What is the eleven plus exam?
Have you heard about the 11 Plus? It’s an important exam that many children take in their last year of primary school. It’s a stepping stone for kids who are aiming to attend a grammar school. Although it’s called the 11 Plus, most kids are actually 10 when they take it. The name comes from the age they’ll be when they start at the grammar school.
In England, there are 164 wonderful Grammar Schools. While the 11 Plus test stopped in Northern Ireland in 2008, many schools there still use similar tests to choose students. This has sparked quite a bit of debate!
The chances of passing the 11 Plus can vary across different areas. Some schools, like those in Kingston and Sutton, are incredibly popular and have a lot of applicants for a limited number of places. In areas where grammar schools are more common, like Buckinghamshire, a higher percentage of children pass the test.
The 11 Plus can include up to four areas: Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Maths, and English. The mix of these subjects varies by location. You can find more detailed information about the tests in each area on our website, under the 11 Plus Schools section.
If you have any questions, our 11+ Forum is a great resource. It’s filled with insights from many parents and experts who’ve been through this journey. Feel free to join and ask any questions you might have. We’re all here to help each other!
What subjects are covered in the eleven plus exam?
The Eleven Plus exam typically covers a combination of the following subjects:
English: This component tests the child’s comprehension of language, spelling, grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, and the ability to plan and structure creative text.
Mathematics: This section assesses the child’s understanding and manipulation of numbers, including quick thinking and calculation skills, knowledge of multiplication tables, correct use of the four number operators, basic understanding of data handling, and application of numbers to geometry and measurement.
Verbal Reasoning: This part measures a child’s ability to understand and reason using concepts framed in words. It includes exercises like spotting letter sequences, cracking letter and number codes, following written instructions, finding words within words, and identifying letters to complete two other words.
Non-Verbal Reasoning: This section is focused on problem-solving using diagrams and pictures, testing the ability to understand and analyze visual information and solve problems logically. It may include questions on identifying mirror images of shapes, figuring out the next shape in a sequence, or finding identical shapes in a group.
Spatial Awareness: This subject area targets the ability to mentally picture shapes or images and move them around in relation to one another. It includes tasks like translating shapes from 2D to 3D space, assembling shapes into a larger shape, understanding mirroring and rotation, and demonstrating effects of symmetry.
The specific subjects and the format of the exam can vary based on the region and the examination board (either CEM or GL Assessment). Each board has its particular style and focus, and the exact composition of the exam may differ from one region to another. Therefore, it is essential to check the specific requirements of the schools you are applying to and prepare accordingly.