The 7 Plus Exam: A Complete Guide

In this guide, our tuition experts are demystifying the 11 Plus exam – explaining what it is, when children take it, which schools use it, what subjects it covers, and how to help your child prepare.

What is the 11 Plus exam?

The 11 Plus exam is a selective entrance examination taken by pupils in their final year of primary school (Year 6) to gain admission into certain secondary schools:

• State grammar schools
• Academically selective independent (private) secondary schools

Non-selective state secondary schools (comprehensive schools) do not require any entrance exam and accept all pupils by age and location.

When will my child sit the exam?

Children sit the 11 Plus exam in Year 6 (when they are 10 or 11 years old). The exact timing can vary depending on the school and region:

State grammar schools often hold 11 Plus testing in the first term of Year 6. In many areas, the exam takes place in early September of Year 6, with registration deadlines in the summer term of Year 5. Results for grammar school 11 Plus are usually released by mid-October of Year 6, in time for parents to submit state school choices.

Independent schools usually schedule their 11 Plus entrance exams a bit later. Commonly, independent school exams occur in December or January of Year 6.

Many independent schools allow you to register your child from Year 5 onward, and they publish specific exam dates on their websites. Offers are often made in late January or February after exams, sometimes followed by interviews, and final acceptances are due in the spring.

Always check each target school’s admissions timeline well in advance. Dates and processes can differ. Grammar school exam dates are usually set by local authorities, whereas each independent school sets its own exam schedule.

What is the exam format?

The 11 Plus exam format can vary, but it generally involves a set of timed test papers in different subjects. Typically, your child will face several  papers or tests (often one for each subject area, such as English and Maths, and possibly separate papers for reasoning). Each paper usually lasts around 45 to 60 minutes under exam conditions.

Answer formats may differ by exam board or school, with increasing numbers of schools using computerised tests.

Most independent schools also include an interview – this might take place on the same day as the written tests or it might form a separate stage, to which only children who are successful in the written papers are invited.

Which schools require the 11 Plus?

The 11 Plus exam is used by two main types of schools in the UK:

Grammar Schools (academically selective stage schools)

These are state-funded secondary schools that select students based on academic ability. There are only around 160 grammar schools remaining in England (located in certain counties and boroughs).

Independent Schools (private fee-paying schools)

Many selective independent secondary schools require children to sit an entrance exam at 11 Plus as part of their Year 7 admissions process.

Often, independent schools set their own 11 Plus exam, though in some cases, schools form a consortium to hold a common exam for all member schools. For example, a group of London girls’ schools share the London 11 Plus Consortium exam rather than each having separate tests.

Other independent schools might use the 11 Plus exam created by the ISEB (Independent Schools Examination Board). The ISEB 11 Plus is a standardised online exam.

Because independent schools manage their own admissions, the subjects tested and format can vary, and you usually need to apply to each school individually.

What does the 11 Plus test?

The 11 Plus exam tests a range of core academic skills.

It’s important to note, particularly for sought-after independent senior schools, that while children take the exam in Year 6, schools are looking for pupils who are performing beyond the National Curriculum level for their age. You can expect the 11 Plus papers are these schools to include questions aimed at a Year 7 level (or even higher).

English

Almost all 11 Plus exams include an English component. This typically covers reading comprehension and writing.

Children may be asked to read a passage and answer questions to demonstrate understanding, identify grammar and punctuation errors, define vocabulary, or write a composition (such as a story or essay) to assess creative writing skills.

A strong grasp of spelling, punctuation, and grammar is important, as well as the ability to write clearly and imaginatively under time pressure.

Maths

The maths paper checks a child’s understanding of numeracy and problem-solving. Questions span topics from the Key Stage 2 curriculum (e.g. arithmetic operations, fractions, basic geometry) but often include more challenging problems that require logical reasoning and multi-step solutions.

Children should be comfortable with core concepts (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) and applying them in word problems or unfamiliar contexts. Some questions might integrate data interpretation or spatial reasoning with maths. Speed and accuracy in calculations are key, as many exams have a lot of questions to answer in limited time.

Verbal Reasoning

Verbal reasoning (VR) tests a child’s ability to think logically and understand patterns in language. These questions often involve language-based puzzles – for example, finding connections between words, cracking letter or number codes, completing sequences, or identifying synonyms/antonyms.

VR sections heavily rely on strong vocabulary and logic skills. The content isn’t taught in the normal school curriculum, so it can feel unfamiliar at first. Practice with verbal reasoning question types helps children learn strategies for solving them (such as techniques for anagrams, analogies, or code problems).

Non-Verbal Reasoning

Non-verbal reasoning (NVR) involves solving problems using shapes, patterns and visual logic rather than words. Children might be asked to identify the odd shape out, complete a sequence of figures, rotate or reflect shapes mentally, or decipher patterns in a series of images.

These questions assess visual-spatial ability and logic. Like verbal reasoning, NVR isn’t part of the regular primary curriculum, so it may be completely new to your child. Consistent practice can improve their ability to recognise patterns quickly.

How should my child prepare?

Preparing for the 11 Plus is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires consistent study and practice to build up the necessary skills and confidence. Because the 11 Plus is competitive, it pays to start early and approach preparation in a structured yet supportive way.

When should we start?

It’s generally recommended to start 11 Plus preparation about 12 to 18 months before the exam date. For most families, this means beginning some form of prep by the middle of Year 5 at the latest.

Starting in the autumn or spring of Year 5 gives ample time for gradually building skills without last-minute panic. Many parents find that a year of steady, structured practice is sufficient for a well-performing child.

That said, the exact timing can depend on your child’s individual needs and current attainment. If your child has are any knowledge gaps or confidence issues – or if your target schools are especially competitive – you may choose to start earlier (even 18-24 months ahead for gentle skill-building). Some families begin low-key preparation in Year 4, focusing on basics like reading and mental arithmetic, then ramp up in Year 5.

Avoid cramming at the last minute as this can create a lot of stress and is an ineffective way to learn. Starting by Year 5 allows time to cover all topics, do plenty of practice papers, and address weak areas.

It also means you can increase practice gradually, helping your child adjust to the workload. Remember, though, every child is different – quality of preparation matters more than just quantity of time. The goal is to make steady progress without burnout.

How can I help my child prepare?

As a parent, you play a crucial role in supporting your child through 11 Plus prep. Here are several ways you can help, combining at-home activities and potentially external support:

Build strong foundations in English and Maths

Encourage regular reading, writing, and maths practice. Reading widely (in both fiction and non-fiction) expands your child’s vocabulary and comprehension skills – key for both English and verbal reasoning.

Discuss what your child has read and ask them questions to develop their understanding and ability to express ideas.

For Maths, ensure they have solid grasp of basics (times tables, mental arithmetic) since harder problems build on these. Practise applying maths to real-life situations (like cooking or shopping calculations) to sharpen their problem-solving.

Practice reasoning skills

Since verbal and non-verbal reasoning can be unfamiliar, we recommend you introduce these through puzzles and practice questions. You can find 11 Plus practice books and apps that cover common verbal and non-verbal question types. Doing these regularly helps your child recognise patterns and learn techniques for solving them.

Use practice papers under timed conditions

As the exam approaches, it’s a good idea for your child to attempt past papers or mock exams in all relevant subjects. Time management is an underrated skill for the 11 Plus and is best learned through taking full practice papers.

Try to replicate exam conditions at home – a quiet room, a timer, and no interruptions – so they get used to concentrating for 45-60 minutes straight. Afterward, review the answers together. Help your child understand any mistakes and learn from them.

Regular mock tests will build their exam technique and confidence. Instilling good exam practice – like ensuring they have read and answered the precise question on the paper, and checked all their answers – can make a big difference to their final score.

Keep them motivated and manage anxiety

Preparing for the 11 Plus can be stressful for a child. Encourage and praise your child’s effort rather than just outcomes.

Try not to convey any anxiety you might have – staying calm and positive will help your child stay confident. Remind them that while the exam is important, it’s not the end of the world if things don’t go perfectly. A balanced perspective can actually improve performance by reducing pressure.

11 Plus Tutoring

A specialist 11 Plus tutor can make all the difference to your child’s preparation.

As mentioned earlier, competitive schools will expect children to be working at a level higher than the school curriculum. Children at state primary schools are unlikely to have been taught verbal and non-verbal reasoning at all, while even those attending prep schools will usually have their only 11 Plus preparation in group classes.

Working 1-1 with a tutor who knows the schools you are applying for and is deeply experienced with the 11 Plus can dramatically improve your child’s score. High quality tuition provides personal attention to your child’s particular areas of strength and knowledge gaps, enabling them to make rapid progress.

At Dukes Plus, our 11 Plus tutors have years of experience and have successfully prepared children for all the top schools in London and the wider UK.

We personally match each child with the tutor who will best suit their personality, interests, and academic profile. We believe that this individual approach, coupled with the quality of our tutors, is the key to our 98% 11 Plus success rate.

To learn more about our tuition, book a free tutoring consultation with our friendly team.

Where can I find 11 Plus past papers?

Access to past papers and practice questions is invaluable for 11 Plus preparation. Here’s where to look:

School Websites

Many independent schools publish sample papers or past papers on their websites for prospective students.

Grammar schools, on the other hand, rarely release past papers to the public. Instead, they may provide a syllabus outline or a few sample questions.

Official 11 Plus Publishers and Boards

Two major producers of 11 Plus materials are GL Assessment and ISEB (Independent Schools Examination Board). If you know the exam board or type being used, you can often obtain practice papers or guides

Galore Park, the publishing arm of ISEB, sells practice books and past papers for independent school exams.

11 Plus Books and Websites

There are numerous commercial 11 Plus practice books (such as the Bond or CGP series) covering all subjects. These typically provide graded practice questions and full-length mock exams.

Local Authority Resources

If you’re targeting grammar schools, your Local Education Authority often gives specific guidance. They might not give actual past exams, but they could recommend practice materials or provide a familiarisation booklet. For example, some regions post a few example questions or an outline of the test sections. This can help you tailor your practice – for example, knowing whether there’s a creative writing task versus only multiple-choice will determine what to focus on.