11+ glossary: the terms, explained

11+ (Eleven Plus)

An entrance exam taken at the start of Year 6, when children are 10 or 11, used by grammar schools and some independent schools to select pupils for secondary school. It is optional, and its format varies by area.

Age-standardised score

A score adjusted for a child's exact age in years and months, so younger children in the year group are not disadvantaged against older classmates. It is usually placed on a common scale where about 100 is the average.

Catchment area

The geographical area a school gives priority to when offering places. Living inside it can improve your chances at some schools, although super-selective grammars ignore catchment entirely.

CEM

The Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring, a test provider used in some 11+ areas in the past. Arrangements have changed in recent years, so always confirm the current test provider for your area.

Comprehensive school

A non-selective state secondary school that admits children of all abilities without an entrance exam. Most children in England attend a comprehensive.

Consortium

A group of schools in an area that share a single 11+ admissions test and process, so a child sits one exam that counts for several schools.

Familiarisation materials

Official practice materials — often free — that show the format, question types and timing of a particular area's 11+ test. Usually the most accurate free practice available.

GL Assessment

One of the most widely used 11+ test providers in England, whose papers many grammar-school areas use.

Grammar school

A state secondary school that selects pupils by academic ability, usually through the 11+. Grammar schools are free to attend.

Independent school

A fee-charging (private) school. Some use the 11+, while others set their own entrance exams.

Key Stage 2 (KS2)

The stage of primary school covering Years 3 to 6 (ages 7 to 11) in England. The 11+ maths, English and science papers draw on the KS2 curriculum.

Mock exam

A practice test sat under exam-like conditions. Used later in preparation to build familiarity with the format and settle nerves before the real thing.

Non-verbal reasoning (NVR)

An 11+ paper that tests logical thinking using shapes, patterns and sequences rather than words. Schools rarely teach it, so it is often new to children.

Qualifying score

The score an area requires for a child to be considered for a selective place. In competitive areas, reaching it does not guarantee a place.

School preference

The ranked list of schools a family submits on the secondary school application form, in order of preference.

Secondary transfer

The process of moving from primary to secondary school. In England, the national deadline to apply is 31 October of Year 6.

Selective school

A school that admits pupils based on ability or aptitude, typically through an entrance exam such as the 11+.

Standardised score

A raw exam mark converted onto a common scale so results can be compared fairly. For the 11+ it is usually also age-adjusted (see age-standardised score).

Super-selective school

A grammar school that offers places purely to the highest-scoring children in the 11+, regardless of where they live.

Verbal reasoning (VR)

An 11+ paper that tests problem-solving with words and language — codes, analogies, hidden words, letter sequences and similar puzzles.

Year 5 and Year 6

The final two years of primary school (ages 9 to 11). 11+ preparation usually happens across Year 5, with the exam sat at the very start of Year 6.