The 11 Plus Exam, also known as the 11+ or Eleven Plus, is an entrance examination in the United Kingdom for students in their final year of primary education. The exam determines admission to grammar schools, which are selective educational institutions for students aged 11 and older.
There are currently 164 grammar schools in England that use the 11 Plus for selection. As Wales and Scotland no longer have grammar schools, the 11+ is only taken in certain parts of England. The test has officially been phased out in Northern Ireland (although some schools still use the test in a different form, called the Northern Ireland Transfer Test, in order to select the most academically able children).
The format of 11 plus exam can vary by region, it generally assesses a pupil’s ability in areas such as English, mathematics, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning.
The difficulty and competitiveness of the 11 Plus can vary significantly. In places like Kingston and Sutton, grammar schools may receive thousands of applications for a limited number of spots, sometimes with a pass rate as low as 3 percent. Conversely, in areas like Buckinghamshire where the grammar school system is fully operational, the pass rate can be around 30 percent annually.
Grammar Schools
Grammar schools in the UK are renowned for their high academic standards and historical significance. These schools are selective, offering secondary education to students who excel in the 11-plus examination.
In the UK, there are over 160 grammar schools, with regions like Kent featuring nearly 40. These institutions offer a broad curriculum that extends from basic to advanced levels, designed to stretch the brightest minds. The selection process for these schools is competitive, often requiring prospective students and their families to consider relocation to meet residential requirements for eligibility.
Choosing the right grammar school is crucial, as each school has its unique ethos and educational approach. True11Plus provide comprehensive insights into each school’s specific 11-plus process, helping students succeed in the exam.
Grammar schools are known for their Academics standards as well as all around development. At True11Plus, we have curated the list of top Grammar schools in UK.
Subjects Covered in 11 Plus Exam
The 11 Plus Exam covers four primary subjects: English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Each subject tests different skills essential for academic success.
English: The English component evaluates creative writing abilities. Students are required to plan, structure, and compose a written piece, demonstrating their grasp of language and narrative techniques.
Mathematics: This section focuses on mental arithmetic, fundamental mathematical concepts and skills, and problem-solving that may involve multiple steps. It is designed to test a student’s numerical proficiency and their ability to apply mathematical knowledge practically.
Verbal Reasoning: In verbal reasoning, students encounter questions that involve problem-solving with words and texts, assessing their vocabulary and understanding of grammar. This part of the exam tests the ability to think constructively and logically using language.
Non-Verbal Reasoning: This involves solving puzzles related to shapes, patterns, and diagrams. It requires spatial awareness and the ability to understand and reason using visuals, sometimes incorporating mathematical elements.
The format of the 11 Plus can vary depending on the administering exam board. It might involve separate papers for each subject or a composite paper that blends these elements. Questions may be presented in multiple-choice format, where students select from given options, or in standard format, requiring written responses.
Overall, theses subjects are crucial for 11 Plus Exam preparation focusing on a blend of linguistic, numerical, and reasoning capabilities.
11 Plus Exam Format
- Traditional Format:
- Your child writes the answers directly in the spaces provided on the eleven plus test paper.
- Multiple Choice Format:
- Your child marks their answers on a separate score sheet, indicating the correct answer by drawing a line against it.
- This method resembles tasks found in non-veral reasoning tests.
- This format is used to facilitate the marking process via a computer optical reading machine.
11 Plus Exam tips
Here are some practical tips to help students succeed in the 11 Plus exam:
Maths 11+ Exam Tips:
- Make Jottings and Notes: Always write down your workings and notes. This will help you check your calculations and thought processes.
- Read Questions Carefully: Many maths questions in the 11+ are two-step or multi-step problems. Understanding every part of the question is crucial.
- Master Key Concepts: Have a solid understanding of place value, times tables, and the relationships between fractions, percentages, and decimals.
English 11+ Exam Tips:
- Read Texts Thoroughly: Always read the given text completely before moving on to the questions.
- Check Answers Against Text: For comprehension tasks, ensure each answer can be backed up with evidence from the text.
- Be Skeptical in Proofreading: When performing proofreading tasks, remember that it’s rare for there to be no mistakes. Typically, expect 1 or 2 corrections per task.
Verbal Reasoning 11+ Exam Tips:
- Focus on Vocabulary: Understanding the meaning of words is crucial. If unsure, analyze the roots, prefixes, and suffixes of words for clues.
- Pay Attention to Instructions: Listen to or read instructions carefully, especially in the practice section, as similar types of questions can often be confused.
Non-verbal Reasoning 11+ Exam Tips:
- Identify Similarities and Differences: This skill is vital for many non-verbal reasoning (NVR) questions.
- Observe Patterns: Look for patterns or parts of patterns that change in size or number.
- Analyze Consistencies and Changes: For each set of patterns or shapes, consider what remains the same and what changes to better identify similarities and differences.
Other Information about 11 Plus Exam
Registering for the 11 Plus and School Application:
- Register for the 11 Plus through your local authority’s website.
- Apply for a secondary school place using the Common Application • Form (CAF) on your local authority’s site.
- List three to six schools in order of preference.
- Find your local authority’s admissions site on gov.uk.
Eligibility for Taking the 11 Plus:
- Suitable for children within the top 25% of their year group.
- Children ‘working at Greater Depth’ in core subjects are good candidates.
Cost of the 11 Plus:
- The 11 Plus exam is free.
- A practice test may be available at some schools for a fee, but it is optional.
Timing of the Exam:
- Typically held in September of Year 6.
- Exact dates can vary; check with individual schools.
Marking of the 11 Plus:
- Exam papers are marked by the exam board.
- Papers may be computer-marked.
- Scores are converted into a Standardised Age Score (SAS) to fairly compare all test-takers.
Understanding 11 Plus Scores:
- SAS considers the child’s age, the paper’s difficulty, and inter-paper differences.
- National average SAS is about 100; high scores range from 110-140.
Pass Mark for the 11 Plus:
- Varies by region and number of test-takers.
- Top 5-15% of test-takers typically gain admission to selective schools.
- Target SAS for competitive schools often starts at 115, with pass marks from 110 up.
Retaking the 11 Plus:
- Children cannot retake the 11 Plus.
- Multiple exams may be required if applying to various schools not in a single consortium.
