"To get into a school in the UK, you have to take the 11+ (Eleven Plus) exam."
This is a phrase often heard by families relocating to London or those considering sending their daughters to study in the UK.
However, did you know that there are two completely different types of "11+" exams?
- The 11+ for entry into state grammar schools (tuition-free, highly selective)
- The 11+ for entry into prestigious independent schools (girls' schools and London co-ed schools)
Starting your preparation without understanding this distinction can lead to situations like "we can't even apply because of where we live" or "we prepared for completely the wrong subjects."
This article will demystify the complex UK entrance exam system for 11-year-olds and explain the different strategies for success based on your target school route.
1. The Two Types of "11+": State Grammar vs. Independent Schools
First, let's understand the crucial differences between the two.
Category | State Grammar School 11+ | Independent School 11+ |
Key Target Schools | Henrietta Barnett, Tiffin Girls', QE Boys | St Paul's Girls', City of London, Francis Holland |
Tuition Fees | Free | Paid (approx. £25,000 - £35,000 per year) |
Eligibility | Very strict residency requirements (Catchment Area) | No restrictions (applications from overseas are possible) |
Exam Period | September of Year 6 (finishes early) | January of Year 6 (after state school results are out) |
Competition Ratio | 10 to 20 applicants per place (highly competitive as they are seen as "free private schools") | 3 to 10 applicants per place (varies by school) |
Important: The biggest appeal of state grammar schools is that they are "free," but this makes them incredibly competitive. Some schools have strict residency requirements, such as living within a few kilometers of the school.
2. The 3 Main Exam Formats: GL vs. CEM vs. School-Written Papers
The content of the 11+ exam varies by school but can be broadly categorized into three patterns.
A. GL Assessment (Traditional Style)
- Used by: Many grammar schools (e.g., in Kent, Buckinghamshire).
- Content: Four subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
- Characteristics: The question format is standardized, making practice with past papers (Practice Papers) highly effective.
B. CEM (Focus on Vocabulary)
- Used by: Some grammar schools (e.g., Bexley, though there is a recent trend of returning to GL).
- Content: Similar to GL, but with a strong emphasis on vocabulary and strict time limits.
- Characteristics: Designed to be "tutor-proof," making it difficult to cram for. It tests a child's regular reading habits and comprehension.
C. School-Written Exams
- Used by: Top independent schools (e.g., St Paul's, Westminster).
- Content: Highly advanced written exams (English & Maths), in addition to interviews and group activities.
3. The Latest Trend for London's Independent Girls' Schools: The Consortium Transformation
For those aiming for London's independent girls' schools, the "London 11+ Consortium" is a key group to know.
This group includes around 14 popular girls' schools, such as Francis Holland and South Hampstead, and uses a system where one test can be used to apply to multiple schools.
The New Exam Format: Abolition of Written Papers
In recent years, this consortium has abolished its traditional written English and Maths papers, moving completely to a 75-minute online Cognitive Ability Test.
- Maths / Non-Verbal: Mathematical and spatial reasoning.
- Verbal: Vocabulary and logic.
- Puzzles & Problem Solving: Puzzles that require understanding and applying rules on the spot.
- Creative Comprehension: Questions that require integrating information from multiple sources (text, maps, graphs).
Key to Preparation: The traditional method of just drilling past papers is no longer sufficient. The test now assesses the "ability to tackle unfamiliar problems."
4. Route-Specific Roadmaps to Success
The preparation timeline varies depending on your target school.
Route A: Top State Grammar Schools (e.g., Henrietta Barnett)
- Year 4: Begin preparation. Check the catchment area and consider relocating if necessary.
- Year 5: Consistently practice with GL/CEM style mock exams.
- Year 6 (September): The main exam.
- October: Results are released (the advantage is you can decide on independent school applications after seeing these results).
Route B: Top Independent Schools (e.g., St Paul's Girls')
- Year 5: Solidify foundational skills. Focus on strengthening creative writing and advanced maths problem-solving.
- Year 6 (November): Online pre-tests (e.g., ISEB Common Pre-Test).
- Year 6 (January): Main written exam + interview.
Route C: Independent School Consortiums (e.g., Francis Holland)
- Year 5: Solidify foundational skills.
- Year 6 (late November): Online cognitive test (taken at one of the schools or a test center).
- Year 6 (January): Interview (for those who pass the test).
5. Conclusion: Create a Strategic Application Plan
Gaining a place at a state grammar school has a lottery-like aspect; it's a case of "get in if you're lucky."
Many families adopt a strategy of aiming for a state grammar school as their first choice while securing a place at an independent school as a solid backup.
This is an exam taken at the sensitive age of 11. The key to success lies in tailoring preparation to your child's personality, focusing on fostering intellectual curiosity rather than rote learning.
ELT | 11+ (Eleven Plus) Preparation Course
At ELT, our native-speaking tutors, including alumnae of London girls' schools and experienced 11+ instructors, provide tailored preparation for your target schools.
- Consortium Test Prep: Thinking skills training designed for the latest online cognitive tests.
- Verbal Reasoning: We strengthen vocabulary and reasoning skills, which are often the biggest hurdles for non-native English speakers.
- Interview Prep: We cultivate the ability to express one's own opinions, a skill highly valued in independent schools.
