Master the 11+ Entrance Exam in 2026

The 11+ is a selective entry examination taken by primary school pupils (age 10-11) in England to gain admission to selective secondary schools, including grammar schools. It assesses pupils' reasoning abilities, mathematical skills, and English comprehension. Different exam boards use different formats; GL Assessment is the most widely used in the UK.

Most students benefit from 6-12 months of preparation. Starting with 30 minutes daily practice and increasing intensity 3 months before the exam is recommended. Regular, consistent practice is more effective than last-minute cramming. Our course allows flexible pacing to fit your schedule.

GL Assessment and CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) are the two main exam boards. GL uses multiple choice across four sections; CEM uses reasoning-based questions. GL exams are used in approximately 60% of selective schools in England. Check with your target schools to confirm which format they use. This course specializes in GL Assessment format.

Pass marks vary significantly by school and local authority (typically 120-160 out of 200+ marks). The top 25-30% of candidates in an area usually pass, meaning it's a competitive exam. Ask your target schools for their specific pass mark thresholds from previous years.

In England, there are approximately 163 grammar schools. Northern Ireland has 67 grammar schools. Scotland and Wales have phased out the 11+ and use different selection methods for secondary school entry. Grammar schools are concentrated in specific regions, particularly the South East, Midlands, and Northern Ireland.

Yes, selective entry remains popular in areas with grammar schools, particularly in the South East of England, Northern Ireland, and parts of the Midlands. However, many local authorities have moved to comprehensive secondary schools. Check whether 11+ selective schools exist in your area.

Most schools allow one attempt per year during the main entry period (September/October). Some schools permit retakes the following year, but this varies. Check with your specific target schools for their retake policy.

The course includes 225 practice questions split across four sections: Verbal Reasoning (56Q), Non-Verbal Reasoning (56Q), Mathematics (56Q), and English (57Q). Each question has a detailed explanation. Use our practice mode to simulate exam conditions, or learning mode for detailed study with immediate feedback.

Most schools recommend beginning preparation at age 9-10 (Year 5). Earlier preparation may be beneficial if your child struggles with specific areas. Age 10-11 (Year 6) is the main examination year when the 11+ is typically sat.

No exam course can guarantee success as it depends on many factors including your child's natural ability, effort, and the competition in your area. However, this course significantly improves performance through extensive practice and understanding. Our average student score improvement is 15-20% after completing the full course.