standard school curriculum.
11+ Exam Subjects Explained
The exam format varies, but it typically assesses four key areas. Your target school will use a specific combination of these subjects.
English
Tests core curriculum skills like comprehension, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and vocabulary. Some exams include a creative writing task.
Maths
Covers a broad range of topics, including number, algebra, geometry, and statistics. Questions require strong arithmetic and problem-solving skills.
Verbal Reasoning (VR)
Assesses logic and problem-solving with words and text. This includes topics like finding synonyms/antonyms, code-breaking, and spotting letter sequences.
Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR)
Tests problem-solving with shapes and patterns. It assesses spatial awareness and the ability to identify relationships between figures, independent of language skills.
The Main Exam Boards: GL vs. CEM
Most 11+ exams are set by two main providers. It's vital to know which one your target school uses as their style and content differ.
GL Assessment
- The most common provider.
- Tests can be single subjects or a mix.
- Content is known and can be prepared for specifically.
- Strong vocabulary and maths skills are key.
- Used in areas like Kent, Buckinghamshire, and many London boroughs.
CEM (Centre for Evaluation & Monitoring)
- Now being phased out, but its style influences many schools.
- Often combined English, VR, Maths, and NVR into mixed papers.
- Known for being more time-pressured.
- Designed to be less susceptible to 'teaching to the test'.
- Always check with specific schools as many are creating their own tests in a similar style.
What is a Good 11+ Score?
11+ results aren't given as percentages. They are converted to a Standardised Age Score (SAS) to ensure fairness. Use our calculator to estimate your child's SAS from mock test results.
11+ Score Calculator
Understanding Your Score
The Standardised Age Score (SAS) adjusts a child's raw score based on their age in months. This stops younger children from being disadvantaged.
- The national average SAS is 100.
- A score of 110+ is generally considered eligible for grammar school.
- For highly competitive schools, a score of 120+ is often needed to secure a place.
The exact formula is secret, but our calculator gives a strong estimate. It shows how a younger child can achieve the same SAS as an older child, even with a slightly lower raw score.
11+ Key Dates for 2025 Entry
The 11+ journey follows a strict annual timeline. Missing a deadline means missing out. Here are the key milestones.
| Milestone | Typical Timeframe | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| Registration Opens | April - June (Year 5) | Visit the council or school consortium website to register your child for the test. |
| Registration Closes | June - July (Year 5) | This is a hard deadline. Ensure your registration is fully submitted. |
| 11+ Exam Day | Early September (Year 6) | The big day! Ensure your child is well-rested and prepared. |
| Results Released | Mid-October (Year 6) | You will receive your child's score, usually via email or an online portal. |
| School Application Deadline | 31st October (Year 6) | Submit your Common Application Form (CAF) to your local council, listing your preferred schools. |
| National Offer Day | 1st March (Year 6) | You receive the offer of a secondary school place. |
Frequently Asked Questions About the 11+ Exam
Your common questions about the 11+ process, answered.
The 11 Plus (11+) is a selective entrance examination taken by pupils in their last year of primary school (Year 6) for admission to a state-funded grammar school or certain fee-paying private schools in the UK. It's designed to identify students with high academic potential.
There is no single national pass mark. A child's raw score is converted to a Standardised Age Score (SAS). Most grammar schools require a SAS of 110 or above to be considered 'eligible for entry,' but due to high competition, the actual qualifying score for a place at a popular school is often much higher, sometimes over 120.
The 11+ exam typically covers up to four subjects: Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The exact combination depends on the region and the exam board (e.g., GL Assessment or CEM).
You must register for the 11+ exam via the website of your local council or the specific grammar school consortium (e.g., CSSE for Essex) during the registration window, which is typically between April and July of Year 5. This is separate from your main secondary school application.
Yes, it is absolutely possible to pass the 11+ without a private tutor. Success depends on a structured preparation plan, consistent practice, and the use of high-quality resources like practice papers and adaptive online learning platforms.