11+ Preparation: What Parents Need to Know About Grammar School Entry

The 11+ is an entrance exam for selective state grammar schools, taken in September or October of Year 6 (age 10–11). There are around 163 grammar schools in 36 local authorities in England. Northern Ireland also has grammar schools but uses a different system. There are none in Wales or Scotland.

The format depends on which test provider your target school uses: GL Assessment — Tests English, maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. Used in most areas including parts of London, Birmingham, and Lincolnshire. CEM (Durham University) — Tests verbal ability, quantitative reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. Designed to be harder to prepare for. Used in Buckinghamshire, some Birmingham grammars, and others. School-specific tests — A few grammar schools set their own papers. Always check which test your target grammar school uses before beginning preparation.

Most families begin some form of preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5. This does not mean intensive tutoring — it can include: • Familiarising your child with question types • Regular reading (the single most impactful activity for verbal reasoning) • Practice papers under timed conditions from mid-Year 5 • Building confidence with non-verbal reasoning patterns • Maths practice at or slightly above school level

Not necessarily. Many children pass using free or low-cost resources. However, tutoring is common — particularly in competitive areas. Good free and low-cost resources include: • Bond 11+ practice papers (available in bookshops and online) • CGP 11+ revision guides • 11+ forums with free downloadable papers (elevenplusexams.co.uk) • Past papers from your target school (some publish these) • BBC Bitesize for core maths and English skills

Grammar schools are concentrated in specific areas. The largest clusters are in: • Kent (34 grammar schools — the most in England) • Buckinghamshire (13) • Lincolnshire (14) • Birmingham (8) • Trafford, Greater Manchester (7) • Sutton, London (5) • Other London boroughs (scattered) Use PickMySchool's Grammar School Finder to browse all selective schools with GCSE data and Ofsted ratings.

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