Grammar Schools & The 11+: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide
Everything you need to know about selective schools and the entrance exam
PrepTicks Team
July 2026
If your child is currently in Year 4 or Year 5, you've likely heard the term “11+” dropped in school gate conversations. For many parents, navigating the UK secondary school system can feel like learning a whole new language. What exactly is a grammar school? How does it differ from a standard comprehensive school? And what is this high-stakes exam everyone is preparing for?
Let's break down the basics clearly so you can make the best, most informed decision for your child's educational journey.
What is a Grammar School?
In the UK, secondary schools generally fall into a few categories: comprehensive schools, independent (private) schools, and grammar schools.
A grammar school is a state-funded secondary school that selects its pupils based on academic ability. Because they are state-funded, there are no tuition fees — unlike private schools. However, to secure a place, children must pass an academic entrance exam known as the 11+ test.
Dartford Grammar School, Kent (Image credit: Public domain / school website)
There are currently around 163 grammar schools in England (and a further 69 in Northern Ireland). While some regions have a fully selective system, other areas have only a few, or none at all. Regions like Kent and the London Borough of Bexley are home to some of the most prestigious selective schools in the country.
Why do parents choose Grammar Schools?
Academic Focus
They typically offer highly academic environments with a strong track record of high GCSE and A-Level results.
Social Mobility
They offer a private-school level of academic rigour without the costly tuition fees.
Peer Environment
Students are surrounded by other high-achieving peers, which can foster a highly motivated learning culture.
What is the 11+ Test?
The 11+ (Eleven Plus) is an entrance examination taken by primary school students at the beginning of Year 6 (usually in September). The test determines whether a child has the academic aptitude to thrive in a grammar school environment.
Depending on where you live, the exam structure can vary. For example, if you are applying to schools within the Kent local authority, children take the Kent Test. If you are looking across the border into Bexley, they sit the Bexley Selection Test.
Bexley Grammar School, Welling (Image credit: Public domain / school website)
The Four Pillars of the 11+
| Subject | What it Tests | Why it Matters |
|---|---|---|
| English | Reading comprehension, vocabulary, punctuation, and grammar. | Evaluates advanced literacy and analytical skills beyond the National Curriculum. |
| Mathematics | Mental arithmetic, problem-solving, and data manipulation. | Tests speed, accuracy, and the ability to apply concepts to unfamiliar puzzles. |
| Verbal Reasoning | Solving problems involving words, text, and sequences. | Measures logic, vocabulary depth, and linguistic intelligence. |
| Non-Verbal Reasoning | Solving visual puzzles using shapes and spatial relationships. | Evaluates logic and abstract thinking without relying on language. |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the 11+ compulsory?
No. The 11+ is completely optional. If your child does not take the test, or does not pass, they will automatically be allocated a place at a local non-selective comprehensive school or academy.
2. When should we start preparing?
While every child is different, most parents begin targeted preparation towards the end of Year 4 or the start of Year 5. Starting early allows children to build vocabulary and mathematical stamina gradually, lowering stress levels when the exam arrives.
3. What is a “pass” mark?
The 11+ doesn't have a fixed pass mark. Scores are standardised to adjust for the child's exact age, ensuring younger summer-born children aren't disadvantaged. Grammar school places are highly competitive — spaces are allocated to the top-scoring applicants within a specific catchment area.
Keeping the Journey Positive
The 11+ journey is a marathon, not a sprint. The most important thing you can provide your child is a low-pressure, supportive environment where practice feels like a series of small, achievable triumphs. Consistent, bite-sized practice is far more effective — and much kinder to your child's wellbeing — than last-minute cramming.
With the right tools, structured practice, and steady encouragement, every child can walk into their exam hall feeling confident, capable, and ready.
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