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What is 11+?

 

The ‘11’ in ’11+’ refers to the school entry age to Year 7. It is a selective entrance examination sat in the month of September by students in Year 6, most of whom are ten years old.

11+ is not compulsory although it was until the early 1970s. However, if you want your child to gain a place at a state-funded grammar school or at selective independent schools, then they will need to take the 11+ examination. The purpose is to identify the academic ability and potential of the child.

There are three 11+ exam types:

GL assessment:

The GL assessment is the leading category of 11+ assessments, developing the tests that most 11+ students will take.

Subjects covered:

English

Comprehension and writing (including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary) – Learners are assessed on their ability to comprehend a piece of text (reading), their spelling, and their ability to write cohesively (punctuation and grammar). English tests will oftentimes include a long writing task and other reading and spelling exercises.

 

Applied reasoning (Literacy/Verbal)

This is believed to be a good way to test the learner’s potential ability rather than what they can already do. Verbal reasoning focuses on problem-solving and the application of knowledge rather than just what students are traditionally taught in school.

 

Maths

As a way to expand on the knowledge gained during KS2 study, this assessment tests for a student’s understanding of numbers and capacity to solve mathematical problems.

Non – Verbal Reasoning

A test of diagrams. To assess how well a student analyses and solves problems involving visual information.

Test format varies from region to region

CEM:

Subjects covered:

Non – Verbal Reasoning

A test of diagrams. To assess how well a student analyses and solves problems involving visual information.

Applied reasoning (Literacy/Verbal)

This is believed to be an effective way to test the learner’s potential ability. Verbal reasoning focuses on problem-solving and the application of knowledge rather than just what students are traditionally taught in school.

Numerical Reasoning

There should be some familiarity with this as the test will cover content from the national curriculum in KS2, although some content is from KS3. It involves assessing the student’s ability to solve problems involving figures, charts, and tables.

CSSE:

If you wish for your child to take the CSSE 11+ test, you need to complete not only the CAF but also a ‘Supplementary Information’ form to register for the selective test. The form can be completed online on the CSSE website or may be obtained from any school that offers selective places.

What subjects does it cover?

English – Comprehension

English – Comprehension, Writing (including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary)

Verbal Reasoning – Learners are tested on their ability to comprehend a piece of text (reading), their spelling, and their ability to write cohesively (punctuation and grammar). English tests will oftentimes include a long writing task and other reading and spelling exercises. Verbal reasoning is believed to be an effective way to test the learner’s potential ability. Verbal reasoning focuses on problem-solving and the application of knowledge rather than just what students are traditionally taught in school.

 

There will not be a separate verbal reasoning test, rather elements of it will be incorporated into the English paper.

 

Maths

To expand on knowledge gained during KS2 study, this tests for a student’s understanding of numbers and ability to solve mathematical problems.

The exam could be in a standard format, multiple choice, or a combination of both, depending on the region.

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