What is the 11+ exam? A complete guide for parents
Learn what the 11+ exam is, when children take it, which subjects are tested, and how grammar schools and selective independent schools use entrance assessments.
The 11+ is a selective entrance examination used by grammar schools and some independent schools to assess a child's academic potential for entry into secondary school at Year 7. Most children take the exam during Year 6, although registration deadlines and testing arrangements vary by school and region.
On this page you will:
- Learn how the 11+ exam works
- Explore the subjects assessed in the 11+ exam
- Find out about different exam formats and providers
- Discover which schools use the 11+ exam
- Get answers to questions frequently asked by parents
How does the 11+ exam work?
The purpose of the 11+ is to help schools identify pupils with strong academic potential.
Grammar schools and selective independent schools use entrance assessments as part of their admissions process. While the format and difficulty level vary between schools, the aim is generally the same: to assess a child's ability to apply knowledge, solve problems and think critically under timed conditions.
For detailed guidance on the 11+ exam, explore our Free 11+ Exam Parent Guide booklet. You can find out more about what's included in the guide and download it for free here.
What subjects are included in the 11+ exam?
The subjects tested will depend on the school or test provider, but most 11+ assessments include some combination of English, maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. Find out more about each subject and what specific skills will be tested by clicking on the links below:
What is the 11+ exam format?
Different schools and exam boards may use different styles of exam, including:
- Standard: In a standard-format test, children write their answers directly on the exam paper or type their responses digitally in an online assessment.
- Multiple-choice: In a multiple-choice assessment, children select the correct answer from a range of options. These may be completed on paper or online.
Many grammar schools continue to use paper-based assessments, while online testing is increasingly common among selective independent schools.
Which schools use the 11+ exam?
Grammar Schools
State-funded grammar schools use academic selection as part of their admissions process. Entry requirements and testing arrangements differ by region and school.
Independent Schools
Many independent schools also use entrance assessments at 11+, although they may use different exam providers or develop their own assessments. Interviews, school reports and other admissions criteria may also form part of the process.
Understanding 11+ exam boards
There is no single national 11+ exam. Schools choose their own assessments or exam providers.
- GL Assessment: GL Assessment is the most widely used provider for grammar school entrance tests. It is a paper test.
- Cambridge Select Insight (formerly CEM): Cambridge Select Insight is a digital entrance assessment used by some selective independent schools. Parents may still hear it referred to as CEM, as the assessment was previously known as CEM Select and before that the CEM 11+.
- ISEB Common Pre-Tests: The Independent Schools Examination Board (ISEB) provides assessments used by many selective independent schools. Their Common Pre-Test is an online assessment.
- School-specific tests: Some schools create their own entrance examinations or use a combination of assessments from different providers. Others may be part of a consortium that shares a common assessment process.
While the provider may vary, most 11+ assessments are designed to evaluate a child's abilities in English, maths and reasoning. Understanding which exam board your chosen school uses can help you familiarise yourself with the style and format of the assessment before exam day.
Questions to ask your chosen schools
Before beginning preparation, make sure you understand the requirements for each school on your shortlist. You can use the checklist below to make sure you get the essential information you need to get the most out of your 11+ preparation:
11+ Checklist: Questions for Schools
- When is the exam?
- What subjects are tested?
- How many papers are there?
- Is the test online or paper-based?
- Is it multiple-choice or standard format?
- Which exam provider is used?
Next steps
Now that you understand how the 11+ works, the next step is planning your child's preparation.
Explore our 11+ Guidance Hub to find advice on when to start preparing, study plans, subject support, exam techniques and answers to common parent questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 11+ exam?
The 11+ is a selective entrance examination used by grammar schools and some independent schools to assess a child's academic potential for entry into Year 7. The content and format vary between schools and regions.
What age do children take the 11+?
Most children take the 11+ during Year 6, typically when they are 10 or 11 years old. Application and testing dates vary depending on the school and local area.
Which subjects are included in the 11+?
Most 11+ assessments test a combination of:
- English
- Maths
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-verbal Reasoning
Schools may assess all four subjects or select a combination that aligns with their admissions criteria.
How long is the 11+ exam?
Individual papers usually last between 45 and 60 minutes, although this can vary depending on the school and exam provider. Many schools require children to complete more than one paper.
Is the 11+ the same across the UK?
No. There is no single national 11+ exam. Different schools and regions use different assessment providers, formats and subject combinations.
Is the 11+ available online?
Some schools use paper-based exams, while others use computer-based assessments. The format depends on the exam provider and the individual school's admissions process.
Is the 11+ compulsory?
No. The 11+ is optional and is only taken by children applying to schools that require an entrance assessment as part of their admissions process.
How can I find out which test my child will sit?
The best source of information is your chosen school's admissions website. Schools will usually publish details about registration deadlines, exam dates, test format and the assessment provider they use.
Where can I learn more about preparing for the 11+?
Visit our 11+ Guidance Hub for practical advice on study planning, 11+ practice resources and further support.
Find the answers to more questions about the 11+ exam on our Frequently Asked Questions page.