A selective entry examination for grammar schools in the regions of England that retain selective education (Buckinghamshire, Kent, Birmingham, Lincolnshire, Trafford, Wirral, others). Children sit it in Year 6 (age 10-11) for September Year 7 entry.
What the 11-Plus is
A selective entry examination for grammar schools in the regions of England that retain selective education (Buckinghamshire, Kent, Birmingham, Lincolnshire, Trafford, Wirral, others). Children sit it in Year 6 (age 10-11) for September Year 7 entry.
What it tests
Verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, mathematics, and English. The exact balance varies by region: some test all four, some only two. Test providers include CEM, GL Assessment and bespoke regional tests.
When to start preparing
Most local Year 5 families begin preparation 12 to 18 months ahead. For relocating expat families targeting grammar schools, start as soon as you know your destination region and the grammar schools you want to consider.
Selectivity
Grammar schools admit roughly the top 20 to 30% of test-takers in each region. The specific cutoff scores are published by region and shift year on year. Some grammars have additional catchment area constraints.