What’s a Good 11 Plus Forum 2025? A Parents’ Guide

If you’re navigating the sometimes murky waters of the 11 Plus, you might have heard about 11 Plus forums. For anyone applying to selective grammar or private schools, these online communities are a goldmine of advice, shared experiences and resources. But they can feel overwhelming if you’re not sure where to start.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what an 11 Plus forum is, how to find one that’s right for you (and the schools your child is applying to) as well as weighing up the pros and cons. We’ll also answer some of the most common questions on these forums.

With a thorough understanding of 11 Plus forums and what to look for, you can focus on what really matters: helping your child prepare for secondary school.

What is an 11 Plus forum?

In a nutshell, an 11 Plus forum is an online community where parents, tutors and sometimes past-pupils share information and support through the 11 Plus journey. You’ll find parents discussing exam formats, preparation strategies, deadlines, admission criteria and even sharing or swapping practice papers.

Some 11+ forums are broad and cover multiple regions. Others are very specific, focusing on one county, consortium or even a single school.

These forums are useful because the 11 Plus isn’t a one-size-fits-all exam. Depending where you live and which school you’re aiming for, the requirements, formats, scoring methods and key dates vary. So, while one forum might discuss the latest GL Assessment papers, another might be all about the unique format of an independent school’s exam.

So, where can you find a good 11 Plus forum? Here are some tips.

How can I find a good 11 Plus forum?

Finding an 11 Plus forum that’s useful for your situation means legwork upfront. But in short, you’ll want to focus on your local area (or even specific schools), find out what platforms other parents are using and remember to include the year. Here are some key steps and places to begin your search.

1. Focus on your local area first

Since 11 Plus requirements differ by region (and even from school to school), start looking for a forum based on your county or city. For example, you might search for:

If you’re in a larger area like London, search for a forum based on your specific area. For instance:

2. Narrow down to specific schools or consortia

Your next step is narrowing things down further.

Let’s say you’re in the Trafford or Greater Manchester area, searching for an 11 Plus forum. Here, there are seven grammar schools. Five are part of the Trafford Grammar School Consortium, meaning they all use the same 11 Plus exam. In this case, searching for a forum specific to the Trafford consortium can provide you with targeted information.

The other two grammars may have their own forums or discussion threads (as they operate independently with separate 11 Plus exams)—so keep an eye out for school-specific groups.

Figuring out exactly which forum you need requires a bit of research. To help you understand the 11+ process and how it differs between schools, we’ve linked to our area-specific guides above.

3. Include the exam year in your search

Always add the year to your search query (e.g. “11 Plus Forum 2025”). This ensures you’re getting the most current information, as exam formats and admission criteria change from year to year.

You don’t want to accidentally base your 11 Plus preparations on a forum that’s based on 2022! So always check the name and date carefully.

4. Places to start your search

Once you know what you’re searching for, there are a few common places where parents get together on 11 Plus forums. Start with popular websites like Netmums, Mumsnet, Reddit and Facebook. Also, don’t forget your “real-life” connections with fellow school parents and local tuition centers. They may be open to starting a WhatsApp group.

Netmums 11 Plus forums: A popular platform where many parents share their experiences. Contrary to the name, Dads are welcome to join these groups too!
Mumsnet 11 Plus forums: Another well-known parenting community with lively discussions and plenty of advice.
Facebook groups: There are numerous Facebook groups dedicated to the 11 Plus, often organised by region or specific schools.
Reddit: Subreddits related to the 11 Plus can be a good place to ask specific questions and get diverse opinions.
Your child’s current school: Don’t overlook local resources—other parents might have already set up WhatsApp groups or email threads.
Local tuition centres: Many centres, including our Achieve Learning Harrow tuition centre, are hubs of local knowledge. They often organise mock tests and workshops, where you might meet other parents applying to the same schools.

If you can’t find a suitable forum, consider starting one yourself. It could be as simple as a WhatsApp group or a Facebook page for local parents. Collaboration is key for the 11 Plus. Once you’re in contact with others, you’ll discover the benefits of pooling resources and knowledge—not just for academics and practical info, but moral support and friendship along the way.

What are the pros and cons of 11 Plus forums?

Like most things online, 11 Plus forums have their ups and downs. They’re supportive and welcoming with plenty of localised advice. But when using 11 Plus forums, always cross-check information with official sources (like council or school websites). Here’s a quick rundown of the main pros and cons.

The advantages of 11 Plus forums

Community and support: Forums connect you with parents in the same boat. Sharing tips, success stories, and even a bit of stress can make the process feel less isolating.
Resource sharing: Many parents swap practice tests, share links to useful articles and discuss exam strategies. This can give you a broader perspective on what to expect.
Localised information: On region-specific forums, you’ll get detailed insights into the admission criteria, exam formats and deadlines for local grammar schools.
Networking: The connections you make here might even help your child later on—friends made during the 11 Plus journey sometimes turn into lasting school connections.

While the advantages of 11 Plus forums are great for all parents, they’re particularly useful for the homeschooling community aiming for grammar school entry.

The disadvantages of 11 Plus forums

Reliability: Not every post or shared resource will be 100% accurate or up-to-date. It’s important to cross-check critical information with official sources or your school.
Outdated information: Since exam formats and admission criteria change, what worked last year might not be relevant this year. Look out for posts that clearly state the exam year.
Variable quality: Forums are as good as the community that uses them. Sometimes, you might find discussions that are off-topic, unhelpful or even a bit overwhelming if too many opinions clash.
Changing dynamics: Forums vary from year to year, depending on the mix of parents involved. A forum with a sterling reputation last year might not be as active or knowledgeable this year.

11 Plus forums: your most common questions answered

Before we wrap up, let’s answer the most common questions asked on 11 Plus forums. These come up time and time again, so having a good understanding in advance will help you dive straight into the most useful discussions—whether you’re looking for school-specific advice or general exam prep tips.

Do you have to pass the 11+ to go to a grammar school?

Yes, for almost all grammar schools, passing the 11 Plus is the main route for Year 7 entry. However, there are some exceptions:

Alternative entry routes: Some schools offer places with a lower qualifying score for children in care, the local vicinity or those with exceptional circumstances. In rare cases, schools may also have additional assessments for students who just miss the pass mark.
Late entry options: If your child isn’t applying for Year 7, the 11 Plus may not be required. Many grammar schools accept students into Year 8, Year 9, or even sixth-form based on school reports, internal entrance exams or GCSE results.
Super-selective vs. “standard” grammar schools: Some grammar schools (particularly in highly competitive areas) only admit the highest-scoring applicants, while others have a set pass mark. So a “pass” will look different depending on which school you’re applying to.

Because admissions policies vary, it’s essential to check the criteria for each specific school.

What’s the hardest subject in the 11 Plus?

The hardest subject in the 11 Plus depends on the individual child and exam format. You’ll usually face some combination of English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. That said, however, non-verbal reasoning is commonly seen as the toughest. Why? Mainly because it requires a type of thinking that most primary schools don’t explicitly teach.

Non-verbal reasoning involves spotting sequences and patterns in shapes, numbers and diagrams. Your child will tackle “spatial relationships” (i.e., how 3D shapes rotate) and use logic to solve puzzles.

As it’s not a primary subject, most children find non-verbal reasoning unfamiliar at first. However, with regular practice, almost all students will improve significantly. Working with past papers (tailored to your region or specific schools) will help you understand which topics your child finds challenging.

Are 11+ results adjusted for age?

Yes, in almost all cases, age-standardised scoring is used for the 11 Plus. This means a child born in August won’t be directly compared to one born in September of the previous year. Their score is adjusted to account for the age difference.

The goal of this system is ensuring younger children aren’t disadvantaged. An 11-month gap can make a big difference in cognitive development at this stage. However, the way scores are adjusted depends on the exam provider. So it’s always worth checking with individual schools.

What percentage of children pass the 11 Plus?

The percentage of children passing the 11 Plus varies depending on the area and school. It’s impacted not only by the difficulty of the test, but also competition and how many Year 7 places are available. But in general, around 30% of students pass the 11 Plus.

In highly competitive areas like North London (for instance), you might find lower pass rates. Conversely, in areas like Kent (with the most grammars in the country, 38 to be exact), pass rates may be higher.

Some schools operate on a fixed pass mark, meaning all children who reach the required score qualify. Others are super-selective, meaning only the highest-scoring students get in, even if they technically pass.

Can a child pass the 11 Plus without tutoring?

Plenty of children pass the 11+ without formal tuition, particularly if they have strong foundational skills in English and Maths, as well as parental involvement. However, it’s important to remember that the 11 Plus is different from standard schoolwork. Many parents find a combination of self-study, online resources and 1-1 tutoring works well.

Here are a few factors to consider:

Natural ability: Some children have a natural aptitude for verbal and non-verbal reasoning, meaning they’ll pick this up quickly. A short round of tuition could give them the start (or final edge) to perform at their best.
Parental support: If you’re comfortable helping your child with practice papers, exam techniques and explaining tricky concepts, formal tuition might not be necessary
School curriculum: Some primary schools cover a lot of 11 Plus content, while others don’t. If your child’s school doesn’t, extra preparation (either self-study or tuition) is needed.
Practice exposure: Even if a child is strong academically, they may struggle with exam timing or question styles if they haven’t practised before. So mock tests and practice papers are essential.

What age should you start preparing for the 11 Plus?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for starting 11 Plus preparations. However many experts suggest a light introduction at age 7 or 8. Focus on reading, spelling, vocabulary, mental maths and logic puzzles. This builds a strong foundation without overwhelming your child.

Around age 9 or 10, it’s time for more structured preparation. This is when most tuition starts, covering exam techniques and question styles in greater depth. You’ll also want to explore creative writing and sentence structure, focusing on things like imperatives, connectives and subordinate clauses.

At Achieve Learning, we offer tuition starting in both Year 4 and Year 5, ensuring children develop skills gradually and with confidence.

What if my child fails the 11 Plus?

Failing the 11 Plus isn’t the end of the world, as there are plenty of fantastic alternatives. If your child struggles with the academic nature of the 11+, there’s a chance that grammar school isn’t the environment for them to thrive. Supportive private schools or specialist state secondaries may be a fantastic fit.

If your child fails the 11 Plus, you’ve got several options:

Appealing the result: If your child was close to the pass mark and had extenuating circumstances (such as illness or family disruption), an appeal may be an option. Many parents find 11 Plus forums helpful for advice on appeals, late-entry exams and alternative schools.
Applying for late-entry places: Some grammar schools have entry tests for Year 8, Year 9 or even Year 10. If your child just missed out in Year 7, this could be another chance.
Considering other high-performing schools: Many comprehensive schools achieve excellent results and offer strong academic support.
Looking at independent schools: Leading private schools and boarding schools often offer scholarships and bursaries for talented students in academics, music or sports, making them more affordable than many parents realise.

Final thoughts: 11 Plus forums to boost your preparation

11 Plus forums can be an incredibly valuable resource for exam preparation, offering insights you might not find elsewhere. They can help you navigate the region-specific requirements of the 11 Plus, while also providing a supportive community of like-minded parents.

Remember though, while these forums are useful, they should complement your research—not replace it. Always double-check critical details with official sources.

At Achieve Learning, we understand that preparing for the 11 Plus can be a complex journey. Our personalised 11 Plus tuition, mock tests and academic consultancy services are designed to ensure your child is on track to reach their full potential. To ensure your preparation is as effective as possible, get in touch today. We’re here to help every step of the way.

What’s a Good 11 Plus Forum 2025? A Parents’ Guide

What is an 11 Plus forum?