For parents in the UK, the 11 Plus (11+) is more than just a test; it is a gateway. It determines access to the UK’s 163 selective Grammar Schools—institutions known for high academic performance and Oxford/Cambridge entry rates.
But the landscape has changed. It is no longer just about being “good at maths.” The 11+ is a psychometric assessment designed to test cognitive potential and processing speed.
At FocusFirst Tutors, we specialize in the specific nuances of the GL and CEM boards. This guide goes beyond the basics to explain the mechanics of the test and how to secure a qualifying score.
The Two Titans: GL vs. CEM
Your preparation strategy depends entirely on your region. You must know which board your target school uses.
1. GL Assessment (Granada Learning)
Used by schools in Kent, Buckinghamshire, Lincolnshire, and many others.
- The Philosophy: Tests academic rigour and accuracy.
- The Format: Subjects are usually split into separate papers (English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning).
- The Strategy: GL relies on a known question bank. Technique is king. There are 21 specific types of Verbal Reasoning questions. If a student learns the technique for all 21, they can score very high.
2. CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring)
Used by schools in Birmingham, Bexley, and parts of the North.
- The Philosophy: Designed to be “tutor-proof” (though proper preparation still makes a massive difference).
- The Format: Mixed papers where sections change rapidly (e.g., 5 minutes of Maths followed immediately by 5 minutes of Antonyms).
- The Strategy: CEM is Vocabulary-heavy. A student needs a reading age well above their chronological age. Speed and adaptability are the metrics here.
Understanding the “Standardised Age Score” (SAS)
Many parents are confused when their child gets a score of “115.” Is that out of 100?
No. The 11+ uses Standardisation.
- 100 represents the national average for a child of that exact age (down to the month).
- 121+ is typically the “Qualifying Score” for many Grammar Schools.
Semantic Note: Because the score is age-weighted, a child born in August (the youngest in the year) gets a slight points boost compared to a child born in September. This levels the playing field.
The “Invisible” Subjects: Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning
Primary schools teach Maths and English. They do not teach Reasoning. This is where the “Cognitive Gap” appears.
- Verbal Reasoning (VR): This tests logic using words. It involves decoding ciphers, spotting hidden words, and algebraic substitution using letters.
- Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR): This tests Spatial Awareness. Students must look at sequences of shapes and predict the rotation, reflection, or layered pattern.
Expert Insight: NVR is often the hardest section for children who are “book smart” but lack visual-spatial practice. We use 3D visualization tools to help students “see” the rotation in their heads.
The Preparation Timeline (Our Roadmap)
Starting too late causes panic; starting too early causes burnout.
- Year 4 (Foundation): Focus on “Vocabulary Breadth.” Read classic literature (The Secret Garden, Treasure Island) to expose them to archaic words often found in the comprehension text.
- Year 5 (Technique): The most critical year. Introduce the 21 GL question types. Start mastering Spatial Reasoning.
- Summer before Year 6: Speed Training. The 11+ is a race. Students must answer questions in approx. 30 seconds.
Support for the 2026 Entry
Securing a place at a Grammar School changes a child’s educational trajectory. It requires a strategic partnership between parent, student, and tutor.
At FocusFirst Tutors, we don’t just “help with homework.” We provide a structured 11+ Programme covering all four disciplines (Maths, English, VR, NVR) tailored to your county’s exam board.
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