The 11 Plus remains one of the most significant academic milestones in the UK school system. With grammar schools like Reading School, Kendrick School, Altrincham Grammar, and King Edward VI Birmingham receiving hundreds of applications for a limited number of places, the competition in 2026 is fiercer than ever. Whether your child is in Year 4 and you're planning ahead, or you're a Year 5 parent just starting to research, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know — clearly, honestly, and without the overwhelm.
What Is the 11 Plus Exam?
The 11 Plus (or 11+) is a selective entrance examination sat by children aged 10–11, typically in September or October of Year 6. It is used by grammar schools and some independent schools across England to assess academic ability and select pupils for entry into Year 7.
Not all areas of England have grammar schools. The main grammar school regions include:
- Kent and Medway — one of the largest fully selective areas in the country
- Buckinghamshire — entirely selective at secondary level
- Lincolnshire, Wiltshire, and parts of the West Midlands
- Greater Manchester — including the Altrincham Grammar schools
- Birmingham — home to the highly regarded King Edward VI schools
It is worth checking whether grammar schools operate in your local authority, as this affects which test format your child will sit.
GL Assessment vs CEM: What's the Difference?
This is one of the most common questions parents ask, and it matters a great deal for how you prepare.
GL Assessment
GL Assessment is the older and more widely used exam provider. Their tests tend to be more structured and predictable in format, covering four distinct subjects: Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Mathematics, and English (comprehension and writing).
GL papers are typically multiple-choice and are used by grammar schools in Kent, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, and many others. Because the question types are well-established, targeted practice papers can be very effective preparation.
CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring)
CEM, developed by Durham University, was introduced partly to make the exam harder to "tutor for." CEM tests tend to mix question types across a single paper, can include unfamiliar formats, and place a greater emphasis on speed and adaptability. Schools in Birmingham (including King Edward VI), parts of Greater Manchester (Altrincham Grammar), and some Berkshire schools use CEM.
CEM papers still assess the same core abilities — vocabulary, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, and numerical reasoning — but the unpredictability means breadth of reading and genuine fluency matter more than drilling a set of question types.
Key takeaway: Find out which provider your target school uses before buying any practice materials. This one step will save you months of wasted preparation.
The Four Core 11 Plus Subjects
Regardless of whether your child sits GL or CEM, the 11 Plus assesses broadly the same four areas. Understanding what each one tests will help you target your preparation effectively.
Verbal Reasoning
Verbal Reasoning (VR) tests a child's ability to understand and manipulate language. Question types include:
- Word relationships and analogies
- Codes and sequences using letters
- Identifying words hidden within sentences
- Anagrams and compound words
- Closest meaning / opposite meaning
Strong reading habits from an early age are the single biggest predictor of VR performance. Children who read widely — fiction, non-fiction, newspapers — tend to pick up VR skills far more naturally.
Practise Verbal Reasoning on Applaa
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR) is a visual-spatial test that uses shapes, patterns, and sequences instead of words. It is designed to assess logical thinking independently of language ability. Common question types include:
- Odd one out (shape sequences)
- Matrices (completing a 2×2 or 3×3 pattern grid)
- Reflection and rotation of shapes
- Codes involving shape properties
NVR is often the area where children have the most room to improve with structured practice, since the question types are very consistent — especially in GL papers.
Practise Non-Verbal Reasoning on Applaa
Mathematics
The maths content in the 11 Plus goes beyond what is covered in Year 5 of the National Curriculum. Your child will need to be confident with:
- All four operations including long multiplication and division
- Fractions, decimals, and percentages
- Ratio and proportion
- Area, perimeter, and volume
- Basic algebra and number sequences
- Data handling (averages, charts, tables)
- Word problems requiring multi-step reasoning
The biggest differentiator is not knowing the methods — it's applying them under time pressure. Timed practice is essential.
English
For GL papers specifically, English is tested separately through reading comprehension and occasionally creative or extended writing. Children are expected to:
- Understand inference and authorial intent
- Identify literary devices (metaphor, simile, personification)
- Answer questions using evidence from the text
- Write clearly and accurately under time pressure
CEM tests vocabulary and comprehension within the combined reasoning papers rather than as a standalone English paper.
The 11 Plus Timeline: Year 4 to Year 6
One of the most common mistakes parents make is starting preparation too late. Here is a realistic timeline that avoids both burnout and under-preparation.
Year 4 (Age 8–9): Build the Foundations
- Establish a strong daily reading habit — aim for 20–30 minutes of varied reading every day
- Consolidate times tables (all facts up to 12×12 by end of Year 4)
- Begin mental arithmetic practice
- Start expanding vocabulary through word games, puzzles, and varied reading material
There is no need for formal 11 Plus papers at this stage. Focus on enriching your child's love of learning.
Year 5 (Age 9–10): Introduce Structured Practice
- Introduce the concept of the 11 Plus and explain what grammar school means
- Begin working through 11 Plus question types — one subject at a time
- Use short, focused sessions (20–30 minutes) rather than marathon revision blocks
- Identify areas of weakness and address them methodically
- Start a vocabulary journal
By the end of Year 5, your child should be familiar with all four subject areas and comfortable with the most common question types.
Year 6, September–June: Build Speed and Stamina
- Move to timed practice papers — one or two per week
- Introduce full-length mock exams from Easter term onwards
- Analyse mistakes together: understanding why an answer was wrong is more valuable than simply moving on
- Maintain reading and vocabulary work throughout
Year 6, July–September: Final Preparation
- Sit at least two or three full mock tests under realistic exam conditions
- Keep sessions focused but avoid burnout — two to three hours of preparation per week is plenty at this stage
- Build confidence through positive reinforcement, not pressure
- Ensure your child knows what to expect on exam day: the venue, the format, the timing
The actual exam typically takes place in September of Year 6, meaning most families have around 12–18 months of meaningful preparation time if they begin in Year 5.
What Makes Grammar School Entry So Competitive in 2026?
The numbers are sobering. Reading School, consistently one of the highest-performing state schools in the country, receives over 2,000 applications for fewer than 180 Year 7 places. Kendrick School — its girls' equivalent — is similarly oversubscribed. In Birmingham, King Edward VI selective schools attract thousands of applicants across their sites. Altrincham Grammar Schools in Greater Manchester are among the most sought-after in the North West.
Pass rates vary by school and area, but in highly competitive regions, only the top 5–10% of applicants will receive offers. This is not meant to discourage — it is meant to set realistic expectations so that preparation is purposeful.
It is also worth noting that many areas operate catchment-based selection, where children living closest to the school are given priority among those who pass. Always check your target school's admissions criteria carefully.
How Applaa Helps with 11 Plus Preparation
Applaa's 11 Plus practice platform is designed specifically to reflect the real exam experience — both GL and CEM question styles — and to give children the best chance of performing at their highest level.
Here is what sets Applaa apart:
- Adaptive question sets that focus on your child's weak areas, not just random drilling
- Full-length timed mock tests that mirror real exam conditions, helping children build stamina and time management
- Instant feedback with explanations so that every mistake becomes a learning moment
- Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning modules covering every question type found in GL and CEM papers
- Progress tracking that gives parents a clear picture of where their child stands
Best of all, Applaa is free to get started. No subscription required to begin practising today.
Download Applaa and start preparing for free
Top Tips for 11 Plus Success in 2026
These are the habits that consistently separate well-prepared children from unprepared ones:
- Start earlier than you think you need to. Twelve months of light, consistent preparation beats three months of intensive cramming every time.
- Read every day — fiction and non-fiction. There is no shortcut to a strong vocabulary and reading comprehension.
- Prioritise understanding over completion. Getting 60% and reviewing every mistake is more valuable than rushing to finish a paper.
- Practise under timed conditions. The 11 Plus is as much a speed test as a knowledge test.
- Maintain balance. Children who are rested, happy, and engaged learn better. Avoid letting preparation crowd out play, sport, and social time.
- Talk about grammar school positively but without excessive pressure. Children pick up on parental anxiety. Frame preparation as an exciting challenge, not a life-or-death event.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my child start preparing for the 11 Plus?
Ideally, foundational work (reading, maths fluency, vocabulary) should begin in Year 4, with structured practice papers introduced in Year 5. Most families begin dedicated 11 Plus preparation 12–18 months before the exam.
Does my child need a tutor to pass the 11 Plus?
No. Many children prepare successfully without a private tutor, particularly with access to quality practice materials and consistent parental support. A good tutor can be helpful for children who need targeted guidance in specific areas, but it is not a requirement.
What is the difference between GL and CEM papers?
GL Assessment papers have consistent, well-known question types across four separate subject papers (VR, NVR, Maths, English). CEM papers mix question types across combined papers and tend to be less predictable. Check which format your target school uses before purchasing any materials.
How many mock tests should my child sit before the real exam?
Aim for at least three to five full-length mock tests in the months leading up to the exam, ideally under realistic conditions (timed, quiet, no interruptions). Applaa's mock test suite allows children to practise as many times as needed, with fresh question sets each time.
What happens if my child does not pass the 11 Plus?
The 11 Plus is one pathway, not the only pathway. High-quality comprehensive and academy schools offer excellent education, and many children thrive outside the grammar school system. It is important to have a positive conversation with your child about outcomes before the exam so they are not blindsided by any result.
Start Your Child's 11 Plus Journey Today
The 2026 11 Plus season will be here sooner than you think. The families who prepare early, practise consistently, and use the right tools give their children the best possible chance of a place at their target school.
Applaa's 11 Plus practice platform is free to start, built for UK children, and covers every subject and question type your child will face — from Verbal Reasoning to Non-Verbal Reasoning to full timed mock exams.
Download Applaa for free and begin today. No subscription needed. No pressure. Just great preparation.