What is the 11 plus?
The 11 plus is a selective entrance test taken in Year 6. Grammar schools use it to decide who gets a place, and many independent schools run their own version. It isn't a test of what your child learned in class. It measures reasoning, vocabulary and problem-solving under time pressure.
About 160 state grammar schools remain in England, mostly clustered in areas such as Kent, Buckinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Birmingham, Essex and parts of London. Northern Ireland also has academic selection. Wales and Scotland don't.
GL, FSCE and other test formats
The format depends on who writes your area's test. This matters, because preparation should match the paper your child will actually sit.
| Format | Who uses it | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Most English grammar schools, including Kent | Multiple-choice papers in some mix of maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Free familiarisation papers are available. |
| FSCE | A growing group including Reading School, and Gloucestershire's seven grammar schools from 2027 testing | Varied formats each year, multiple choice plus written answers, often creative writing. No past papers released. |
| CEM (legacy) | No longer offered for grammar school entry | Areas that used CEM have moved to GL or other providers. CEM-style vocabulary and comprehension practice is still useful. |
| Consortium and school tests | Some grammar school consortia and most independent schools | Papers written for that school or group. Check the school's website for sample papers. |
Always confirm the format on your target school's or local authority's admissions page. Formats do change. Gloucestershire announced its switch from GL to FSCE in April 2026.
What the 11+ tests
- Maths: arithmetic, fractions, percentages, ratio, simple algebra, shape and multi-step problems, usually to Year 6 standard.
- English: reading comprehension, inference, spelling, punctuation, grammar and vocabulary.
- Verbal reasoning: word and letter puzzles such as codes, hidden words, analogies and letter series. See our verbal reasoning guide.
- Non-verbal reasoning: shape and pattern puzzles such as sequences, matrices, rotations and reflections. See our non-verbal reasoning guide.
- Writing: included by FSCE and many independent schools, often a short creative or persuasive piece.
Key dates and registration
For most grammar schools, the timeline for September 2028 entry looks like this:
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| Summer term of Year 5 (about May to July 2027) | Register for the test with the school or local authority |
| September of Year 6 (2027) | Most tests are sat. Kent's test, for example, was on 11 September in 2025 |
| October of Year 6 | Results sent to parents, before the secondary application deadline |
| 31 October of Year 6 | National deadline for secondary school applications |
| 1 March of Year 6 | National offer day |
Areas moving to FSCE may test earlier, in the summer of Year 5. Missing registration usually means missing the test, so put the date in your diary now.
How to prepare for the 11 plus
- 1Find out the format. GL, FSCE or a school's own paper each need a different balance of practice.
- 2Read every day. Vocabulary drives English and verbal reasoning scores. Our free 11+ vocabulary list is a good start.
- 3Nail the maths basics. Times tables, fractions and mental arithmetic need to be fast and automatic.
- 4Learn each question type. Reasoning questions are very learnable once a child has a method for each type.
- 5Practise against the clock. Move to timed sections, then full mock exams, in the last six months.
- 6Look after wellbeing. Short, regular sessions beat long cramming weekends, and calm children perform better.
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