FAQs

What are grammar schools?

Grammar schools are a type of selective state funded secondary schools in the UK. Admission to grammar schools is based on a student’s academic ability and how they perform in the schools’ entrance exams, also known as the 11+. The 11+ exam is taken by students at the beginning of Year 6. You will receive the results of your child’s exam around mid-October.

How do I apply to a grammar school?

Firstly, you will need to register to take the exam on your chosen schools’ website or the website of the local authority where the school is located. Registration normally opens in the Spring when your child is in Year 5.

Registering for the 11+ entrance exam is only one step in the process. You will also need to list your preferred secondary school on the common application form (CAF). This form will need to be submitted around the end of October. You should only add your preferred grammar school if your child has achieved the qualifying score in their 11+ exam.

Where can I find more information about the 11+ exam in my area?

Visit the websites of your local education authority (LEA) and grammar schools in your region. They will provide you with information on the exam provider. The most common exam providers in the UK are CEM and GL Assessment. However, some schools administer their own tests.

When should my child start preparing for the 11+?

The best time would be to begin light preparations whilst your child is in Year 4.

What subjects are on the 11+?

• English (synonyms, antonyms, comprehension, cloze and jumbled sentences)
• Mathematics
• Non-verbal Reasoning (including spatial reasoning)
• Verbal Reasoning

What different types of 11+ exams are there?

The two most commonly used exam boards used for the 11+ are GL and CEM

When are the 11+ exams?

The 11+ exams usually take place in early September at the beginning of Year 6.

Where will my child take the 11+ exam?

Your current (primary school) might hold it there depending on the number of children taking the exam. The grammar school might host the assessment there too.

How long are 11+ exams?

• English – 50 minutes
• Maths – 50 minutes
• Verbal Reasoning – 60 minutes
• Non-verbal reasoning – 60 minutes

What should my child take to the 11+ exam?

This will differ depending on the school, but make sure your child brings a bottle of water to stay hydrated. If snacks are allowed, then pack some too. Other essentials may include pencils, rubbers, a pencil sharpener, a ruler, pens, a calculator and maths tools such as a compass and a protractor.

How is the 11+ marked?

There is a standardisation process in place which allows each paper an equal weight in the overall results. Exam boards will also take into consideration your child’s age and the difficulty level of the paper.

What is the 11+ pass mark?

There is no official percentage pass mark in the 11+. Students will receive a standardised score that is between 70 and 140. A score of 100 indicates an average mark for the student’s cohort. The pass mark will be decided by the school and/or the exam board. The standardised scores will be placed in rank order.