A GUIDE FOR PARENTS

What Is the 11 Plus Exam?

Understand secondary school selection, the subjects your child may encounter and how to find the right preparation materials.

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Understanding secondary school selection

The 11 Plus, also written as 11+ or eleven plus, is the name commonly used for entrance assessments taken by children applying to academically selective secondary schools.

In England, these assessments are usually taken in Year 6, before the move to secondary school. In Northern Ireland, pupils taking the SEAG Entrance Assessment normally do so in Primary 7, their final year of primary education.

Not all secondary schools use academic selection. Where entrance assessments are used, the results form part of the school's admissions process. Independent schools may use their own entrance examinations and other assessments.

A test result is only part of the process. Achieving a qualifying score does not necessarily guarantee a place at a particular school. Always check the school's published admissions criteria and application requirements.

What sort of test will my child take?

The subjects, number of papers, timings and question formats vary between schools and admissions authorities. Some assessments cover several subjects within one paper; others use separate papers.

Depending on the assessment, your child may encounter one or more of the following subject areas:

Verbal Reasoning

Verbal reasoning involves using words and written information to identify relationships, follow rules and solve problems.

Depending on the test, questions may involve vocabulary, word relationships, sequences or logical deduction. A broad vocabulary and careful reading can support this type of work.

Non-Verbal Reasoning

Non-verbal reasoning uses pictures, shapes and diagrams to assess how children recognise patterns and solve visual problems.

Questions may involve similarities and differences, sequences, rotations or reflections. The emphasis is on interpreting visual information rather than extensive written text.

Mathematics

Mathematics assessments may test number skills, calculations and the ability to apply mathematical knowledge to problems.

Topics can include fractions, decimals, measures, shape and data. Check the relevant test specification to find out which topics your child needs to cover.

English

English assessments may include reading comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Some schools also assess writing. The exact requirements vary, so use the school's published guidance when selecting practice materials.

Which question formats are used?

Entrance assessments may use multiple-choice questions, written answers or a mixture of both. Your child should become familiar with the instructions and answer layout used in their assessment.

Multiple-choice questions

Your child selects an answer from the options provided. They may need to record their choice on a separate answer sheet, following the instructions carefully.

Standard or free-response questions

Your child works out and writes their answer in the space provided, either on the question paper or on a separate answer sheet.

Who sets and administers the tests?

Tests may be developed by specialist assessment providers, schools or groups of schools. Registration and administration may be handled by a school, a consortium, a local authority or an assessment organisation.

Check the current arrangements for each school you are considering. Do not assume that registering for an entrance test also completes your application for a school place.

Your admissions checklist

Confirm the subjects, test provider and question formats.
Check test registration and school application deadlines.
Read the school's current admissions criteria.
Download official familiarisation materials where available.
Check how to request access arrangements if your child needs them.
Confirm the assessment dates, location and instructions.

What about the Northern Ireland Transfer Test?

The SEAG Entrance Assessment is used by participating academically selective post-primary schools in Northern Ireland. It is taken by registered pupils in their final year of primary education.

The assessment consists of two papers, both covering English (or Gaeilge) and mathematics. The specification is based on the Northern Ireland Key Stage 2 curriculum for Language and Literacy and Mathematics and Numeracy.

Our English and mathematics courses offer practice in these subject areas. Compare the course content with the current SEAG specification and use the official familiarisation materials to understand the assessment's format.

For current requirements and official materials, visit the SEAG assessment guide.

Explore our online 11+ practice

Try free samples in English, mathematics, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning before choosing your preparation.