11+ and grammar schools, explained clearly.

A grammar school is a state-funded secondary school that selects all or most pupils using academic ability. Admission normally involves a selective entrance assessment, commonly known as the 11+.

England has 163 state-funded grammar schools. Northern Ireland has its own substantial grammar-school sector and a different admissions system. Scotland and Wales do not operate the same state grammar-school selection system found in parts of England and Northern Ireland.

No. Grammar schools are concentrated in particular counties, boroughs and regions. Some areas operate county-wide or consortium tests, while other schools run their own admissions arrangements.

The 11+ is the common name for selective entrance assessments used by grammar schools and some other selective schools. Children usually sit the assessment during Year 6.

No. “11+” describes a type of selective entrance examination rather than one national paper. A GL-style assessment, CSSE examination, Kent Test, FSCE or school-specific assessment can differ substantially in question types, timings and subjects.

Most tests draw from some combination of English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal or Spatial Reasoning. Some examinations also include continuous or creative writing.

English and Maths usually build on primary-school knowledge, but selective tests often require faster application, unfamiliar problem solving and more demanding vocabulary or reasoning. Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning may include formats that children do not routinely practise at school.

GL Assessment supplies selective admissions tests to many grammar-school areas and schools. Depending on the local arrangement, assessments can cover English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning and Spatial Reasoning.

The Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex administers a shared selective examination for participating grammar schools in Essex and Southend. Its current examination is centred on English and Mathematics.

FSCE is a selective assessment model used by participating schools. Its approach can draw broadly on KS2 learning and places emphasis on applying knowledge, reasoning and creativity rather than simply memorising isolated facts.

Many selective areas run their own local or shared testing systems. The provider and format can change over time, so parents should check the current admissions policy for the specific year of entry.

There is no compulsory starting age. A sensible approach is to build reading, vocabulary, mental maths and problem-solving foundations first, then gradually introduce exam-specific question types and timed practice.

Not necessarily. Children prepare through many combinations of home study, books, online learning, tutoring, school support, practice papers and mock exams. The important thing is that preparation matches the target exam and develops understanding as well as speed.

Yes, but usually after the child has learned the underlying methods. Early practice should prioritise understanding and accuracy. Timed work becomes more useful later when the child needs to develop exam technique and pacing.

Many selective tests use age-standardised scoring. This statistically adjusts raw scores to account for a child's age at the time of testing, helping reduce disadvantage for younger children within the same school year.

There is no national pass mark. Qualifying scores depend on the test, school, area and admissions policy. Some systems use a published qualifying score while others rank candidates.

No. A qualifying score usually means the child is eligible to be considered. If more qualified children apply than there are places, the school's oversubscription rules decide who receives offers.

Usually not. Parents often need to register separately for the selective test and later list the school on their secondary-school application through their home local authority.

A catchment area is a geographical area that may influence admissions priority. Rules vary widely: some schools require applicants to live within a defined area, some give local applicants priority, and others combine score and distance rules.

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