UK Independent Schools & the 11+ Exam

For Expat Families

Being from England and consulting on the international education circuit, I often get asked about independent schools in the UK and the 11+ exam. The following will give you an overview in order to help you plan your next steps:

What is the 11+ exam?

The 11+ exam (sometimes referred to as a ‘transit test’) is taken by some primary-aged (Year 6) students who want to attend a state-funded grammar school or a selective, fee-paying independent school in the UK. The 11+ forms part of the application and selection process; determining which students are most academically suited. England is the only remaining country in the UK to administer the 11+, since Scotland and Wales do not have grammar schools and Northern Ireland has officially phased out the tests. State-funded grammar schools are usually only accessible to students who are UK residents at the time of the application. Whereas it is possible for non-residents to apply for places in independent, fee-paying schools.

What does the 11+ involve?

Although the 11+ tests have similarities across England and Northern Ireland, the make-up and process varies depending on the type of school and the region in which it is located. Independent schools write and mark their own tests (usually 2 or 3 papers) and so the pass mark varies according to each school’s requirements and admissions criteria. The tests typically include four disciplines: maths, English and verbal and non-verbal reasoning, and they are based on the GL and CEM exams, UK National Curriculum standards or the Common Entrance Syllabus. They follow a multiple-choice format, although a written piece may also be required for English.

Maths - this includes concepts and skills, mental maths and multi-step problem solving.

English - usually this involves a creative writing task as well as reading comprehension and grammar tasks.

Verbal reasoning - this includes logical thinking and solving problems which follow word and language sequences/patterns.

Non-verbal reasoning - this involves solving problems in relation to pictures and diagrams, as well as testing aspects of maths such as symmetry, reflection and rotation of shapes.

The 11+ can only be taken once and so there is no opportunity to resit.

Applying for schools:

UK independent schools are highly competitive and they have strict entry requirements. There can be thousands of applications for relatively few places.Therefore, applications are only ever recommended when a child is considered to be academically bright enough and capable.

Once you have selected the schools you wish to apply for, you will need to register your child to sit the 11+ exams at each one (although some independent schools in London have made it possible for a child to sit one exam for multiple school applications). To secure entry into Year 7, you may need to apply as early as Year 4 (when your child is 8 or 9 years old), so early research is highly recommended.

Finding the right school for your child is an important decision and you should consider seeking professional guidance. Independent school selection in the UK is not my area of expertise, but I can connect you with other consultants who work for UK-based companies specialising in this area. You will benefit from establishing contact with your chosen schools early.

Preparing your child for the 11+:

Preparation is key! Some parents begin supporting their children from Year 4, and my recommendation is to do short ‘bursts’ of prep over a longer period of time rather than ‘cramming’ before the test. While the test is usually completed in the early part of Year 6, parents should allow enough time to prepare their child without stress or pressure. Consider looking for a tutor, but it is important to ensure that they are experienced teachers who understand the 11+ and the UK National Curriculum, and that they are fully qualified to teach to these standards. Some independent schools issue practise tests so you and your child can form a better understanding of what to expect.

Contact me if you would like to discuss 11+ or entrance exam support plans for your child.

Laura Nash (Education Consultant and Private Teacher, Palm Learning Network), 16.04.23