The 11+ is the entrance exam used by grammar schools and many independent schools to select pupils for Year 7. It has a reputation for being mysterious — partly because there isn't one single 11+. The format, subjects and exam board vary from area to area. This guide demystifies it: what the four question types are, who sets the test where you live, and how to prepare without overwhelming your child.

When and where is the 11+ taken?

Children usually sit the 11+ at the start of Year 6 (September), having prepared during Year 5 and the summer before. It's used for entry to state grammar schools and many independent (private) schools. Importantly, it is not a national test — your local grammar school or a regional "consortium" of schools decides the exact format, and you register directly with them.

  • Sat in September of Year 6 (prepared in Year 5)
  • For grammar and independent school entry
  • Set by your local school/consortium — format varies by area
  • Main exam board GL Assessment (CEM merged into GL)

The four question types

Most 11+ tests draw on up to four areas. Some regions test all four; others focus on maths and English, or maths and reasoning. Always check what your target school uses.

1. English — comprehension (reading a passage and answering questions), plus spelling, punctuation, grammar and vocabulary. Some schools also set a creative writing task.

2. Maths — number, fractions, ratio, measures, geometry and problem-solving, broadly in line with the KS2 curriculum but often faster-paced and trickier.

3. Verbal Reasoning (VR) — problem-solving with words and letters: synonyms and antonyms, analogies, letter sequences, word codes, hidden words and logic. It rewards a strong vocabulary and clear thinking.

4. Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR) — problem-solving with shapes and patterns: sequences, rotations, reflections, odd-one-out, and spatial questions such as nets of 3D shapes. It tests how a child reasons visually, independent of language.

How to prepare (and how much)

The 11+ rewards familiarity as much as ability — children do far better when the question styles aren't a surprise on the day. The goal of preparation is to make the formats feel routine, not to drill for hours.

  • Start early and go gently — short, regular sessions across Year 5 beat last-minute cramming.
  • Build vocabulary — reading widely is the single best thing for both English and Verbal Reasoning.
  • Practise each question type so none feels unfamiliar:
  • Work on timing last — once the question types are familiar, practise to the clock so the real exam pace feels normal.
  • Keep it kind — confidence and a good night's sleep matter as much as content. Stop before frustration sets in.

Check the format for your area

Because the 11+ varies so much, the most important step is to confirm exactly what your target school tests and which board it uses. Most state grammars use GL Assessment; independent schools often set their own papers. Your local authority and the school's admissions page will have the details and registration deadlines.

The takeaway

The 11+ isn't one exam — it's a family of question types that differ by area, so step one is finding out what your school actually tests. After that, calm, regular practice across English, Maths, VR and NVR builds the familiarity that makes the difference. Every PassNova 11+ course is free with no sign-up, so you can practise each question type at your child's pace.