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11 Plus guides for parents

Clear, practical guides to the 11 Plus, from what the exam is to how each subject works. Read up, then put it into practice with a live mock exam. Your first mock is free.

Getting started

What is the 11 Plus?

A clear guide to what the 11 Plus exam is, who sits it, the subjects covered and how grammar school selection works in England.

When is the 11 Plus exam?

When the 11 Plus is sat, when registration opens and closes, and how to build a preparation timeline backwards from exam day.

GL, CEM and CSSE exam boards explained

The differences between the GL Assessment, CEM and CSSE 11 Plus formats, and how to find out which one your region uses.

When should you start preparing for the 11 Plus?

When to start 11 Plus preparation, with a calm year by year plan from early reading habits to timed mock exams in Year 6.

The 11 Plus and SATs: what is the difference?

How the 11 Plus and SATs differ in purpose, format and difficulty, and why preparing for one is not the same as preparing for the other.

Grammar school or independent school?

The differences between grammar and independent schools, how entry and cost compare, and how to weigh them up when planning your child secondary education.

Catchment areas and moving for a grammar school

How catchment areas and distance rules affect grammar school places, what to check before relying on them, and what to weigh up before moving for a school.

11 Plus glossary: key terms explained

A plain English glossary of common 11 Plus terms, from standardised scores and consortia to catchment, GL and CEM, so the jargon is easy to follow.

How to Apply for the 11 Plus

A step by step guide to applying for the 11 Plus, including how registration works, when the deadlines fall and the documents you will need.

Preparation

Subjects

Exam day & results

Ready to put it into practice?

Sit a live, invigilated 11 Plus mock exam from home and see your child’s standardised score and UK-wide ranking. Your first mock is free.