You can download and print our free 11+ practice papers to support your child as they prepare for their 11+ exams.
The 11+ Exam (or "11-plus") is a selective entrance exam generally taken at the beginning of Year 6, generally in September. This article provides a guide for parents of children who want to prepare their children for the 11+ Exam.
Contents:
- Timeline for the 11+ Exams
- Free 11 Plus Practice Exams for GL
- Free 11 Plus Practice Exams for CEM
- Further Support for the 11+ Exam
Timeline for the 11+ Exam
Ideally, you will have decided which grammar schools you are considering. It is a good idea to visit each school with your child to get a better feel for it and see if it is the right environment for them.
- April 2025: Most grammar schools will open their registration in April or May and set a deadline around June or July for parents to register their child for the 11+ Exam. There is some variability, so please check these dates with your individual schools. Buckinghamshire automatically enters all primary children for the 11+ Exam and operates an opt-out system for parents who must actively choose to withdraw their child from the process.
- September 2025: For most grammar schools, the 11+ Exam will occur during the first two weeks of September 2025. There is some variability with some schools holding 11+ Exams in October, so please check the date with your individual schools.
- October 2025: 11+ Exam results will be posted in most grammar schools in mid-October 2025.
- March 2026: School allocations are confirmed on 01 March 2026.
- September 2026: New intake begins in Year 7 at each of the 164 grammar schools.
Free Practice Papers for 11+ GL
GL Assessment (previously known as NFER) administers the 11+ Exams for most grammar schools in Berkshire, Bexley, Birmingham, Buckinghamshire, Gloucestershire, Kent, Shropshire, Walsall, Warwickshire, Wirral, and Wolverhampton. The GL 11+ Exam covers English, maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning (spatial awareness). Each school can choose any combination of these to fit its selection criteria best.
English (GL board)
- GL | Question paper: English Sample 1 | Jan 2023
- GL | Answer booklet: English Sample 1 | Jan 2023
- GL | Mark scheme: English Sample 1 | Jan 2023
Verbal Reasoning (GL board)
- GL | Question paper: Verbal Reasoning Sample 1 | Jan 2023
- GL | Answer booklet: Verbal Reasoning Sample 1 | Jan 2023
- GL | Mark scheme: Verbal Reasoning Sample 1 | Jan 2023
Non-Verbal Reasoning (GL board)
- GL | Question paper: Non-Verbal Reasoning Sample 1 | Jan 2023
- GL | Answer booklet: Non-Verbal Reasoning Sample 1 | Jan 2023
- GL | Mark scheme: Non-Verbal Reasoning Sample 1 | Jan 2023
Free Practice Papers for CEM
CEM, developed by the Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring at Durham University, administers the 11+ Exams for Cumbria, Dorset, Lancashire, Medway, Northern Ireland, and Wiltshire. The CEM 11+ Exam covers verbal, non-verbal, and numerical reasoning. (The verbal reasoning exam includes many of the skills tested in the GL English exam; the numerical reasoning exam includes many of the skills tested in the GL maths exam.)
Verbal Reasoning (CEM board)
- CEM | Question paper: Verbal Reasoning Sample 1 | Sep 2022
- CEM | Answer sheet: Verbal Reasoning Sample 1 | Sep 2022
- CEM | Answers: Verbal Reasoning Sample 1 | Sep 2022
Non-Verbal Reasoning (CEM board)
- CEM | Question paper: Non-Verbal Reasoning Sample 1 | Sep 2022
- CEM | Answer sheet: Non-Verbal Reasoning Sample 1 | Sep 2022
- CEM | Answers: Non-Verbal Reasoning Sample 1 | Sep 2022
Numerical Reasoning (CEM board)
Further Support for the 11+ Exam
To support your child in preparing for the 11+ exam, parents can create a structured study schedule, provide access to practice papers and revision materials, and ensure a balanced routine with breaks and extracurricular activities. Encouraging regular reading, practising time management, and maintaining a positive, stress-free environment is also key. Additionally, parents should engage with teachers for insights and consider hiring a tutor if needed. Building confidence and providing emotional support are essential for helping their child perform well.
Further reading which may interest you:
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