“Where can I find the 11+ curriculum?”
This is the question a parent asked me recently. I wish the answer was straightforward.
Before trying to answer where an 11 plus curriculum might be found, we first need to understand what the 11 plus is.
Ultimately, the 11 plus is an exam that children in Year 6 sit. This exam lets grammar schools and/ or the local authority know if a child is at the desired academic level to attend a particular grammar school. This bit is important; passing the 11+ test does not give admission to every grammar school. Passing the Bexley 11+ exam, for instance, allows admission into Bexley grammar schools only. This is because the requirements of grammar schools may vary from one school to another.
Some 11 plus exams focus on English, Maths, VR and NVR, whilst others may focus on just VR and NVR. Some 11 plus exams are exclusively based on multiple choice questions, whilst others require long, written answers.
So why the difference?
Unlike national exams like the GCSE, the 11+ exam is not a national exam. It is totally optional. Therefore, there is no fixed curriculum that is consistent across the country. Any 11+ curriculum that exists is there to meet the needs of a particular school or council.
Another major consideration is what exam board is a grammar school you are aiming for using. Depending on the exam board, the content and difficulty level may differ. This is one of the first things parents should determine.
With the above context established, let us look at what an 11+ curriculum typically covers.
Core Subjects Tested in the 11+ Exam
Most grammar schools test the following subjects, though the exact format depends on the exam board (e.g., GL Assessment, CEM, ISEB, or school-specific tests):
- English
- Reading comprehension
- Vocabulary (synonyms, antonyms, cloze passages)
- Grammar & punctuation
- Creative writing (some schools include this)
- Maths
- Key Stage 2 topics (arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percentages, algebra basics, geometry, problem-solving)
- Some schools include more challenging questions
- Verbal Reasoning (GL/CEM)
- Word patterns, analogies, codes, logical word problems
- Non-Verbal Reasoning (GL/CEM)
- Shapes, patterns, sequences, spatial reasoning
- Creative/Extended Writing (some schools, e.g., Kent & Essex)
- Essay or story writing under timed conditions
Exam Boards & Variations
- GL Assessment: Covers English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning (separate papers).
- CEM (Durham University): Combines elements (e.g., Verbal & Non-Verbal into one paper, with a stronger focus on vocabulary and numerical reasoning).
- ISEB Common Pre-Test: Used by some private/grammar schools, taken online.
- School-Specific Tests: Some grammar schools write their own exams (e.g., Henrietta Barnett, Queen Elizabeth School in Barnet).
How to Prepare for the 11+
- Check the Exam Format for your target schools (GL vs. CEM vs. school-specific).
- Use 11+ Practice Books (e.g., Bond, CGP, Schofield & Sims).
- Take Mock Exams to improve speed and accuracy.
- Focus on Weak Areas (e.g., NVR, vocabulary, or problem-solving).
- Consider Tutoring or Online Courses if extra help is needed.
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