Navigating the complex landscape of 11+ exams can be daunting. It’s crucial to understand the specific requirements of your chosen schools, as different regions and individual schools may have varying exam formats and content.
For example, in Trafford there are 5 grammar schools. All 5 schools are members of the Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium and use the same 11+ exam provided by GL Assessment.
However, in Essex there are 11 grammar schools. 10 of these schools are members of the Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE) and use the same 11+ exam. However, 1 uses a very different exam provided by Future Stories Community Enterprise (FSCE).
Where do I find information about a school’s entrance exam?
A quick online search is a good first step. Search ‘School Name + entrance exam / 11+ exam’. The most reliable source of information will always be the school’s admissions page on their website. Here, you will be able to find information about:
- the school’s admissions procedures (including key dates and application deadlines)
- the school’s admissions policy (including catchment areas)
- information about entrance criteria and admissions tests
What should I be looking for?
In terms of preparing your child for 11+ admissions exams, the most important things you need to know are:
- How many exams, and which exams, do they need to take for your chosen schools?
- Approximate exam dates (most 11+ exams take place in the September of Y6).
- What are the requirements of those exams?
- What subjects are included?
- How long are the papers?
Common Exam Providers & Structures
Granada Learning (GL) is now the most common national exam provider for 11+ grammar school exams.
- GL publishes practice materials and familiarisation papers
- GL divides subjects into individual papers i.e. each paper is only one subject
- GL provides papers on all core 11+ subjects, but Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning and Maths are the most common for grammar school admissions*
- GL content extends beyond the KS2 curriculum a bit more and prioritises skills like logical reasoning and spelling knowledge.
* Some independent school exams also use GL and are more likely to also include an English paper.
Future Stories Community Enterprise (FCSE) was set up in 2022 to facilitate equal opportunities. As of 2024, 4 grammar schools across the country use this board.
- FCSE exams do not test beyond the Y5 curriculum
- FCSE exams only include Maths and English, they do not cover Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
- FCSE includes 3 papers: a multiple choice Maths and English paper, a free response Maths and English paper, and a creative writing paper
- FCSE aims to test students’ academic potential rather than test-taking ability.
Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring (CEM) used to be one of the main national providers for grammar school exams. However, it recently switched to online exams and as a result most schools have changed to other providers.
Schools in some areas join together to create consortiums and use the same regional exam.
Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE), a group of 10 grammar schools in Essex, set their own exam meaning students need only sit one test rather than several.
- CSSE includes an English paper (reading comprehension and creative writing) and a Maths paper
- CSSE tests students on the KS2 curriculum, but some questions may be more challenging.
A small number of grammar schools set their own papers, so it is always important to check and not assume that all the schools in your area use the same exam.
If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to seek guidance from your child’s school or consult with our expert tutors. By understanding the specific requirements of your chosen schools and providing consistent support, you can empower your child to excel in their 11+ exams.