FAQs

11+ consists of a single test or a series of tests, covering one or more of the following subjects: English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Tests will vary because local authorities or individual schools decide which subjects to test, as well as the balance of question types within the tests. An authority or school may also choose to add their own questions to those from a test provider. 

Most 11+ papers contain a verbal reasoning test as this has been proven to be the best predictor of future academic potential. A verbal reasoning test identifies the ability to think logically about written information and then use this skill to solve problems. Many selection tests will also include a non-verbal reasoning test which tests problem-solving using pictures and shapes. English and maths tests are less frequently used and are based mainly around curriculum content reached during the early part of Year 6.

Please contact the admissions department of your local grammar school or local authority.

Please contact the admissions department of your local grammar school or local authority.

To make the 11+ seem less intimidating, it helps to familiarise children with the style and format of the test. Tackling a practice paper under timed conditions gives children valuable experience of managing their time effectively. It can help them to develop an approach to the test that ensures they have enough time to answer every question. 

A practice test score will also create a picture of your child’s strengths and weaknesses, giving you a clear understanding of how you can help them. Achieving a good score in a practice test can also boost a child’s confidence and reduce their anxiety in the run up to the examination. 

We provide 10 hours of free familiarisation materials to help children prepare for the 11+ tests as well as offer a range of practice papers which can also be found on this page.

Practice papers are available for English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning and there are three packs available for each area. The different numbers on the books are just for reference and do not indicate a difference in the level of difficulty between papers. Papers can be purchased individually or in a range of bundles.