11 Plus Papers

MME Team 15 July 2025

11 Plus Exam Papers: What to Know and How to Practise

If your child is preparing for the 11 Plus, you’ve probably already started looking into how the test works and what sort of questions to expect. The good news is that with the right preparation and the right resources, your child can go into the exam feeling ready and confident.

In this guide, we’ll explain what the 11 Plus actually involves, what appears in typical 11 plus papers, and where to find quality practice materials, including free 11 plus exam past papers on our site.

11 Plus Helpline: 020 3633 2975

What Is the 11 Plus Exam?

The 11 Plus is usually taken at the start of Year 6 as part of the admissions process for grammar schools and some selective independent schools. It’s designed to measure academic ability and how well a pupil might cope with a more advanced curriculum.

The exam isn’t the same in every area. Some schools use papers written by GL Assessment, which is the most widely used test provider. Others design their own unique exams, often with different timings, styles and question types. That’s why it’s important to find out which format the school you’re applying to uses and prepare for that specific version.

What’s in 11 Plus Papers?

While the exact content varies, most 11 plus exam papers include a combination of:

Verbal Reasoning
These questions test language and logic skills. They might ask children to find patterns in words or letters, work with synonyms and antonyms, or crack word-based codes.
Non-Verbal Reasoning
This part focuses on visual reasoning. Children are asked to solve problems involving shapes and patterns, such as finding the next image in a sequence or spotting which figure doesn’t belong.
English
This section often includes reading comprehension, grammar, spelling and punctuation. Some schools also include creative writing tasks, especially if they use their own custom exam.
Maths
Most 11 Plus maths questions are based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum. Topics include number operations, fractions, measures and word problems, with some questions requiring quick mental arithmetic and logical thinking.

Because no two tests are exactly alike, working with the right 11 plus papers is a smart way to focus revision and help your child get used to the structure they’ll actually see on the day.

Where to Find Reliable Practice Papers

We’ve created a wide range of resources on our 11 Plus pages to help support families through the preparation process. You’ll find full-length mock exams, topic-based revision, and downloadable 11 plus exam past papers that follow the format of both GL Assessment and school-specific tests.

Whether your child is struggling with non-verbal reasoning, wants to improve their reading skills or simply needs more practice under timed conditions, our materials are designed to suit a variety of learning styles and levels.

11 Plus Helpline: 020 3633 2975

Give Your Child the Best Start

Getting ready for the 11 Plus doesn’t have to be stressful. With a clear plan, regular practice, and access to quality 11 plus exam papers, your child will be in a strong position to succeed.

If you’re looking for expert-crafted 11 plus papers, plus plenty of free 11 plus exam past papers to get started, head over to our 11 Plus page and explore everything we have to offer.