11+ Past Papers: A Complete Guide for Parents and Students

What Are 11+ Past Papers?

11+ past papers are previous examination papers from the 11+ admissions tests used by grammar schools and independent schools across the UK. These papers provide invaluable practice material, allowing students to familiarise themselves with the format, question types, and difficulty level of the actual entrance assessments they will face.

Past papers serve multiple purposes: they help students identify knowledge gaps, build exam confidence, develop time management skills, and understand the specific style of questions asked by different exam boards and schools. For parents, past papers offer insight into what their child will encounter and help gauge readiness for the actual assessment.

Who Takes the 11+ and Why?

Students typically take the 11+ examination at the end of Year 5 or beginning of Year 6, around their tenth or eleventh birthday. The test determines admission to selective grammar schools and many independent schools across England and Northern Ireland.

Families choose the 11+ route for various reasons: access to academically rigorous environments, smaller class sizes, specialised teaching, and enhanced opportunities for university preparation. Success in the 11+ can significantly influence a child's educational trajectory, making thorough preparation essential.

Understanding the 11+ Format and Structure

The 11+ examination varies considerably depending on the exam board and region. The main providers include GL Assessment, CEM (Durham University), and individual schools or consortia that set their own papers.

GL Assessment Papers

GL papers typically assess four core areas:

• English (comprehension, grammar, spelling, and punctuation)
• Maths (arithmetic and problem-solving)
• Verbal Reasoning (vocabulary, logic, and pattern recognition using words)
• Non-Verbal Reasoning (spatial awareness and pattern recognition using shapes)

Most GL assessments use multiple-choice format, with papers lasting 45-60 minutes each. The total testing time ranges from 2-3 hours, usually completed in one session.

CEM Papers

CEM examinations differ significantly from GL in both format and approach:

• Combined papers assessing multiple skills simultaneously
• Mix of verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, comprehension, and numerical reasoning
• Questions designed to be less susceptible to intensive coaching
• Typically two papers of 45 minutes each
• Standard answer sheets rather than multiple-choice bubbles

Independent School Papers

Many independent schools set their own entrance examinations, which may include:

• Traditional subject papers (English, Maths, Science)
• Extended writing tasks or creative writing
• Comprehension passages with essay-style responses
• Problem-solving assessments

Scoring and Grade Boundaries

The 11+ uses age-standardised scoring to ensure fairness regardless of a child's birth month. Raw scores (actual marks achieved) are converted to standardised scores, typically ranging from 69 to 141, with 100 representing the average.

Pass marks vary significantly by region and school. Some areas require standardised scores of 111 or above, whilst competitive regions may demand scores of 121 or higher. Grammar schools in highly subscribed areas often have higher thresholds due to limited places and strong competition.

Individual schools publish their qualifying scores annually, which fluctuate based on cohort performance and available places. Parents should research specific requirements for their target schools early in the preparation process.

Assessment Timeline

The 11+ calendar follows a predictable pattern, though exact dates vary by region:

Spring/Summer of Year 5: Registration opens for autumn Year 6 assessments. Parents must register their child through their local authority or directly with independent schools. Missing registration deadlines can mean missing the opportunity entirely.

September/October of Year 6: Main testing period for most grammar schools. Students sit examinations at designated test centres or their primary schools.

October of Year 6: Results are typically released 4-6 weeks after testing. Parents receive notification of their child's performance and whether they have qualified for grammar school admission.

November-March of Year 6: Secondary school application deadlines and appeals processes occur during this period.

Independent schools often test in January of Year 6, allowing more preparation time but requiring earlier commitment to specific schools.

Subject Breakdown and Coverage

English

English papers assess reading comprehension, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sometimes creative or analytical writing. Students encounter:

• Fiction and non-fiction comprehension passages
• Inference and deduction questions
• Vocabulary in context
• Sentence structure and grammar rules
• Punctuation application
• Spelling patterns and exceptions

Comprehension typically carries the highest weighting, requiring students to analyse text, identify themes, and understand authorial intent.

Mathematics

Maths papers cover the primary curriculum and extend into problem-solving and logical reasoning:

• Number operations and order of operations
• Fractions, decimals, and percentages
• Ratio and proportion
• Algebra basics (patterns, sequences, simple equations)
• Geometry and measurement
• Data handling and statistics
• Multi-step word problems

Questions increasingly require application of knowledge rather than rote calculation, testing genuine mathematical understanding.

Verbal Reasoning

Verbal reasoning examines logical thinking using words and language:

• Word relationships and analogies
• Code-breaking and letter sequences
• Classification and odd-one-out exercises
• Vocabulary and synonyms/antonyms
• Logical deductions from statements
• Alphabetical ordering and positioning

This section tests thinking skills and pattern recognition rather than curriculum knowledge, though strong vocabulary significantly aids performance.

Non-Verbal Reasoning

Non-verbal reasoning assesses spatial awareness and pattern recognition using shapes:

• Shape sequences and series
• Pattern completion
• Figure matrices
• Rotations, reflections, and transformations
• Analogies using shapes
• 3D visualisation

These questions evaluate logical thinking independent of language skills, identifying students with strong analytical abilities.

Preparation Strategy

When to Begin

Effective preparation typically spans 12-18 months, beginning in Year 4 or early Year 5. This timeline allows thorough coverage of required skills without excessive pressure. Starting earlier than Year 4 rarely provides additional benefit and may lead to burnout.

Study Schedule Recommendations

A balanced approach involves:

• 4-6 hours weekly of focused preparation
• Daily practice in small, manageable sessions (30-45 minutes)
• Mix of subject areas to maintain engagement
• Regular practice papers under timed conditions
• Review of mistakes and misconceptions
• Periodic breaks to prevent fatigue

Increase practice intensity 2-3 months before the exam, introducing weekly full-length papers under exam conditions.

Key Skills to Develop

Beyond academic knowledge, successful students develop:

• Time management and pace awareness
• Question selection strategies (answering known questions first)
• Educated guessing techniques for multiple-choice
• Stress management and exam resilience
• Careful reading and attention to detail
• Self-checking and error-spotting habits

Practise Requirements

Students should complete:

• Minimum 15-20 full practice papers across all subjects
• Additional focused practice on weaker areas
• Regular quick-fire question sessions for speed development
• Variety of question styles from different providers
• Mock examinations in realistic conditions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Starting too late: Beginning preparation in Year 6 leaves insufficient time to build foundational skills and develop exam technique. Early, consistent practice proves far more effective than intensive last-minute cramming.

Over-reliance on one exam board: Many parents practice exclusively with GL or CEM materials without confirming which format their target schools use. Always verify the specific exam type required and practise accordingly.

Neglecting time management: Students who haven't practised under timed conditions often struggle to complete papers during actual examinations. Regular timed practice builds speed and decision-making skills essential for success.

Ignoring mistakes: Simply completing past papers without thoroughly reviewing errors wastes valuable learning opportunities. Understanding why an answer was wrong and how to approach similar questions correctly is crucial for improvement.

Creating excessive pressure: Some families inadvertently generate anxiety by overemphasising the importance of the 11+ or scheduling excessive preparation. Maintaining balance, celebrating effort, and providing perspective helps children perform at their best.

Resources and Practise Materials

Official Past Papers

Actual past papers from exam boards and schools provide the most authentic practice. GL Assessment and CEM offer familiarisation materials on their websites. Individual grammar schools and independent schools sometimes publish sample papers or specimen questions.

Recommended Practise Books

Quality practice materials include:

• Bond 11+ series (comprehensive coverage across all subjects)
• CGP 11+ books (detailed explanations and varied practice)
• Letts 11+ revision guides and practice papers
• Schofield & Sims 11+ practice papers
• Galore Park 11+ materials for independent school entrance

Select materials matching your target exam format (GL, CEM, or independent school style).

Online Resources

Digital platforms offer adaptive learning and progress tracking:

• 11+ Exam Practise websites with extensive question banks
• Educational apps focusing on mental maths and vocabulary
• Video tutorials explaining challenging concepts
• Interactive practice papers with instant feedback

Online resources complement rather than replace traditional practice papers and structured teaching.

Practise Question Sources

Beyond published materials, students benefit from:

• Free resources from school consortium websites
• Grammar school websites offering sample papers
• Educational forums sharing experiences and materials
• Library resources and learning platforms

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition specialises in comprehensive 11+ preparation, offering structured programmes tailored to individual needs and target schools. Our approach recognises that every child learns differently and requires personalised support to reach their potential.

Structured Preparation Programmes

We develop customised learning plans addressing each student's strengths and development areas. Our programmes cover all exam formats (GL, CEM, and independent school papers) with appropriate materials and practice schedules. Regular assessments track progress and adjust teaching focus as needed.

Expert Tutors

Our tutors bring extensive experience preparing students for competitive entrance examinations. They understand the nuances of different exam boards, know what examiners seek, and teach effective strategies for maximising performance. Beyond subject knowledge, they build confidence and resilience essential for exam success.

Our Teaching Approach

We emphasise understanding over memorisation, helping students develop genuine problem-solving abilities rather than rote learning. Sessions combine targeted skill development, exam technique practice, and regular timed assessments. We maintain communication with parents, providing clear feedback on progress and areas requiring additional focus.

Our balanced approach ensures preparation enhances rather than overwhelms school life, maintaining children's wellbeing whilst building the skills and confidence needed for 11+ success.

To discuss how we can support your child's 11+ preparation with a programme tailored to their needs and target schools, please visit our enquiry page to arrange an initial consultation.