11 plus forum – grammar school FAQs

This page is here to answer your questions about grammar school entrance exams. Get advice and resources to help your child prepare for the 11 plus, apply, and secure a place at their secondary school of choice.

Visit the glossary for definitions of key terms relating to entrance exams and applications.

About the 11 plus

What is the 11 plus exam?

The 11 plus is an entrance exam (usually taken in September of Year 6) for state-funded grammar schools and independent schools. There are over 160 grammar schools in England, as well as a number of other schools that use 11 plus examinations to select students for a Year 7 intake.

These exams aim to test your child's attainment in core subjects and identify their academic ability and potential. Learn more in the full 11 plus preparation guide.

Who administers the 11 plus exam?

GL Assessment (Granada Learning) is the leading provider of eleven plus exams for grammar schools in England. Learn more about GL 11 plus exams here.

Until recently, CEM was another major provider of grammar school entry exams. In late 2022, CEM announced they were switching to online exams and no longer providing standard 11 plus exams. As such, most grammar schools are switching to GL for the 2023–24 admissions season. If you're applying for your child to enter Year 7 in September 2024, they will likely be taking a GL exam.

A major provider for independent school entrance exams is ISEB. Learn all about ISEB Common Pre-Test here.

How do I know which 11 plus provider the school will use?

Independent schools and grammar schools will usually say on their website which exam provider they use. If this information isn't on the school website, it's worth checking their admission policy as this sometimes contains exam board information. Some schools also share familiarisation papers to give your child an idea of what to expect.

Applying to grammar schools/registering for the 11 plus

How do I register my child for the 11 plus?

How to apply to UK state schools – click to download PDF version

The registration process for the 11 plus depends on your local area and the secondary schools you are applying to. Our local area guides will walk you through the application process for your area.

Many grammar schools form a consortium with other schools in the local area. This means that children only have to go through one application process to apply for all schools in the area.

Generally, you will need to register your child for the 11 plus exam either on your local consortium website, or on the individual websites of your target schools. Registration usually opens in the spring of Year 5, and stays open until the end of the summer term or the start of the autumn term. The exam is then sat in September of Year 6.

Always confirm registration deadlines with your target schools as dates can vary by school.

In some areas, children are automatically registered for the 11 plus exam if they attend a local authority primary school. This does not mean the exam is compulsory – it's up to you and your child if you want to apply to grammar school.

How do I register my child for a particular school?

As well as registering to take the 11 plus test, you will also need to apply for a place at your target schools. To apply for a secondary school place in England and Wales, parents must apply through a Common Application Form (CAF). This is done through your local authority (council) website and requires you to list between three and six schools in order of preference. Find your local authority's admissions site on gov.uk.

Should my child take the 11 plus?

It's up to you and your child. Schools generally suggest that children who are within the top 25% in their year group and who are 'working at Greater Depth' in the core subjects (seen in their school report) are good candidates for 11 plus entry.

Does it cost anything to take the 11 plus?

No, the 11 plus is completely free. Some schools will hold a practice test which may incur a charge, but your child does not have to sit the practice test.

When will my child sit the 11 plus?

Your child will sit their exam in September of Year 6. Most of the exams take place in the first two weeks of September but this is not always the case, so it's best to check the dates with each individual school you're applying to.

How is the 11 plus marked?

Your child's exam papers will be marked by the exam board. Some types of paper are marked by computer. Your child's raw score will be converted into a Standardised Age Score (SAS), which allows for an equal comparison of all children taking the test. The SAS takes into consideration:

• The age of your child in years and months

• The difficulty of the paper

• The differences between test papers

Your child's SAS is ranked against children of the same age in the country. The national average is around 100 and a high score ranges from 110-140.

Learn more about 11 plus scores and how they are calculated.

What is the 11 plus pass mark?

There isn’t a single 11 plus pass mark – it varies depending on the region and how many children take the exam that year. Selective schools tend to take the top 5-15% of children who sit the exam. In regions with more grammar schools such as Kent and Birmingham (and therefore more Year 7 places available), the pass rate might be lower than in areas with fewer grammar schools like Greater London.

We recommend that children aim for an SAS of at least 115 in 11 plus test papers on Atom Nucleus. Most selective schools have a pass mark of at least 110, and some as high as 124 and beyond. Find more information on your target school's website or in our school guides.

Can my child retake the 11 plus?

No, children cannot resit the 11 plus. However, if your child is applying to multiple grammar schools that do not belong to one consortium or local authority, they may have to sit several different exams.

What is the appeals process?

Parents of children who do not gain an offer at their first choice of grammar school may wish to lodge an appeal. According to the Department for Education Appeals Code, parents have at least 20 school days to prepare an appeal.

We recommend you confirm the specific appeals process and deadline with your target school via their admissions team. Depending on your area, appeals may be heard by your local authority or the school itself.

Where can I find past papers?

Accurate practice papers are a great way to improve exam technique and build confidence for test day.

GL Assessment publishes a limited number of familiarisation papers which you can print and mark yourself.

Atom Nucleus provides unlimited 11 plus exam papers that are tailored to your target schools. They're designed to mirror the format and style of real 11 plus questions, so your child will go into the exam knowing exactly what to expect. And what's more, everything is automatically marked and progress tracked for you.

Does my child need a tutor for the 11 plus?

Some children do score highly on the 11 plus exam without any support, but tutoring is very prevalent and children without support can be at a disadvantage. It is highly recommended that children who plan to sit the eleven plus have some form of academic support.

However, this does not have to be traditional in-person tutoring. On-demand, online adaptive learning can be a more convenient, cost-effective option, and can personalise and target learning more accurately than a private tutor.

Learn more about tuition for the 11 plus.

How much do private tutors cost?

Atom Tuition starts from £30 per lesson with specialist tutors. Beyond Atom, the price for independent tuition can vary between £20 and £80 per hour, depending on the tutor's experience and location – while tutors in large cities often charge a premium.