Learning Together

Preparation for 11+ and 12+ Selection, Grammar School Selection, School Scholarship, Independent and Private School Selection and Common Entrance Examinations

What is the eleven plus exam?

Secondary school selection (elevenplusexam, 11 plus exam)

The Eleven plus test is a test given to pupils in their last year of primary school (year 6 in England and year 7 in Northern Ireland ) and is often used as a means to determine whether that pupil is suited to the academic rigours of a grammar school education. In other words will he/she be offered a place in the grammar school of their parent's choice? Since the early 1970s most areas of the United Kingdom have not used the eleven plus exam and have favoured a comprehensive education system that is non-selective. However, there are still a considerable number of Local Education Authorities (LEAs), Foundation Schools, independent schools and private schools that still admit pupils based on selection by the test known as the elevenplus exam, usually at age 11. Most of these LEAs and some of these schools use 11 plus test papers prepared by NFER. The 11plus exam is used extensively in Bucks, Kent and Essex.

What sort of eleven plus test will my child have to take?

This will vary from LEA to LEA and from grammar school to grammar school. The eleven plus exam papers will be based on some or all of the following types of questions and it may involve sitting two or even three eleven plus examination papers. The tests will be of a different kind, e.g. a non-verbal reasoning and a verbal reasoning test and in other cases the tests will be the same e.g. two verbal reasoning tests.

Verbal Reasoning eleven plus tests

This involves the child thinking about words and text and solving problems, sequences etc. It requires the pupil to have a good grasp of English grammar and a wide vocabulary. Most schools and LEAs administer at least one verbal reasoning test.

For books please visit Verbal Reasoning books section.

Non-Verbal Reasoning eleven plus tests

Many LEAs and independent schools also use non-verbal reasoning tests. This involves the child thinking in pictures and diagrams, and solving problems based on these items, it also makes demands on the child's mathematical capabilities. However it makes less demand on the understanding of written language.

For books please visit Non-Verbal Reasoning books section.

Mathematics and English eleven plus tests

A good grasp and knowledge of all aspects of English and mathematics are essential to aid your child in preparing for their 11plus examinations, grammar school selection exams or common entrance examinations.

For books please visit English books and Maths books sections.

Eleven plus administration

The LEAs or the schools themselves usually carry out all eleven plus exam administration. Please contact the LEA or school directly for further information.

(Learning Together provide this information as a general guide and trust that it will be of use to you.

Learning Together makes every effort to ensure that information contained in this website is accurate. However, no liability is accepted arising from reliance upon information contained in this website or any other information accessed via this site.

You should confirm the exact content of any elevenplus exam in your area/grammar school with the LEA or grammar school.)