11+ basics for new parents

What is the 11+ exam? A plain-English guide for parents

If you're hearing about the 11+ for the first time, you're not alone. This guide explains what the 11+ is, who it's for, and how it works in simple, parent-friendly language.

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6 min read

1. What is the 11+ exam?

The 11+ (sometimes written as "eleven-plus") is an entrance exam used by some state grammar schools in England to decide which pupils are offered a place in Year 7.

It usually tests a mix of maths, English, and sometimes verbal and non-verbal reasoning. The exact format depends on your local area and the schools you're applying to.

2. Who takes the 11+?

Most children who sit the 11+ are in Year 5 or the start of Year 6. They sit the test if:

  • You live in an area with grammar schools and want to apply for one.
  • You're considering selective or partially selective schools that use an exam as part of their admissions.

Not every local authority uses the 11+. In some places there are no grammar schools at all, so there is no 11+ system. In others, the 11+ is run by a local consortium or individual schools.

3. What does the 11+ test?

The most common areas are:

  • Maths – arithmetic, word problems, number patterns, and basic reasoning.
  • English – comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, and sometimes writing.
  • Verbal reasoning – working with words and logic to spot patterns and relationships.
  • Non-verbal reasoning – working with shapes and diagrams to test visual logic.

Your child's actual exam may include all of these, or only some. It's important to check the specific schools you're interested in so you know what is assessed.

4. How does selection and scoring work?

Although details vary, most areas follow a similar pattern:

  1. Your child sits one or more papers in Year 5 or early Year 6 (often in September).
  2. The exam board converts raw marks into a standardised score that takes age into account.
  3. Grammar schools then use this score to decide who meets the qualifying mark (pass mark) or falls within the top-ranked candidates.
  4. Places are offered based on a mix of score and admissions criteria such as distance, siblings, or catchment area.

A "pass" in the 11+ doesn't guarantee a place – it usually means your child is eligible to be considered for a place at certain schools. If more children qualify than there are places, offers go first to those who meet the school's oversubscription rules.

5. When does the 11+ happen in the year?

Typical timing (this can vary by area):

  • Spring–Summer of Year 5: registration opens for many 11+ exams.
  • September of Year 6: most 11+ tests take place.
  • October: results are usually released.
  • March of Year 6: secondary school offers are confirmed.

Because the exam takes place so early in Year 6, most families start thinking about preparation during Year 4 or Year 5.

6. Do all children need a tutor?

No. Some families choose to work with a tutor; others prepare at home using past papers, online platforms, and structured practice.

Quick tip

Focus on little and often – regular short practice sessions – and track where marks are being lost so you can target weak areas, rather than simply doing more and more questions.

7. How much pressure should there be?

It's easy for the 11+ to become stressful, especially in areas where grammar school places are highly competitive. Many parents find it helpful to:

  • Keep the conversation focused on effort and learning, not just scores.
  • Talk honestly about back-up school options, so the 11+ doesn't feel like "all or nothing".
  • Build in rest days and non-academic activities so your child can switch off.
How we can help

8. How can Studoo help?

Studoo is built for busy UK parents who want structure without turning home into a tutoring centre. In our maths practice, your child works through short, focused sessions while you see:

  • Which topics and question types are costing the most marks.
  • Whether mistakes are knowledge gaps or avoidable slips (like misreading the question).
  • Progress over time as they move through Year 4 and Year 5.

That means you can support your child calmly, using data rather than guesswork, and keep the 11+ in perspective alongside everything else happening in Year 5–6.

Next step for parents

If you're completely new to the 11+, the most important next step is simply to check which schools you're interested in and read their admissions pages carefully. Once you know if the 11+ is relevant for your family, you can make a clear plan for the months ahead.