11 Plus Exam Papers

Introduction

At Functional Skills Level 2, we don’t just focus on adult learning. We also understand the importance of early academic steps, especially when it comes to grammar school entry. One of the key parts of that journey is the 11 Plus. Preparing with the right 11 plus exam papers can really help boost confidence and performance.

This guide will explain what the 11 Plus exam involves, what topics are typically included, and where to find quality resources such as 11 plus papers and 11 plus exam past papers.

What Is the 11 Plus Exam?

The 11 Plus is a selective entrance exam taken by Year 6 students, usually in September. Many grammar schools and independent schools use it as part of their admissions process to assess academic ability.

There’s no single national version of the exam. Many schools use test papers from GL Assessment, which is one of the largest providers, but others may create their own custom exams. Because of this, it’s important for families to check exactly what format is used by their preferred school.

What Topics Are in 11 Plus Exam Papers?

While the content can vary, most 11 plus exam papers will include questions from the following areas:

• Verbal Reasoning
  This section tests language and logic skills. Children may be asked to spot word patterns, solve letter codes, or find similar or opposite meanings.
• Non-Verbal Reasoning
  These questions are based on shapes and patterns. They assess logical thinking and spatial awareness, using puzzles like sequences, odd one out, and mirror images.
• English
  The English part typically includes comprehension, grammar, punctuation and spelling. Some schools also add a short writing task, such as a story or description.
• Mathematics
  Maths questions are based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum. Topics may include calculations, fractions, measurements and word problems, often under timed conditions.

Each school chooses its own mix of subjects, so some focus more on reasoning, while others may put more weight on English and maths. That’s why it’s essential to use 11 plus papers that match the format of the school your child is applying to.

Finding Help and 11 Plus Papers

Practice is key to success. Working through 11 plus exam past papers gives children the chance to get familiar with the layout and style of the test, while also identifying any areas that need more revision.

If you’re looking for reliable resources, the MME 11 Plus page is a fantastic place to start. It offers a wide range of practice papers, school-specific mock exams, and topic-based questions designed to reflect both GL-style and custom formats.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for the 11 Plus doesn’t have to be stressful. With consistent revision, a clear plan, and the right 11 plus exam papers, your child can face the test with confidence.

To access a full range of 11 plus papers and download free 11 plus exam past papers, head over to the MME 11 Plus resources.

Here at Functional Skills Level 2, we believe in supporting learners at every stage of their education — from early school entrance right through to adult qualifications.

Written by

PassFunctionalSkills Team

We help thousands of students get their Functional Skills Qualifications.