A Guide to Pass 11 Plus Exams

Introduction to 11 Plus

The 11 Plus plays an important role in the UK education system, acting as the entrance exam used by selective grammar schools to determine Year 7 admissions. For many families, navigating the test process can feel overwhelming – from understanding exam formats to finding the right revision materials. This guide breaks down everything parents need to know and highlights how Pass 11 Plus can support children through every stage of preparation.

What Is the 11 Plus?

The 11 Plus exam is taken by pupils in Year 6 who are applying to grammar schools. These schools are state-funded but academically selective, offering a high standard of education for pupils who perform strongly in the entrance test.

Although exam formats vary between regions, the 11 Plus typically assesses four key areas:

• English – comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar
• Maths – arithmetic, reasoning, and problem-solving
• Verbal reasoning – language-based logic and pattern recognition
• Non-verbal reasoning – visual and spatial problem-solving

The exam aims to identify academic potential, and competition for places can be high, making effective preparation essential. Pass 11 Plus can help you and your child prepare for the exam.

School Regions and Consortiums

Different parts of the country use different exam providers and approaches. Some areas operate in consortiums, meaning pupils take one test that applies to multiple schools. Examples include:

• Kent Test
• Buckinghamshire (TBGS)
• Birmingham & Warwickshire
• Redbridge
• Sutton (SET)
• Gloucestershire
• Trafford
• Wirral
  …and many more.

Because formats differ across regions, parents should always check the specific requirements for their target schools.

How to Prepare for the Exam

Strong performance in the 11 Plus test requires consistent, well-structured preparation. Many parents begin in Year 4 or Year 5 to allow time for gradual improvement and confidence-building.

Effective preparation often includes:

• Topic-based revision to build core skills
• Exam papers to understand question formats
• Practice tests to improve time management
• Mock exams to experience exam-like conditions
• Regular reading to strengthen comprehension and vocabulary

Past papers are especially helpful, as they highlight strengths and weaknesses and replicate the style of real questions.

Where to Find Reliable Resources

With so many materials available online, finding trustworthy and accurate 11 Plus resources is crucial. This is where Pass 11 Plus, a new education platform created by Pass, provides a major advantage for parents.

Pass 11 Plus offers:

• Up-to-date school guides, Ofsted details, and admissions information
• Free downloadable 11 Plus exam papers and answer sheets
• Preparation tips and advice
• Revision topics pages

Designed to be affordable and easy to use, Pass 11 Plus helps families access everything they need without relying on expensive tuition.

Written by

Pass Functional Skills Team

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