Key Facts
| Diagnostics | 11+ English and 11+ Verbal Reasoning |
|---|---|
| Length | 20 questions per diagnostic, with no time limit |
| Format | Online and adaptive: question difficulty moves up after a run of correct answers and down after a run of errors |
| Report | Overall score and band, mastery by skill grouped by topic, and a short written summary |
| Cost | Free; a parent's name and email address, confirmed with a code, open the report |
Figures correct at the time of writing. Confirm current fees and deadlines with the school or university directly.
A free 11+ mock test usually means one of two things: a full timed paper sat under exam conditions, or a shorter online test that shows where a child stands. The free 11+ diagnostic on Taylor Tuition's prep site is the second kind, with 20 adaptive questions each in 11+ English and 11+ Verbal Reasoning and a report by skill at the end. For full-length papers, the free familiarisation material from test providers and local authorities is the closest free equivalent to a mock.
What the free 11+ diagnostic covers
Two diagnostics are open to everyone, each with 20 questions and no time limit:
- 11+ English: comprehension, grammar, punctuation, spelling and vocabulary
- 11+ Verbal Reasoning: word logic, codes, sequences, analogies and problem solving
The questions adapt as the child works: difficulty moves up a level after a run of correct answers and down after a run of errors, so the diagnostic settles near the level the child is working at. Maths and non-verbal reasoning are not covered.
How the diagnostic works
A parent enters the child's first name and school year, and the child answers the questions on screen. At the end the parent adds their own name and email address and confirms a code sent to that address, which opens the report.
11+ tutors
Hannah S.
Master TutorI am a UK-qualified teacher with 15+ years across private and state schools in the UK and abroad, and hold a BSc from LSE and a PGCE with QTS. I teach English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, 11+ and Common Entrance preparation. My approach is personalised, confidence-building and rigorous.
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Sochima N.
Master TutorI'm a qualified teacher in a London classroom every day, with a BSc in Computer Science from Brunel and a PGCE with QTS. I teach Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Computer Science to A-Level, plus 11+ preparation, through project-based work that suits SEND learners well.
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Ariana G.
Master TutorI have taught English in London schools for twelve years, including Tiffin Girls' School, and hold a PGCE with QTS. I teach English, English Literature, English Language and 11+ preparation across KS3 to A-Level and IB. I get to know each tutee and plan creative lessons around their goals.
Enquire about this tutorWhat the report shows
The report opens with the overall score and one of four bands, from "Building the foundations" to "Working above the expected standard", followed by a mastery figure for each skill, grouped by topic. A short written summary sets out what the results suggest, names the skills to work on next and ends with one practical suggestion for practice at home.
How the diagnostic differs from a full 11+ mock exam
A full 11+ mock reproduces the real test: the local papers and timings, and often exam-hall conditions with a score ranked against other candidates. The diagnostic is untimed, adapts to each child and covers two subjects, which makes it most useful early in preparation, to see which skills are secure and which need work before timed papers begin.
Free 11+ familiarisation papers
GL Assessment, which describes itself as the largest provider of 11+ tests to schools in England, publishes around ten hours of free familiarisation material as printable PDFs in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, English and maths; its practice papers are sold separately. Some local authorities publish their own material, such as Kent County Council's Kent Test familiarisation booklet, which describes each part of the test and includes example questions with answers.
Question types, subjects and timings vary between areas, so a timed practice paper is most useful in the format of the test the child will actually sit. Our guides to 11+ past papers and the GL Assessment 11+ cover where each format is used.
Using the results
A diagnostic report gives a starting point: the skills marked as secure need lighter revision, and the weaker ones become the first targets for practice. Our guides to 11+ English and 11+ verbal reasoning set out how each paper is usually prepared, and timed papers in the local test's format follow as the exam approaches.
Families who want a tutor to plan the next stage can see profiles of 11+ tutors or read about 11+ entrance exam tutoring. Sessions run online for families across the UK and internationally, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject. There is no registration fee and the initial consultation is free.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 11+ diagnostic free?
- Yes. The 11+ English and 11+ Verbal Reasoning diagnostics cost nothing to sit. At the end, a parent adds their name and email address and confirms a code sent to that address, which opens the report with the overall band, the skill-by-skill breakdown and a short written summary.
- Is the diagnostic a full 11+ mock exam?
- No. A full mock reproduces the timings and papers of a particular 11+ test, often in exam conditions. The diagnostic has 20 adaptive questions per subject, no time limit and covers English and verbal reasoning, so it shows which skills are secure and which need work, and timed practice papers follow later in preparation.
- Which subjects does the free diagnostic cover?
- There are two diagnostics: 11+ English, covering comprehension, grammar, punctuation, spelling and vocabulary, and 11+ Verbal Reasoning, covering word logic, codes, sequences, analogies and problem solving. Maths and non-verbal reasoning are not covered, so families preparing for tests that include them will need other material for those papers.
- Where can we find free 11+ mock papers?
- GL Assessment publishes around ten hours of free familiarisation material as printable PDFs in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, English and maths, and some local authorities publish their own, such as Kent County Council's Kent Test familiarisation booklet. Formats differ between areas, so the material for the child's own test is the most useful.
- What should we do after the diagnostic?
- The report shows which skills are secure and which to work on first. It can be used to plan practice at home, starting with the weakest skills before moving to timed papers in the local test's format. Families who want help planning preparation can book a free consultation with Taylor Tuition.
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Free 11+ familiarisation pack
English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, with mark schemes.
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