Every parent waiting for their child’s 11 Plus score knows that this single number can open doors to some of the best grammar schools in the UK. But what exactly makes a score “good”? And how is this number actually calculated?
Understanding the 11 Plus scoring system can feel confusing, especially with terms like “standardised scores,” “age weighting,” and different exam boards like GL and CEM. Don’t worry; this guide breaks it all down in the simplest way possible, so you’ll know exactly what your child’s result means, and what it doesn’t.
Understanding the 11 Plus Score
The 11 Plus Score isn’t just the number of questions your child answers correctly. It’s a “standardised” score, meaning it’s adjusted to create a fair comparison among all students who took the exam.
This adjustment is made because some children are slightly older or younger within the same academic year. To make sure everyone has an equal chance, exam boards use statistical methods to balance out these age differences.
So, while one child might have scored the same number of raw marks as another, their final 11 Plus score could be slightly higher or lower depending on when they were born.
How 11+ Scores Are Calculated
To understand how 11+ scores are calculated, youhave to calculate according to these steps:
1. Raw Score
This is the total number of questions your child answers correctly in the test.
For example, if there are 80 questions and your child gets 60 right, their raw score is 60 out of 80.
2. Standardised Score
After that, the raw score is changed into a standardised score, which usually falls between 69 and 141.
This process helps make the results fair for all children by adjusting scores according to their age so younger students aren’t at a disadvantage compared to older ones.
This standardisation process ensures fairness between younger and older children. Statisticians calculate how well students of the same age perform and then adjust scores accordingly.
For example:
- A younger child with 60 correct answers might receive a slightly higher standardised score (say 125).
- An older child with the same raw score might get a slightly lower one (say 122).
- This doesn’t mean older children are at a disadvantage; it’s just how the 11+ standardised scores meaning works to level the playing field.
3. Weighted or Combined Scores
Some schools or regions combine results from different papers, such as English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Each paper may carry different weight depending on the grammar school’s entry policy.
For example:
- English: 25%
- Maths: 25%
- Verbal Reasoning: 25%
- Non-Verbal Reasoning: 25%
Or sometimes, Verbal Reasoning might count more heavily.
The combined score then gives your child’s final 11 Plus score, which determines whether they’ve achieved the passing mark for 11 plus exam.
What Is a Good 11 Plus Score?
Here’s the question every parent asks: What is a good 11 Plus score?
While the answer varies slightly between regions and exam boards, here’s a general guide:
- A standardised score of 100 means your child performed exactly average compared to other students.
- A score of 110–119 means above average.
- A score of 120 or above is typically considered strong and competitive for many grammar schools.
However, in highly competitive counties like Kent, Buckinghamshire, and Essex, the passing mark for the 11 Plus exam often falls around 121–123.
That’s usually the minimum benchmark for grammar school entry, but remember, each school sets its own cutoff depending on the number of available seats and overall performance that year.
Average 11 Plus Score for Grammar Schools
The average 11 Plus score for grammar schools varies by region, but here’s a rough breakdown:
| Region | Typical Passing Mark | Notes |
| Kent | Around 120 | One of the largest grammar systems |
| Buckinghamshire | Around 121 | GL Assessment format |
| Essex (CSSE) | 330/400 (converted to standardised) | English + Maths combined |
| Hertfordshire | Around 111–120 | Depends on the school |
| Gloucestershire | Around 220–230 total | Combined score from multiple papers |
It’s important to note that 11+ results are not about how many marks your child “lost,” but how they performed compared to thousands of others.
GL vs CEM 11+ Scoring System
One of the biggest reasons for confusion among parents is that the 11+ scoring system differs slightly between exam boards.
GL Assessment
- Provides tests in English, Maths, Verbal, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
- Each paper is scored and standardised separately.
- Final scores are combined (often weighted).
- Standardised scores typically range from 69 to 141.
CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring)
- Papers often mix subjects (for example, verbal reasoning questions with English vocabulary).
- Scores are standardised for each section, then combined.
- CEM papers are known for their unpredictable question styles and time pressure.
Even though CEM and GL have different styles, the overall 11 Plus scoring system aims to create fairness through standardisation, so performance is always compared to the same age group.
What Is a High 11+ Score?
If you’re wondering what is a high 11+ score, think of it like this:
A score above 130 generally places your child in the top 10–15% of candidates.
Some of the most selective grammar schools (like those in Reading, Sutton, or Birmingham) might only admit students scoring 135 or higher. But again, “high” is relative; if the test was especially tough one year, even a score of 125 could be considered excellent.
How to Interpret 11 Plus Results
When you receive your child’s 11+ results, it can be confusing to read multiple numbers. Let’s break it down:
- Standardised Scores: usually listed separately for English, Maths, Verbal, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
- Total Score or Weighted Average: the combined result based on each subject’s importance.
- Pass/Qualifying Mark: the score required for grammar school eligibility.
- Ranking: in some regions, your child will also receive a rank number showing how they performed compared to others.
For example:
If your child’s total score is 128 and the school’s cutoff is 121, congratulations, your child has qualified!
If it’s slightly below the mark, don’t lose hope. Many schools have appeal processes or waiting lists, and strong academic potential is always considered.
Factors That Influence Your Child’s 11 Plus Score
Not every 11+ result shows your child’s true ability. Most things can affect how they perform on the exam day:
- Exam technique: Being able to manage time, stay calm, and answer smartly makes a big difference.
- Preparation level: Knowing the types of questions, especially in CEM-style exams, helps your child feel more confident.
- Health and stress: Even bright students can perform poorly if they’re tired, nervous, or not feeling well.
- Age adjustment: Younger children often get a small boost in their final score through the standardisation system, which keeps things fair.
That’s why preparation and practice make such a huge difference in boosting your child’s confidence and results.
Common Misconceptions About the 11+ Scoring System
1. A Score Below 120 Means Failure
Not at all. The 11+ exam doesn’t measure how smart your child is; it just shows how they performed on that particular day. Sometimes, even the brightest students may fall a few marks short, but they still go on to do amazingly well in other great schools.
2. Scores Are the Same Across Regions
Each area, and sometimes each grammar school, has its own 11 plus scoring system, so two identical scores in different regions might not carry the same weight.
3. Standardisation Is Unfair
It might seem confusing, but it’s actually designed to be fair. Without it, older students born early in the school year would have a natural advantage over younger ones.
Tips to Help Your Child Achieve a Good 11 Plus Score
Here are a few small business-style tips (because every family is running a mini strategy during the 11+ journey!):
- Practice Little, But Often: Short daily sessions (30–45 minutes) build consistency better than cramming.
- Use Topic-Wise Past Papers: Identify weak areas early.
- Simulate Exam Conditions: Practice with timed mock tests to improve stamina and focus.
- Encourage Mistake Analysis: Reviewing errors helps your child understand patterns.
Stay Calm: Children perform better when confident, not pressured.
If your child struggles in one area, remember: every 11+ success story started with a few wrong answers.
What is Passing Mark for the 11 Plus Exam?
The passing mark for the 11 Plus exam usually sits between 120 and 125, depending on the county and year. However, some grammar schools take only the top scorers, meaning even students who “pass” might not get a place due to limited seats.
That’s why it’s crucial not only to meet but exceed the benchmark by focusing on steady improvement and full syllabus coverage.
Why Understanding the 11+ Standardised Scores’ Meaning Matters
Understanding the 11+ standardised scores’ meaning helps parents interpret results correctly.
It’s not about whether your child got “80 out of 100,” but where that score stands compared to others.
A score of 121 doesn’t mean 121 out of 140 questions were correct, it simply means your child performed better than most children of the same age.
Once you grasp this, you’ll stop worrying about small differences in numbers and start focusing on overall growth and consistency.
What Happens After the 11+ Results?
Once you receive the 11+ results, you can list preferred grammar schools on your Local Authority form.
If your child meets the required 11 Plus score, they’ll be considered for entry.
If not, you can still consider appeals, comprehensive schools, or private schools that recognize similar ability levels.
Remember, the 11+ isn’t a one-shot decision. It’s just one of many milestones on your child’s learning journey.
What Is a Good 11 Plus Score Summary
To summarise everything simply:
| Score Range | Performance Level | Meaning |
| Below 100 | Below Average | Needs more practice |
| 100–109 | Average | Meets standard expectations |
| 110–119 | Above Average | Likely to qualify in smaller regions |
| 120–129 | Strong | Competitive for most grammar schools |
| 130+ | Excellent | Top 10% nationwide |
If your child’s 11 Plus score falls in the 120–130+ range, they are in a strong position for grammar school entry.
How Quest for Exams Can Help Your Child’s 11+ Success
At Quest for Exams, we simplify your child’s entire 11+ preparation journey.
From topic-wise past papers and mock tests to smart performance analytics, everything is designed to help students understand their strengths, fix weaknesses, and boost their 11 Plus scores step-by-step.
Whether your child is preparing for GL, CEM, or CSSE, Quest for Exams gives parents real-time progress tracking, tutor feedback, and hundreds of timed practice papers , all in one easy-to-use platform.
We don’t just help students prepare;
we help them perform with confidence.
FAQs
- What is a good 11 Plus score for grammar school entry?
A good 11 Plus score is typically 120 or above, though it varies by region and school. The higher your child’s score, the better their chances.
- How are 11+ scores calculated?
The 11+ scores are calculated using standardisation, which adjusts for age differences and converts raw marks into a standardised range (usually between 69 and 141).
- What is the passing mark for the 11 Plus exam?
Most grammar schools set their passing mark around 121, but competitive areas may require higher scores.
- What’s the difference between GL and CEM scoring?
GL separates subjects like English and Maths, while CEM mixes skills across papers. Both use standardised scoring but have different formats.
- Does age affect the 11+ results?
Yes. Younger students get a slight boost in standardised scoring to make the exam fair for everyone born within the same school year.