11 Plus Practice Papers

Introduction

The 11 plus exam might seem like just one hurdle on the school journey, but it’s often the first big academic challenge many children face. Preparing for it properly can do more than just help secure a place at a grammar or selective school. It can build strong habits, boost confidence, and lay the foundations for success later on – including good GCSEs, strong level 2 functional skills, and better career opportunities in the long run.

Using high-quality 11 plus practice papers is one of the best ways to prepare. These give pupils a chance to become familiar with the types of questions they’ll face, practise under time pressure, and improve their exam technique before the real thing.

11 Plus helpline: 020 4574 9155

What Is the 11 plus Exam?

The 11 plus is a selective test that children usually take in September of Year 6. It’s used by grammar schools and some independent schools to decide who gains entry into Year 7. Depending on where you live, the exam might be set by GL Assessment, CEM, or created in-house by the school.

While the exact format can vary, the main aim is always the same – to assess whether a child has the academic potential to thrive in a more competitive school setting.

What’s Included in 11 plus papers?

Most versions of the test will include a mix of the following subjects:

• English: comprehension, grammar, vocabulary and spelling
• Maths: arithmetic, reasoning and word-based questions
• Verbal reasoning: logic puzzles, word codes and language-based patterns
• Non-verbal reasoning: visual sequences, shape recognition and spatial logic

Some schools combine these into mixed papers, such as English and verbal reasoning, or maths and non-verbal reasoning. That’s why working through a variety of 11 plus practice papers is so useful, it prepares children for the different formats they might encounter.

When Should Children Start Using 11 plus exam past papers?

During Years 4 and 5, it’s a good idea to focus on building strong reading, vocabulary and number skills. Around six months before the test date, you can start introducing 11 plus exam past papers. These help children get used to the pressure of working to a time limit, managing their focus, and applying what they’ve learned in a more realistic setting.

Jumping straight into past papers too early can be unhelpful. It’s better to build up gradually so they don’t lose confidence or feel burned out.

How MME Can Help

MME is well known for producing some of the best 11 plus practice papers available. Their materials are written by experts to match the layout, tone and difficulty of the real tests, whether your child is sitting a GL, CEM or school-specific version.

The range includes mock exams, topic-based packs and full answer schemes to help parents and tutors support children through the process. Their resources are designed to build exam familiarity, boost accuracy, and make revision more effective.

If you’re looking for reliable 11 plus exam past papers that actually reflect what will appear on the test, MME is a great place to start.

11 Plus helpline: 020 4574 9155

A Pathway to Future Success

A strong performance in the 11 plus can lead to a place at a top-performing school. From there, students are often better prepared for GCSEs or level 2 functional skills qualifications in subjects like maths and English. These qualifications, in turn, open doors to college, apprenticeships or even university – and, eventually, a wider range of careers.

In other words, starting with the 11 plus papers doesn’t just help with one test. It sets children up with the confidence, academic ability and resilience they’ll carry with them throughout their education and beyond.

With good preparation and the right resources, the 11 plus becomes more than just an entrance test – it becomes the starting point for a bright academic future. Quality 11 plus practice papers, used at the right time, help make that journey smoother from the very beginning.

Written by

Pass Functional Skills Team

We help thousands of students each year with revision, courses and online exams.