Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Consortium

Gloucestershire 11 Plus Test

If your child is aiming for a grammar school place in Gloucestershire, you’ll be preparing for the Gloucestershire 11 Plus, the selective entrance exam used by the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Consortium. Each year, many children sit this test hoping to gain entry to one of the seven grammar schools in Cheltenham, Gloucester, or Stroud. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Gloucestershire 11 Plus - including key dates, test format, subjects covered, scoring, and preparation tips.

Key Info

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11 Plus Exams

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What Is the Gloucestershire Test?

The Gloucestershire 11 Plus exam is set by GL Assessment and used by all seven grammar schools in the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Consortium. It is designed to assess academic ability and plays a central role in the grammar school admissions process across Cheltenham, Gloucester, and Stroud. The test includes multiple-choice papers in English, maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning.

Each year, many Year 6 children sit the Gloucestershire 11 Plus, with results valid for all consortium schools. The test is usually held in September, and while the exam is shared, each school manages its own admissions process separately.

11 Plus Exam Papers 11 Plus Practice Papers

Key Information for the Gloucester Test

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Applicable To

The Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Consortium includes 7 grammar schools located across Cheltenham, Gloucester, and Stroud.

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Assessment

GL Assessment – maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. The Gloucestershire 11 Plus does not include a separate creative writing task.

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Admissions Criteria

There are no formal admissions criteria to sit the Gloucestershire 11 Plus. Any Year 6 child can be registered by a parent or carer during the application window set by the individual grammar schools.

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Places per Year

There are approximately 1,050 grammar school places available each year across the seven schools in the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Consortium, covering Cheltenham, Gloucester, and Stroud 

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Applications per Year

Each year, around 3,130 pupils take the Gloucestershire 11 Plus exam for entry in 2025

Which Schools Use the Gloucester Test?

The Gloucestershire 11 Plus is used by the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Consortium, which includes seven grammar schools within the county of Gloucestershire.

11 Plus Exam Process for the Gloucester Test

The Gloucestershire 11 Plus includes multiple-choice papers in English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. These are designed to assess your child’s core academic ability, reasoning skills, and problem-solving under timed conditions.

Paper 1: Verbal (GL Assessment)

Verbal section

  • Questions test vocabulary and comprehension,

  • All questions are multiple choice

  • Approximate duration: 50-60 minutes including practice time

Paper 2: Non-Verbal & Maths (GL Assessment)

Non-verbal and spatial reasoning section

  • Covers patterns, sequences, shapes and spatial awareness

  • Questions focus on logic, visual problem-solving, arithmetic, and mathematical and abstract reasoning

  • All questions are multiple choice

  • Approximate duration: 50-60 minutes including practice time

Gloucester Test Pass Mark

The Gloucestershire 11 Plus is standardised to allow fair comparison between children of different ages. Each pupil receives:

  • A standardised score for English

  • A standardised score for maths

  • A standardised score for verbal reasoning

  • A standardised score for non-verbal reasoning

  • A combined overall score

Although the required score can vary slightly each year, a typical pass mark is around 210 overall. There’s no set minimum for individual papers, but consistent performance across all sections is essential to be considered selective.

Admissions Criteria

Gloucestershire 11 Plus Admissions Criteria

There are no formal admissions criteria to sit the Gloucestershire 11 Plus, but there are a few practical requirements to keep in mind. The test is for children who are:

  • Aiming for a grammar school place in Gloucestershire

  • In Year 5, planning to start Year 7 in September 2026

  • Working at or above age-related expectations academically

  • Able to manage extra practice in English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning under timed conditions

Parents must register their child through Gloucestershire County Council during the official registration window.

Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Admissions Criteria

After the Gloucestershire 11 Plus pass mark is met, each grammar school sets its own admissions rules, such as:

  • Distance from the school

  • Sibling priority

  • Pupil premium eligibility

  • Children of staff

Click the link in the table above for your school to find out more about their individual admission criteria and process.

How to Apply for the 11 Plus Gloucester Test

To register your child for the Gloucestershire 11 Plus, you’ll need to complete an online application through Gloucestershire County Council. This applies whether you live in Gloucestershire or are applying from outside the area.

  • Register online with Gloucestershire County Council by visiting their website during the registration window and completing the 11 Plus application form. You’ll need to provide your child’s details and the primary school they attend.

  • If your child does not attend a Gloucestershire primary school, a test centre will be assigned where they can sit the Gloucestershire 11 Plus exam in September.

  • After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Keep this email safe in case you need to refer to it later.

Key Dates for 2026 Entry

Description Date
Registration opens Registration opens Monday 19th May 2025
Registration closes Registration closes Friday 27th June 2025
Test date Test date Saturday 13th September 2025
Results day Results day Mid-October 2025
Secondary school application deadline Secondary school application deadline Friday 31st October 2025
National offer day National offer day Monday 2nd March 2026

Preparing for the 11 Plus Gloucester Test

Supporting your child’s preparation for the Gloucestershire 11 Plus can make a real difference. Here are some practical strategies to help them succeed:

Start early

Begin preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5 to give your child time to build skills gradually and confidently.

Use practice papers

Work through Gloucestershire-style 11 Plus papers under timed conditions. This helps your child get used to the format and improves speed and accuracy.

Focus on weak areas

Monitor progress and spend extra time on question types your child finds most challenging, especially in English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning.

Encourage daily reading

Reading regularly helps develop vocabulary, comprehension and logical thinking – all useful for the test.

Try online tools

Use online platforms that offer tailored practice and feedback to keep revision focused and engaging.

Consistent and structured preparation with encouragement can help your child feel confident and ready on exam day.

11 Plus Exam Papers 11 Plus Practice Papers