Who uses the 11+
Grammar schools in some parts of England and Northern Ireland use selective tests for entry into Year 7. Many independent schools also set their own entrance tests for children joining at 11.
Each area or school decides which test to use, which subjects it covers and how results are used alongside other admissions criteria. Two schools near each other can work quite differently.
The subjects it can cover
Most 11+ tests draw on some mix of four areas. A particular test may use all four, or only some of them.
- Maths: number work, fractions, measures and problem solving from the primary curriculum.
- English: reading comprehension, spelling, punctuation and grammar, sometimes with a piece of writing.
- Verbal reasoning: puzzles with letters, words and codes that reward a wide vocabulary.
- Non-verbal reasoning: puzzles with shapes and patterns, such as finding a rule, a reflection or how a net folds.
When children usually sit it
For grammar school entry, many areas test at the start of Year 6, with registration earlier, often during Year 5. Independent schools set their own dates, which are often later in Year 6.
Dates and deadlines change from year to year, so always check the current information from your local authority, the school's admissions page or the consortium that runs the test in your area.
Preparing without the pressure
Regular short practice tends to work better than long sessions. Start by finding out which subjects your target schools use, then spend most time on the areas that feel least familiar.
Kestrel's free test samples all four subjects so you can see where to start. Whatever you use, keep the focus on understanding mistakes rather than on scores.
Kestrel is independent and is not linked to any exam board, local authority or school. Always check the current admissions information for the schools you are applying to.