“What Is The Grammar School 11 Plus?” All Your Questions Answered

Grammar School 11 Plus
Robert Lomax
Robert is a teacher and educational author. His books and online materials are popular in the UK and internationally. For a full biography, click here.
In this article I provide short, clear answers to the most commonly asked questions about Grammar Schools: what and where they are, what the 11 plus is and how to prepare your child for it, how to apply, where to find papers and resources, how to appeal a rejection letter – and so on.

My answers provide the essential information about each topic. I’ve included links to help you find more detail elsewhere.

If there’s another question you’d like me to answer, please write a comment!

What is a grammar school?
How do you get in?

What is a grammar school?

What is a grammar school?
A grammar school is an academically focused secondary school in England or Northern Ireland, which selects its students through 11 plus entrance exams. Before 1965, most children attended grammar schools or less academic secondary moderns. By the late 1970s, secondary moderns had usually been turned into comprehensive schools.

What was a secondary modern school?

Secondary modern schools taught the great majority of children who failed the 11 plus exam. They focused on simple arithmetic (maths) and English, as well as practical skills such as carpentry and cooking. Secondary modern schools were abolished between 1965 and 1976.
What was a secondary modern school?

Why is it called a grammar school?

Why is it called a grammar school?
The modern term “grammar school” comes from the Latin scolae grammaticales, which has the same meaning. This was used to describe monastic and cathedral schools, which prepared students for the priesthood by teaching them Latin grammar. The King’s Schools in Rochester and Canterbury (founded in 597 and 604) are early examples.

What is the difference between a grammar school and a comprehensive school?

Grammar schools select children on the basis of the 11 plus exam. Comprehensive schools do not set an entrance exam and do not select students based on ability. The majority of secondary schools in the UK are comprehensive schools. In areas where there are grammar schools, these usually see fierce competition for places. Both kinds of school are state-funded.
What is the difference between a grammar school and a comprehensive school?

What is the difference between a private school and a grammar school?

What is the difference between a private school and a grammar school?
A private or independent school is not run by the state, although it must meet standards set by the government and by Ofsted, the schools regulator. Most private schools are academically selective, and almost all charge fees. A grammar school is also selective, but it is a kind of state school and does not charge.

What is special about grammar schools?

Some grammar schools are famous for their academic excellence and their exam results. Although it is difficult to separate these results from the fact that the best schools can select the most academically able students at 11 plus, some studies have suggested that grammar schools offer considerable ‘added value’ to students, compared to their likely performance in a non-selective school.
What is special about grammar schools?

Do you have to pay to go to a grammar school?

Do you have to pay to go to a grammar school?
Grammar schools do not charge fees. They are funded by the state according to the number of students they teach, and their finances are comparable to those of comprehensive schools. However, a small number of grammar schools provide boarding (live-in) facilities for some students, and these schools usually charge for the cost of accommodation.

How long does grammar school last?

Grammar schools cover the same ages as other state secondary schools in the UK. This means that children typically join a grammar school in Year 7, at age 11, and leave at the end of Year 13 when they are 17 or 18. Students can leave school at 16 if they will undertake an apprenticeship or other training, or study part-time while working.
How Long Does Grammar School Last?

What is a selective grammar school?

What is a selective grammar school?
All state grammar schools are selective. This means that they choose their students through 11 plus exams in subjects which may include maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. The best performing students are offered places, so long as they meet the school’s other entrance criteria (for example, relating to where they live).

Why are grammar schools controversial?

Grammar schools are controversial because it is felt that they give an unfair life advantage to students who score well in the 11 plus test. Some able children peak later. It is also often argued that although grammar schools are free, poorer families are disadvantaged because they cannot pay for expensive private tuition before the entrance exam.
Why are grammar schools controversial?

What are the benefits of grammar schools?

What are the benefits of grammar schools?
Grammar schools offer children the opportunity to study in the company of other bright and academically motivated children. They sometimes have a stronger focus on Oxbridge and Russell Group university admissions than is found in other schools. There is some evidence that grammar schools have a positive effect on social mobility, though this is widely disputed.

Who benefits from grammar schools?

Grammar schools are likely to benefit students who are intelligent and interested in learning, and who will thrive in an environment where they are encouraged to compete with other able and determined children. A grammar school education will sometimes improve a child’s examination results.
Who benefits from grammar schools?

Why are there no grammar schools in Wales?

Why are there no grammar schools in Wales?
The last Welsh grammar school (in Dyfed) closed in 1988. Grammar schools usually survived in England in areas where the Conservative Party was powerful. Wales had a lower density of grammar schools in the first place, and the Conservatives’ general election vote share in Wales was on average 16% lower than that in England from 1945 to 1997.

When were grammar schools abolished in Scotland?

Scotland has not had grammar schools as such since the 1800s. However, the last (differently structured) selective schools in Scotland were abolished between the 1960s and 1980s. The combined influence of the Labour and – to a lesser extent – Scottish National Parties created an unfavourable climate for the survival of selective education.

When were grammar schools abolished in Scotland?

Why are there grammar schools in Northern Ireland?

Why are there grammar schools in Northern Ireland?

During the period in which most grammar schools were abolished in the rest of the United Kingdom, the influence of socially conservative Unionist parties was particularly important in keeping selective grammar schools alive in Northern Ireland. The region has also produced some of the clearest evidence that selection benefits students who pass the 11 plus (and disadvantages those who do not).

What are independent grammar schools?

“Independent grammar school” usually refers to a selective independent school (such as Manchester Grammar School) that was once a grammar school and which keeps the word “grammar” in its name. A new movement, begun with the foundation of IGS Durham, aims to create non-selective independent grammar schools which charge relatively low fees and follow a traditional ethos.
What are independent grammar schools?

What does “public school” mean in England?

What does “public school” mean in England?

A public school in the UK is not a state school. It is an ancient independent school teaching students between the ages of 11 or 13 and 18. It is often a boarding school. The name originated because these institutions were open to any child whose family could pay. Public schools typically charge fees between £12,000 and £40,000 per year.

What are the best grammar schools in England?

The highest performing grammar schools at GCSE include The Henrietta Barnett School, Tiffin Girls’ School, Reading School, King Edward VI Camp Hill School For Girls and Tonbridge Grammar. However, these schools have very able intakes in Year 7. Other schools may produce greater improvements in students’ performance while having less remarkable exam results.
What are the best grammar schools in England?

How many grammar schools are there in the UK?

How many grammar schools are there in the UK?
There are 231 grammar schools in the UK, of which 164 are in England and 67 in Northern Ireland. There are 40 grammar schools in Kent and Medway, 19 in Birmingham and the West Midlands, 19 in Greater London, 15 in Lincolnshire, 8 in Essex, 7 in Gloucestershire and smaller numbers in other areas.

How are grammar schools governed?

Grammar schools come under various forms of governance. This varies by region and depends on the history of the individual school. Some schools are run by the local council, others by a charitable trust (which may also be a limited company), and others by a foundation whose governors oversee the financial management of the school.
How are grammar schools governed?

How do I apply for a grammar school place?

How do I apply for a grammar school place?
You need to apply through your local education authority, as you would for any other state secondary school. In some grammar school regions, such as Essex, you also need to register separately for the 11 plus exam. In certain areas it is possible to find out whether your child has passed the exam before applying through the LEA; in other areas, you must do this first.

What is the 11 plus exam?

The grammar school 11 plus exam is designed to discover children’s suitability for an academically challenging secondary education. It focuses on the core KS2 primary curriculum in English and maths. It may also include reasoning tests, designed to spot potential rather than knowledge. However, the ability of reasoning questions to do this is controversial.
What is the 11 plus exam?

This video explains how I can help your child prepare for the 11 plus exam.

I recommend watching it with the sound on. You can also choose to view it in fullscreen mode. If you’d like to watch with subtitles, click the symbol or the three dots in the bottom-right corner.

There’s more information about my resources on the 11 Plus Lifeline page. 

At what age do you sit the 11 plus?

What age do you sit the 11 plus?
Children usually sit the grammar school 11 plus test in the autumn of Year 6: the beginning of their last year at primary school. This means that they are likely to be 10 or 11 years old when they take the exam. They will usually enter secondary school at the beginning of the next school year.

What is included in the 11 plus exam?

The 11 plus varies across England and Northern Ireland. There are usually English and maths papers. Often there is also verbal reasoning (word puzzles), and sometimes non-verbal reasoning (picture puzzles). The exam may require multiple-choice or written answers, and the English test may just include comprehension, or it may also set a piece of writing.
What is included in the 11 plus exam?

When did the 11 plus exam start?

When did the 11 plus exam start?

The 1944 Butler Education Act established the 11 plus entrance test. The philosophy behind the Act was that educational opportunities should be based on ability (as tested by the 11 plus) rather than wealth, and that children should be educated in the kind of school most suited to their talents.

Where can I find 11 plus resources and past papers?

Some schools and local areas publish past papers on their websites. A comprehensive list of online 11 plus resources is available here, while free papers can be accessed here. Practice papers with detailed solutions and step-by-step explanations are offered by 11 Plus Lifeline.
Where can I find 11 plus resources and past papers?

How do I prepare my child for the grammar school 11 plus?

How do I prepare my child for grammar school 11 plus?
Focus on the core skills in the Key Stage 2 (primary school) syllabus. Above all else, encourage your child to enjoy practising their writing, and make sure that they have strong times tables and paper arithmetic methods. When working on 11 plus past papers, concentrate on reviewing mistakes and re-writing incorrect answers, rather than doing lots of tests.

What is the CEM test?

The Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring sets 11 plus tests for many grammar schools in the UK. These usually contain multiple-choice questions for maths and English, as well as reasoning. All parts of the exam, however, are described as “reasoning”. CEM papers are built from a bank of pre-written questions, but claims that the tests are “tutor-proof” are inaccurate.
What is the CEM test?

What is the GL assessment?

What is the GL assessment?
GL Assessment exams are widely used and cover the traditional 11 plus mix of English (which in some cases includes writing as well as comprehension), maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Some schools choose not to test all these areas. Various GL past papers are available online.

What is the CSSE exam?

The CSSE 11 plus exam is used by ten grammar schools in the Essex area. Familiarisation papers are available. There are papers for English (including verbal reasoning) and maths. The exams are fairly traditional. The English test includes a challenging comprehension text and a writing section, and the maths paper is of moderate difficulty.
What is the CSSE exam?

What is the Kent Test?

What is the Kent Test?
The Kent Test is used by a number of Grammar schools in the county, and is set by GL Assessment. There are two papers, one of which tests English and maths, and the other of which assesses verbal and non-verbal reasoning. The Kent Test tends to be in a multiple-choice format. Some sample questions are available.

How do I find grammar schools in my area?

Your best source for finding local grammar schools is the National Grammar Schools Association. You may also choose to visit the website of your local education authority (LEA) or even type “grammar school” in the search box of Google Maps. Wikipedia has lists of grammar schools by region in England and Northern Ireland.

How do I find grammar schools in my area?

What is a grammar school appeal?

What is a grammar school appeal?

You can appeal a decision not to admit your child to a grammar school if you believe that the school has breached its own admissions procedures, that your child will be harmed by not attending the school, or that there is strong proof that your child underperformed in the exam. The appeal procedure will normally involve submitting evidence and attending an interview.

How do I win a grammar school appeal?

All grammar schools have an admissions policy. If you can show that your child was disadvantaged by a breach of process, you have strong grounds to appeal. If your child will be harmed unless they attend the school, for example because of family circumstances, special needs or religious belief, this can also be persuasive: but you will need convincing evidence.
How do I win a grammar school appeal?
If you found this post useful or have a question, please leave a comment below! I’d love to have your feedback. (Tick the “Receive email updates” box to receive an email when I reply.)

For the most comprehensive range of resources to help with preparation for the 11 plus exams, you might like to try 11 Plus Lifeline (with a money-back guarantee in the first month). Every practice paper has full example solutions, with a detailed discussion and explanation for every question – like being taught by an excellent private tutor.

According to Tutorful, it’s “the gold standard for independent and grammar school 11-plus preparation”.

11 Plus Lifeline: Learn More
If you’d like further advice about DIY 11 plus preparation, my free video series gives some helpful pointers, and comes with an extensive set of free RSL practice papers, example answers and solutions:

39 Comments

  1. Robert
    Robert on 29/07/2018 at 11:58 am

    If you have any questions about the grammar school 11 plus, please ask them here and I’ll be glad to help!

    Reply
    • Geraldine
      Geraldine on 18/10/2019 at 11:22 pm

      My son failed the 2019 11+ exams and he is so sad about it. He went to writ the 12+ exams, how do we go about this please?

      Reply
      • Robert
        Robert on 24/10/2019 at 4:36 pm

        I’m sorry to hear that your son is upset. Wherever he ends up, his future does not need to be defined by the 11+!

        I don’t know whether you’ve already found schools with places for Year 8 entry, or whether this is the start of your exploration. In general, there will only be such places if children leave, and they may come up rather late. You need to get in touch with schools and find out more directly. I’m sorry to say that such places are very hard to find, and often heavily over-subscribed.

        My advice would be not to bank on Year 8 or Year 9 entry. Focus on finding a place in the comprehensive system where your son is happy. If he manages to get a grammar school place later on, that’s marvellous; but if he doesn’t, don’t let him feel as though he has failed. Entrance exams are a lottery. He still has a lot of power over his own future, whichever school he’s at.

        Reply
      • Ved
        Ved on 29/11/2019 at 10:00 am

        All the aspects of 11+ – Very well explained and in very simple words.

        Reply
        • Robert
          Robert on 30/11/2019 at 3:02 pm

          Thanks!

          Reply
          • Ruby
            Ruby on 04/12/2019 at 4:19 pm

            Please can you tell me which papers or boards does Tiffins Girls school, Non Such and Wallington girls follow.

            Reply
            • Robert
              Robert on 09/12/2019 at 7:54 pm

              Hi Ruby. They set their own exams, with two rounds. In recent years the first round has looked very like a typical grammar school test, with lots of multiple-choice. The second round, for those who pass the first, is more like many independent schools’ tests, with full written answers and a writing task.

              Tiffin Girls use what is often called the Kingston Test, while Nonsuch and Wallington Girls use (I think) the Sutton Grammar Schools round 1 test, with their own round 2 exam (see http://www.nonsuchschool.org/298/nonsuch-and-wallington-second-stage-entrance-examination-faqs). These exams are similar.

              Reply
    • Jennifer Williams
      Jennifer Williams on 07/12/2019 at 7:28 pm

      Is there a limit to how many schools can be applied to and is this separate to the independent school application?

      Thanks Robert

      Reply
      • Robert
        Robert on 09/12/2019 at 7:55 pm

        It’s completely separate to any independent school application.

        Rules about grammar school applications vary a lot from area to area. Check the schools’ websites, or with your Local Education Authority (LEA) if these don’t answer your questions.

        Reply
    • Sherina Laskar
      Sherina Laskar on 17/12/2019 at 10:42 pm

      Hi Robert, thanks for your informative article. Could you tell me whether to follow GL or CEM format papers for the CSSE exam as most online resources (free and paid) fit into either of the two and there are few CSSE specific test materials?

      BW,
      Sherina

      Reply
      • Robert
        Robert on 11/01/2020 at 12:35 pm

        Hi Sherina,

        CSSE also overlaps with a lot of independent school styles, and has some elements of its own, such as short writing tasks. I would not rely on CEM or GL prep alone.

        I would (of course!) suggest having a look at 11 Plus Lifeline, which covers all of this territory.

        Reply
  2. Marie
    Marie on 29/07/2018 at 3:06 pm

    Hi, I am struggling to find actual past papers from the Sutton 11+. Are you familiar with this borough’s selection system? As there seems to be “a wall of secrecy” around the past papers. Any feedback would be most welcome. Kindest regards, Marie

    Reply
    • Robert
      Robert on 29/07/2018 at 3:31 pm

      Hi Marie,

      As far as I know you’re correct that there aren’t any past papers available.

      However, the format is easy to prepare for:

      Essentially, a first round of multiple choice papers, and a second round which tends to involve written answers, and also creative writing.

      Needless to say, I provide a lot of materials of this sort, but I’m not going to make a sales pitch here apart from saying that!

      In general, I don’t think it’s especially important – or an especially good idea – to practise with too much focus on the exact format of an exam. It’s better that children develop a wide range of 11 plus skills which will stand them in good stead for whatever comes up – and contribute more to their all-round education.

      Reply
      • Rosemary Eke
        Rosemary Eke on 11/09/2019 at 6:41 am

        Hi Rob
        My child had GDD( global developmental delay and is preparing hard for her exam,I have sent evidence of this to the schools of her choice.
        Suppose she does not get admission what else can I include in an appeal to show that she will be harmed if she is not admitted

        Reply
        • Robert
          Robert on 11/09/2019 at 4:23 pm

          I’m afraid I’m no expert with appeals. There are some useful guides online. However, if you get to that stage, you should consider paying for the advice of an experienced appeals consultant.

          Reply
  3. Shalini Jerome
    Shalini Jerome on 13/11/2018 at 11:29 am

    Hi, is it possible for a child studying in Edinburgh Scotland , to attempt the 11+ exams in England. What is the process to be followed. Thanking you.

    Reply
    • Robert
      Robert on 13/11/2018 at 12:10 pm

      There will be no problem taking the 11+ exams for independent schools, wherever you live. Different state grammar school regions have different policies about applications from outside their area, so you will need to get in touch with the relevant Local Education Authority (LEA) in each case.
      Robert

      Reply
  4. Shree
    Shree on 03/02/2019 at 2:55 pm

    Thank you for this comprehensive info on grammar schools! You’ve broken it down brilliantly!

    Reply
    • Robert
      Robert on 04/02/2019 at 11:58 am

      Thank you for commenting! I’m glad the article is useful.

      Reply
      • Krisnna BAIDYA
        Krisnna BAIDYA on 30/07/2019 at 2:50 am

        Excellent article. You have mentioned , repeating questions papers is valuable so that errors can be corrected rather than doing lots of test. Is this correct for all topics?

        Reply
        • Robert
          Robert on 30/07/2019 at 8:26 am

          I can’t think of any general exceptions. Of course, it does vary from child to child.

          Reply
        • Suraiya
          Suraiya on 24/09/2019 at 11:07 am

          Thank you very much for the article . I have a question : My girl is in yr4 . what should I do to get her prepared for the grammar school test

          Reply
          • Robert
            Robert on 26/09/2019 at 5:56 pm

            That’s a pretty big question! Have a rummage around the website and I think you’ll find a lot of hints for specific points. For example, see my free resources. In general, I would focus on core skills for the next year or so, then work with a range of 11+ practice paper styles (not just your specific type of test) during Year 5, before perhaps focusing on exam-specific practice and timing in the last few weeks before the tests.

            Reply
  5. Nikki Ayodele
    Nikki Ayodele on 01/06/2019 at 9:50 pm

    Massive thanks, your explanations are very helpful

    Reply
    • Robert
      Robert on 02/06/2019 at 8:39 pm

      Thanks – I’m very glad to hear it!

      Reply
  6. MuVa
    MuVa on 26/07/2019 at 8:49 pm

    Got answers for many of my questions,very well organised content.Thank you for this article.

    Reply
    • Robert
      Robert on 29/07/2019 at 8:26 am

      I’m very glad it’s useful. Thanks for commenting!

      Reply
    • Deborah
      Deborah on 23/12/2022 at 10:59 am

      My son is in year 5 now and very much interested to sign up for the course. He has started with another tutor face to face which am not intending to stop but I still need more help as we are both struggling with VR. Just got your YouTube just by chance. I have lots of questions to ask! Thank you for your email yesterday.
      Deborah

      Reply
  7. Ruchi
    Ruchi on 29/01/2020 at 10:30 pm

    Very useful!
    Thank you

    Reply
    • Robert
      Robert on 11/02/2020 at 1:56 pm

      Thanks Ruchi!

      Reply
  8. Amarjit
    Amarjit on 26/06/2020 at 10:33 pm

    Dear sir, My son taking 11plus exam ths year September and I don’t know how to regester 11plus I just received email on the 24of June and when I see there deadline of Birmingham grammar school today and I just filled Warwickshire and Walsall,we lived in Wolverhampton don’t know is that too late to get place and take 11plus exam so worried about him he working really hard.

    Reply
    • Robert
      Robert on 30/06/2020 at 8:28 am

      Hi Amarjit. In this circumstance, I recommend contacting the schools that you’re interested in, or the local educational authority. They will be able to give you accurate information. Anywhere else is suspect: information you find in other places may or may not be accurate. Good luck!

      Reply
  9. Zaid
    Zaid on 29/09/2020 at 8:11 pm

    Is there any exemption for international transfers?, Also if a child is August born does he/she has authority to choose whether they want to be youngest or oldest in the class ?

    Reply
    • Robert
      Robert on 05/11/2020 at 2:03 pm

      Both these issues are liable to be affected by the particular grammar school region. You will need to approach the relevant local education authority or the schools themselves and ask what their policies are.

      Reply
  10. a cass
    a cass on 30/09/2020 at 9:59 am

    hi for the Tiffin School for girls, are there any verbal and non verbal reasoning tests or just plain maths and English?

    thanks,

    Reply
    • Robert
      Robert on 05/11/2020 at 2:08 pm

      I don’t believe they test reasoning in a specific paper, but I don’t know whether a few reasoning questions will turn up elsewhere or not – for instance, a few VR-style questions in the round 1 English test. It’s not something I would focus on in preparation if you aren’t aiming for other schools, but I would cover some unless you get a more definite answer than mine!

      Reply
  11. Nina Sun
    Nina Sun on 05/10/2020 at 7:45 am

    Hello Robert,

    My daughter has attended Henrietta Barnet school 11+ first round exam last week. She told me that was easy but she didn’t finish all the questions, mainly verbal reasoning section because she didn’t know there were more questions at the back of the paper as there is a line at the bottom of the front page.

    But one of the teachers told her and she managed to finish some of the questions at the back before time was up.

    She has been the top of her class since year 1 and she mostly achieved above 90% in VR during the exam parapartion.

    It would be grateful if you could advise what to do in this situation.

    I look forward to hearing from you soon.

    Many thanks,

    Nina

    Reply
    • Robert
      Robert on 05/11/2020 at 2:11 pm

      I’m very sorry to hear this. I don’t think there is much that I can advise here, apart from to encourage your daughter and help her to feel good about what she has achieved so far – and what she will achieve, wherever she goes to secondary school.

      If she found the rest of the paper easy, it may be that she still did well enough.

      My apologies for the delay in replying to your comment.

      Reply

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