11+ Exams Topic-Wise Questions, Past Papers & Quick Tests

When parents first hear about the 11 plus, the most common reaction is a mix of determination and confusion. You know you want to support your child. You know the exam matters. But you are not entirely sure what it actually involves, what subjects it covers, how long it lasts, what format it takes, and what your child genuinely needs to know. That confusion is completely understandable, and this guide is here to clear it up completely.

 

The 11+ Exam Structure is not as complicated as it can feel from the outside, but it does have specific features that every parent needs to understand before choosing preparation materials or building a revision plan. Get this right from the beginning, and every decision you make about preparation becomes clearer, more targeted, and more effective.

 

Understanding the 11+ Exam Structure also matters because the exam is not the same everywhere. The 11 plus exam structure UK varies by region, by school type, and by exam provider. What your child faces in Kent is different from what a child in Birmingham faces. Knowing exactly which version of the exam applies to your child’s target school, including what is in the 11 plus exam that school uses, is the foundation of smart, effective preparation.

 

This guide covers everything: the subjects tested, the key topics within each subject, the differences between exam providers, the format and timing of papers, how marking and scoring work, and what parents need to know about the 11+ Exam Structure at every stage.

What the 11 Plus Actually Is and Why the Structure Varies So Much Across the UK

 

Before diving into topics and formats, it helps to understand what the 11 plus actually is and why it looks different depending on where you live.

 

The 11 plus is a selective entrance exam sat by children in Year 6  typically at age 10 or 11  to determine eligibility for grammar schools and some independent schools. It is not a national exam with a single, standardised format. Instead, it is administered regionally, with different schools and local authorities using different exam providers and different paper formats.

 

The 11+ Exam Structure is shaped primarily by which of the following exam providers or formats your child’s target school uses:

• GL Assessment  the most widely used provider for state grammar schools across England
• CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring)  used in several grammar school areas including parts of the Midlands, the North East, and some southern counties
• ISEB (Independent Schools Examination Board)  used by many independent schools as a common pre-test

Some independent schools set papers; some write their own entrance exams entirely

 

Each of these providers structures their exam differently, covers slightly different content, and presents questions in different formats. This is why understanding the 11+ Exam Structure specific to your child’s target school is so important and why generic preparation that ignores format differences can leave children underprepared.

The Four Main Subjects in the 11+ Exam Structure and What They Each Involve

 

Most versions of the 11 plus test children across four main subject areas. Understanding the 11 plus subjects explained for each area gives you a clear picture of what preparation is needed.

 

The four main subjects are:

• Mathematics, number, algebra, shape, space, data, and problem solving
• English: reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, vocabulary, and sometimes writing
• Verbal Reasoning: language-based logic, word patterns, analogies, and codes
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: visual and spatial thinking using shapes and patterns

 

Not every 11 plus includes all four subjects. GL Assessment papers typically test all four as separate papers. CEM papers blend English with verbal reasoning and maths with numerical reasoning. Some independent school exams focus only on Maths and English. Confirming which subjects your target school tests is always the very first step.

 

The 11 plus key topics breakdown within each subject is the next level of detail  and that is what the following sections cover in full.

 A Full Breakdown of the 11+ Maths Topics Every Child Needs to Know

 

Maths is one of the two subjects that appears in virtually every version of the 11 plus. The 11+ Exam Structure for maths is broad  it draws on the full range of primary maths skills and pushes them to a level slightly beyond the standard KS2 curriculum.

The 11 plus maths topics list covers the following key areas:

Number and Arithmetic

• The four operations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
• Place value and rounding
•  Factors, multiples, primes, squares, and cubes

11 plus fractions and decimals topics  adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing fractions; converting between fractions, decimals, and percentages

Ratio and proportion

•  Percentages  finding percentages of amounts, percentage increase and decrease

 

Algebra and Sequences

• 11 plus algebra questions UK  simple equations, function machines, substitution into formulae
• 11 plus number sequences questions  identifying the rule governing a number pattern and finding missing terms
• Inverse operations and balancing equations

 

Shape, Space, and Measure

• Area and perimeter of common 2D shapes
• Properties of 2D and 3D shapes
• Angles  measuring, calculating, and understanding angle relationships
• Coordinates and transformations  reflection, rotation, translation
• Volume and surface area at the appropriate level

 

Data Handling and Problem Solving

• Reading and interpreting graphs, tables, and charts
• 11 plus word problems topics  multi-step problems that require reading carefully, planning, and calculating in sequence
• 11 plus maths problem solving topics  logic problems, real-world contexts, and problems requiring creative mathematical thinking

 

The 11 plus KS2 curriculum topics form the foundation of maths preparation, but the 11 plus pushes above KS2 in speed, complexity, and depth. Children need to be genuinely comfortable with all of the above  not just broadly familiar with them.

The Key English Topics Covered in the 11+ Exam Structure

English is the second core subject in virtually every version of the 11 plus. The 11 plus English topics covered span reading comprehension, language knowledge, and vocabulary  and sometimes creative or extended writing.

 

Reading Comprehension

The 11 plus reading comprehension structure is built around a prose passage  fiction, non-fiction, or sometimes poetry  followed by a range of questions. The 11 plus comprehension questions UK test several distinct skills:

 

• Literal retrieval  finding specific information stated directly in the text
• Inference  working out what the text implies but does not directly state
• Deduction  drawing logical conclusions from evidence in the passage
• Vocabulary in context  understanding the meaning of a word or phrase as used in the passage
• Writer’s technique  identifying and commenting on language choices, though this varies by school

 

The 11 plus comprehension questions UK at grammar school level are typically more demanding than standard KS2 comprehension, requiring children to read carefully and answer with precision.

 

Grammar and Punctuation

11 plus grammar and punctuation questions test specific language knowledge, including:

• 11 plus English grammar topics  parts of speech (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, conjunctions, prepositions), sentence types, and clause structure
• Punctuation rules  commas, apostrophes (including possessives and contractions), speech marks, colons, semicolons, and brackets
• Active and passive voice
• Tense consistency and agreement

 

Vocabulary and Spelling

11 plus vocabulary and spelling topics appear across multiple question types:

• Synonyms and antonyms
• Words in context
• Prefixes and suffixes
• Spelling patterns and rules

11 plus cloze test practice UK  gap-fill exercises where children must choose the correct word to complete a sentence or passage, testing both vocabulary and language understanding simultaneously

 

Creative or Extended Writing

Not all 11 plus exams include a writing component, but some grammar schools and many independent schools do. Where writing is tested, it typically involves a short creative task or a structured written response to a stimulus.

The 11+ Verbal Reasoning Topics: What They Are and Why They Matter

Verbal reasoning is the subject that surprises most parents  and often confuses children when they first encounter it. It is essentially language-based logical thinking, and the 11+ Exam Structure for verbal reasoning covers a wide range of distinct question types.

 

The 11 plus verbal reasoning topics include:

 

• Synonyms and antonyms  identifying words with similar or opposite meanings.
• 11 plus analogies and sequences  completing word pairs that follow a relationship (e.g., big is to small as hot is to __).
• Codes and ciphers  working out a letter or number code and applying it to answer a question.
• Missing letters and words  completing sequences or sentences with the correct letter or word.
• 11 plus question types explained for verbal reasoning include: hidden words, compound words, word connections, letter patterns, and anagram-style questions.
• 11 plus logical reasoning structure within verbal reasoning  following the logic of a statement to identify a conclusion.

 

There are typically 21 recognised verbal reasoning question types in total. The 11+ Exam Structure for verbal reasoning questions requires children to be familiar with all of them  which is why topic-by-topic practice is so effective. Working through each question type in isolation before combining them in mixed papers is the most efficient approach to verbal reasoning preparation.

The 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning Topics: Visual Thinking Skills Explained

Non-verbal reasoning is the subject that relies least on prior academic knowledge and most on visual, spatial thinking. This makes it the subject that often responds most dramatically to focused practice  children can improve significantly in a short period once they understand what each question type is asking.

The 11 plus non-verbal reasoning topics cover:

• Shape sequences  identifying the rule governing a series of shapes and predicting what comes next
• 11 plus pattern recognition questions  spotting the pattern in a matrix, grid, or series
• Reflections and rotations  understanding how shapes change when flipped or turned
• 11 plus spatial reasoning topics  nets of 3D shapes, cube views, and 3D visualisation
• Odd one out  identifying which shape does not belong to a group and explaining why
• Shape analogies  applying the same transformation to a new pair of shapes
• 11 plus logical reasoning structure within non-verbal reasoning  following a visual rule or transformation across a series

The 11 plus non-verbal reasoning topics are genuinely learnable, and the improvement curve for children who practise them systematically is often steeper than in any other subject area.

Understanding the GL Assessment Exam Format in Detail

 

GL Assessment is the most widely used exam provider for state grammar school entrance across England. Understanding the GL assessment exam format UK in detail is essential for any family targeting a GL school.

The GL assessment exam format UK typically includes:

• Separate papers for each subject  Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning are each tested in their own dedicated paper
• Multiple choice format  11 plus multiple choice format UK is standard for GL papers, with children selecting from four or five answer options using an answer booklet or separate answer sheet
• Standardised scoring  results are converted to standardised scores that adjust for age and allow fair comparison between children of slightly different ages

 

The 11 plus exam sections explained for GL Assessment are:

•  Maths paper  typically 50 questions in 50 minutes
• English paper  comprehension passage plus language questions
• Verbal reasoning paper  typically 80 questions in 50 minutes
• Non-verbal reasoning paper  shape and pattern questions under timed conditions

 

The 11 plus exam length and timing varies slightly between areas, but most GL papers run between 45 and 60 minutes per subject. Children sit either two or four papers depending on the school’s requirements. Some schools combine papers into a single long sitting; others spread them across two separate test days.

The 11 plus exam format year 6 for GL schools means children typically sit the exam in September of Year 6  though some areas test in Year 5 or early Year 6. Always check the specific timeline for your target school.

GL vs CEM: The Key Differences Every Parent Needs to Understand

One of the most important aspects of the 11+ Exam Structure is understanding the difference between GL and CEM, because preparing for the wrong format can leave a child genuinely underprepared.

The GL vs CEM exam differences are significant:

GL Assessment:

• Tests each subject in a separate, dedicated paper
• Highly structured and predictable format
• Multiple choice answers throughout
• Covers all four subject areas separately

11 plus exam board differences UK  GL is the more transparent of the two providers, with more preparation materials available in the correct format

CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring):

• Blends verbal reasoning with English in one paper and numerical reasoning with maths in another
• Designed to be less predictable and harder to specifically coach for
• 11 plus numerical reasoning topics are tested alongside maths within a combined paper
• Questions within each CEM paper are mixed rather than grouped by topic
• Less official preparation material is available from CEM directly, making preparation slightly more challenging

The GL vs CEM exam differences mean that preparation strategy needs to be specifically designed for the correct provider. A child who has prepared thoroughly for GL papers may find CEM papers disorienting  and vice versa. Confirming your exam provider before building any preparation plan is absolutely essential.

The ISEB Common Pre-Test and Independent School Exam Formats

Not all families are targeting state grammar schools. Many children sit selective entrance exams for independent schools  and these have their own distinct structures.

ISEB Common Pre-Test topics UK include:

• Mathematics  number, algebra, shape, and problem solving at a level appropriate for Years 6 to 8
• English  comprehension and language questions
• Verbal reasoning  standard 11 plus question types
• Non-verbal reasoning  pattern and spatial questions

The ISEB common pre-test topics UK are sat online at the child’s current school and are used by many independent schools as an initial filter before their own school-specific interview or examination process.

 

The 11 plus independent school exam format varies much more widely than grammar school formats. Some independent schools set their own papers entirely. Others use ISEB. Some require Maths and English only; others test all four subjects. A small number include an interview as part of the selection process.

 

Research into your specific target school’s entrance process is essential before beginning preparation. The 11+ Exam Structure at independent schools can look very different from the GL or CEM format  and preparation should reflect those specific requirements.

How Marking and Scoring Works in the 11+ Exam Structure

 

Understanding how the 11 plus is marked and how scores are calculated is important for two reasons: it helps parents understand results when they come back, and it informs preparation strategy.

• The 11 plus exam marking scheme UK for most papers is straightforward:
• One mark per correct answer
• No marks deducted for wrong answers in most GL papers (though this varies  always check for your specific school)
• No partial marks  answers are either right or wrong

Because there is typically no penalty for wrong answers, children should always attempt every question rather than leaving blanks. This is one of the most important 11+ Exam Structure strategies to practise during mock exam sittings.

The 11 plus standardised scores explained:

 

Raw marks alone are not used to compare children. Instead, raw scores are converted to standardised scores that account for the child’s age at the time of sitting. This means a child who sits the exam younger is not disadvantaged compared to one who sits it older.

 

The 11 plus standardised scores are typically worked on a scale of 69 to 141, with 100 representing the average. Most grammar schools set a pass threshold, often around 111 to 121, depending on the school, though this varies significantly by school and by year.

 

Understanding the 11 plus exam marking scheme in the UK also helps when reviewing practice papers. Knowing that no marks are lost for wrong answers means children should be trained to always attempt every question, even when uncertain; an educated guess is always better than a blank.

The 11+ Exam Length and Timing: What Children Are Actually Expected to Manage

 

One of the aspects of the 11+ Exam Structure that surprises parents most is just how fast-paced the papers actually are. The 11 plus exam length and timing across subjects creates real pressure that children who have not practised under timed conditions are genuinely unprepared for.

Typical timing for GL Assessment papers:

• Maths: 50 questions in approximately 50 minutes, roughly one minute per question
• Verbal Reasoning: up to 80 questions in 50 minutes, less than one minute per question
• English Comprehension: typically 45 to 50 minutes, including reading time
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: 60 to 80 questions in 45 to 60 minutes

 

The 11 plus exam length and timing means that speed is genuinely a skill that must be developed  it does not happen automatically. Children need to build the habit of working at the right pace, knowing when to move on from a question they are stuck on, and using any remaining time to check answers. All of this comes from regular timed practice  not from knowledge alone.

 

The 11 plus year 5 exam topics context is relevant here too. In some areas, children sit the 11 plus in Year 5 rather than Year 6  meaning the preparation timeline is even tighter, and the content covers material that some children have not yet encountered at school. For families in these areas, starting preparation earlier is essential.

How Quest for Exam Helps You Understand and Prepare for Every Part of the 11+ Exam Structure

 

At Quest for Exam, we have built everything around one goal: giving every child the clearest, most comprehensive, and most affordable preparation for the 11+ Exam Structure  whatever format that exam takes.

 

Here is exactly what Quest for Exam offers to support your child through every part of the 11 plus:

• Subject-specific and topic-wise question banks covering every area of the 11 plus exam syllabus UK  Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning  organised by topic so your child always practises the right thing at the right time.

 

• GL and CEM format papers that reflect the authentic 11+ Exam Structure of your child’s specific target school  never generic practice that misses the format, always targeted practice that mirrors the real thing.

 

• Full-length timed mock exams that replicate the real 11 plus exam length and timing in authentic conditions  building the speed, stamina, and composure your child needs on the actual day.

 

• Detailed mark schemes with complete answer explanations for every paper and question set  so every wrong answer becomes a genuine learning moment rather than just a lost mark.

 

• Quick tests and topic drills across all subject areas  short, focused sessions that maintain momentum and build speed between full mock sittings.

 

• 11 plus standardised scores explained clearly within progress reports  so you always understand exactly where your child stands and what their results actually mean.

 

• Grammar school and independent school preparation resources  covering the grammar school entrance exam structure and the 11 plus independent school exam format so every family is prepared for the right exam, not just the most common one.

 

• Resources for Year 5 and Year 6 children  whether your child is beginning early or preparing in the final stretch, Quest for Exam has the right level of material at every stage.

 

• Affordable pricing and bundle deals that make comprehensive, high-quality 11 plus exam preparation UK genuinely accessible to every family  because every child who is capable of earning a grammar school place deserves the preparation to match.

 

Visit Quest for Exam today and explore the complete range of topic-wise questions, past papers, quick tests, and mock exams structured around the real 11+ Exam Structure so your child walks into that exam knowing exactly what to expect and feeling genuinely ready for it.

FAQs 

What subjects does the 11 plus exam cover?

Most versions of the 11 plus cover four subjects: Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. However, this varies by school and by exam provider. Some schools test all four subjects; others focus only on Maths and English. Always check your specific target school’s requirements before building a preparation plan.

 

What is the difference between GL Assessment and CEM exam formats?

GL Assessment tests each subject in a separate, dedicated paper with a predictable, structured format. CEM blends subjects, verbal reasoning with English, and numerical reasoning with maths in a combined paper that is intentionally less predictable. The preparation approach differs significantly between the two, so identifying which format your school uses is essential.

 

How long does the 11 plus exam take?

The total duration varies, but most children sit between two and four papers, each lasting between 45 and 60 minutes. The maths paper is typically 50 questions in 50 minutes. Verbal reasoning is often the fastest-paced, with up to 80 questions in 50 minutes. The total exam experience can last two to three hours, depending on how the school organises the sitting.

 

How are 11 plus scores calculated, and what does standardised scoring mean?

Raw marks are converted to standardised scores that adjust for the child’s exact age at the time of sitting, ensuring fair comparison between children of slightly different ages. Standardised scores typically range from 69 to 141, with 100 as the average. Grammar schools set their own pass thresholds, which vary by school and by year.

 

When should 11 plus preparation begin?

Most families begin preparation 12 to 18 months before the exam, typically in Year 4 or the early months of Year 5. In areas where children sit the exam in Year 5 rather than Year 6, beginning in Year 4 is particularly important. Starting earlier allows a gentler, more thorough pace of preparation.

 

Are there penalties for wrong answers in the 11 plus?

In most GL Assessment papers, there is no penalty for wrong answers, meaning children should always attempt every question rather than leaving blanks. However, this varies by school, so always check the specific marking guidance for your target school’s exam.

 

What is the ISEB Common Pre-Test, and which schools use it?

The ISEB Common Pre-Test is a standardised online assessment used by many independent schools as an initial entrance filter. It covers Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning and is set at the child’s current school. Children applying to multiple independent schools often sit the ISEB once, with results shared across participating schools.

 

How important is timed practice in 11+ preparation?

Timed practice is one of the most important elements of effective preparation. The 11 plus is a fast-paced exam, particularly in verbal reasoning, which can require children to answer up to 80 questions in 50 minutes. Children who have never practised under timed conditions often find the pace of the real exam genuinely shocking. Regular timed mock sittings, introduced gradually from around three to four months before the exam, are essential for building both speed and composure.