11 Plus Exam Papers

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PPRO Team July 15, 2025

Introduction

At QTS Literacy Tutor, we understand how important early academic milestones can be, especially for families aiming for grammar or selective school places. One of the biggest steps in that journey is the 11 Plus exam. Using high-quality 11 plus exam papers is a great way to build confidence and improve performance.

In this post, we’ll explain what the 11 Plus exam is, take a look at the kinds of questions children are likely to face, and show you where to find the most helpful resources, including 11 plus papers and 11 plus exam past papers.

 

What Is the 11 Plus Exam?

The 11 Plus exam is taken by children in Year 6, usually in September. It forms part of the admissions process for many grammar schools and some independent schools across England. The exam is designed to assess a child’s academic ability and potential for success in a more demanding school environment.

There isn’t just one version of the test. In many areas, the exams are provided by GL Assessment. Other schools, however, create their own. This means the format can vary quite a bit, so it’s important to check the specific details for each school you’re considering.

 

What Do 11 Plus Exam Papers Include?

While every school is different, most 11 plus exam papers include a mix of the following topics:

  • Verbal Reasoning
    This section focuses on how well children can understand and use language. It may involve solving word-based puzzles, working with letter codes, and recognising word relationships.
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning
    These questions are all about spotting visual patterns and logical sequences. Your child might be asked to complete shape series, match images or find the odd one out.
  • English
    The English part often includes reading comprehension, punctuation, grammar and spelling. Some schools also include a writing task, where children may be asked to write a short story or descriptive piece.
  • Mathematics
    Maths questions cover topics from the Key Stage 2 curriculum. These might include number problems, fractions, measurements and reasoning. Some questions are more straightforward, while others challenge children to think through multi-step problems.

Since every school is different, it’s important to use 11 plus papers that match the structure of your local area’s test.

 

Finding 11 Plus Papers and Support

To prepare properly, your child should be working with materials that reflect the real test format. The MME 11 Plus page offers a brilliant selection of 11 plus exam past papers, topic-by-topic practice and full mock exams. These resources cover both GL-style formats and school-specific variations.

Using realistic materials helps your child become familiar with question types and timing, making them more confident and better prepared.

 

Final Thoughts

The 11 Plus exam can feel like a big hurdle, but the right preparation makes all the difference. With access to high-quality 11 plus exam papers and a regular practice routine, your child will be well on the way to exam success.

To explore a full range of 11 plus papers and download free 11 plus exam past papers, visit the MME 11 Plus resources.

At QTS Literacy Tutor, we believe in supporting learners from the very beginning. Whether it’s early literacy or preparing for professional exams, we’re here to help every step of the way.

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Written by

QTS Literacy Tutor Team

We help thousands of students each year with revision, courses and online exams.