What is the 11+ Exam? Everything You Need to Know
If you're just starting to research the 11+, you'll quickly find a lot of conflicting information. Here's a straightforward guide to what it actually is and what it involves.
What the 11+ is
The 11+ is a selective entrance exam sat by children in Year 6 — typically aged 10 or 11 — to gain a place at a grammar school or selective independent school. It's entirely voluntary. No child has to sit it. But in areas with grammar schools, it's the only route to selective secondary education. Approximately 100,000 children sit the 11+ each year across England.
What subjects are tested
Most 11+ exams cover four subjects — Mathematics, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Maths and English are based on the Year 5-6 curriculum. Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning are not taught in primary schools and require separate preparation at home. The exact subjects tested depend on the exam board and school — some areas only test reasoning, others test all four.
Which areas have grammar schools
Grammar schools exist in around 36 local authority areas in England. Kent and Buckinghamshire are the most notable — they are fully selective counties where most children sit the 11+. Other areas with significant numbers of grammar schools include Birmingham, Lincolnshire, Wiltshire, and parts of Essex, Surrey and Hertfordshire.
Is the 11+ right for your child?
That depends on your child, your local schools, and what matters to your family. Grammar schools are not right for every child who is capable of passing — some children thrive in a comprehensive environment. The 11+ is worth considering if your child is academically able, responds well to structured preparation, and is genuinely interested in attending a selective school rather than feeling pushed into it.
How StageX Academy prepares children for the 11+
StageX Academy covers all four 11+ subjects — Mathematics, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning — aligned to GL Assessment and CEM exam boards. Lumi, the AI virtual tutor, builds a personalised daily plan every night based on what your child got wrong that day. Twenty minutes a day. No parent planning required. The parent dashboard shows honest progress so you always know where your child stands.
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Subjects covered
Exam boards
Frequently asked questions
Is the 11+ compulsory?
No. The 11+ is entirely voluntary. Children only sit it if their parents register them.
At what age do children sit the 11+?
Children sit the 11+ in Year 6, typically aged 10 or 11, usually in September or October.
What happens if my child doesn't pass the 11+?
They attend a non-selective secondary school — which for most children is a perfectly good education. Not passing the 11+ is not a reflection of a child's intelligence or future prospects.
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