The 11 plus is an entrance exam used by grammar schools to select children for Year 7. Grammar schools are free secondary schools that choose pupils based on academic attainment level.
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The name refers to the age at which children start secondary school. Children sit the exam in the autumn term of Year 6, when they are 10 or 11 years old.
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The 11 plus tests a combination of English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning, though the exact subjects vary depending on the school. It's designed to identify children working at the top ability range for their year group.
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The 11 plus is only used in England. There are no grammar schools in Scotland or Wales, and Northern Ireland replaced the 11 plus with the Transfer Test in 2008.
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Some selective independent schools also use entrance exams at this age, though their admissions processes and difficulty levels vary separately from grammar school exams.

The format and content of the 11 plus depends on which exam board your child's target school uses. The two most widely used providers for grammar school exams in England are GL Assessment and FSCE (Future Stories Community Enterprise).

‍GL Assessment is used by many grammar schools across England. GL tests are multiple choice, with children completing a question booklet and shading their answers on a separate answer sheet. These are marked using Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) technology. GL exams typically cover English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning, though the combination of subjects varies by school.

‍FSCE exams also use a multiple choice format with question booklets and answer sheets. The subjects tested are similar to GL, but the style of questions differs. FSCE exams are known for being less directly tied to curriculum content.

Some grammar schools write their own bespoke 11 plus papers, which may require written rather than multiple choice answers.
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Because the format varies so much by region and school, it's essential to check the specific requirements for your target schools before starting preparation. Practising with the right question style makes a significant difference on exam day.

‍Note: CSSE (Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex) is a separate regional provider worth checking if you're applying to schools in Essex.

The 11 plus assesses some or all of the following four subjects, depending on the school:

‍English covers reading comprehension and spelling, punctuation and grammar. Some schools also include a creative writing element, which is marked by examiners rather than by machine.

‍Maths is based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum. Some exams include Year 6 content your child may not have covered yet, testing how well they can apply problem-solving skills in unfamiliar situations.

‍Verbal Reasoning tests cognitive ability using letters and words — including patterns, connections, and logical thinking. It is not taught on the national curriculum, so most children will need to practise this separately.

‍Non-Verbal Reasoning assesses the same skills using shapes and diagrams rather than words. Like verbal reasoning, it is not part of the standard school curriculum.

Most 11 plus papers are multiple choice. Exams are typically structured across two or three papers, often sat on the same day.

The 11 plus is challenging, and the children who tend to do well are those who prepare steadily over time rather than cramming in the weeks before the exam.

A few principles make the biggest difference:

Start with the curriculum. English and Maths are based on Key Stage 2 content. Your child should feel confident with these foundations before moving on to exam-style practice.

‍Tackle reasoning early. Verbal and non-verbal reasoning are not taught in school, which means most children encounter these question types for the first time during preparation. The earlier they start, the more familiar these sections become.

‍Practise in the right format. The 11 plus has its own structure, timing, and question styles. Practising with realistic papers under timed conditions helps your child build the exam technique they'll need on the day — not just the subject knowledge.

‍Use mock tests. Full mock tests replicate the pressure of the real exam, highlight areas still to work on, and build confidence before the big day.

Atom's 11 plus preparation platform includes adaptive practice questions, replica exam papers, and personalised weekly study plans — so your child always knows what to focus on next. Start your free trial today.