As a parent, you naturally want the best for your child, especially regarding their education.
The 11+ exam is a significant milestone. But understanding what makes a “good” score can be confusing. Whether you’re wondering how your child’s results compare or navigating the different scoring systems, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry. We’re here to talk you through it step-by-step.
In this post, we’ll explain exactly what a good 11+ score is, how the scoring system works, and what it means for your child’s chances of gaining a place at Grammar School. We’ll also cover how to support your child to reach their full potential.
In this article:
What’s a good score in the 11+?
A “good” score in the 11+ varies depending on the school or area your child is applying to. But for most Grammar Schools, a score between 115 and 121 on a standardised scale is strong. Each school or consortium sets their benchmark for a “pass” or “qualifying mark”. This means in some highly competitive areas, you might need a score of 130 or more to secure a place.
Let’s dive into the details.
One of the first things to know is the 11+ isn’t about hitting a single pass mark. For selective Grammar Schools around the country, competition is intense. Thousands of children apply for a few hundred places, which means even children with high scores may not get in.
Instead of a specific score, many schools opt for a ranking system. This means only the top percentage of students are eligible for a place. So a “good” 11+ score will change from year to year.
What’s the standardised 11 Plus score?
We’ve mentioned “standardised scores,” but what does this mean in simple terms?
Basically, a standardised score takes your child’s test results (their “raw score”) and adjusts them based on their age and how they stack up against other children taking the same exam. This way, younger students aren’t unfairly disadvantaged compared to their older classmates.
Most selective schools use standardised scoring for admissions, often working with GL Assessment, CEM 11 Plus papers or the ISEB Common Pre-Test.
To break it down:
- A score of 120 or above puts your child in the top 10% of their year group.
- A score of 100 is around average for their year group.
- A score of 80 or below lands them in the lowest 10%.
The highest standardised age score (SAS) a child can reach is usually 140-170, which puts them in the top 1% of test-takers. On the flip side, the lowest SAS is generally around 60.
What’s a good GL score?
GL Assessment is one of the major providers of the 11+ exam. Their tests focus on four key subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. But different schools can opt for different paper combinations.
A good GL score follows the same range as other 11+ scores, with 121 a common target.
However, it’s also worth noting that some areas use a weighted scoring system, meaning certain subjects might count more than others. For example, some schools place more emphasis on Maths and Non-Verbal Reasoning, while others weigh English equally.
Always check with your specific school, so you’re targeting revision effectively.
What % do you need for the 11+?
When it comes to percentages, aiming for 80% or higher in 11+ practice papers is a good benchmark.
Remember the percentage for “passing” the 11+ varies year by year, depending on how competitive the area is.
So, what’s the best way to prepare?
One useful tip is practising with papers from different providers (GL Assessment, CGP, Bond 11+ etc.) and aiming for consistency across subjects. This will gauge whether your child is on track, and identify areas for improvement.
As well as focusing on total scores, it’s equally important to develop problem-solving skills, time-management and exam confidence. This will ensure your child isn’t phased, no matter what questions appear.
What’s the pass mark for the 11+ this year?
The pass mark (or “qualifying mark”) for the 11+ can change, but it often hovers around 121.
However, there’s no one-size-fits-all figure. Different schools and consortiums use different benchmarks. This might change from year to year. Instead of a set figure, other schools might rank scores from highest to lowest and accept the top 150 students (for example).
For this reason, it’s important to check admissions updates for the schools you’re applying to.
As well as 11+ scores, schools use other admission criteria such as catchment area, prioritising “looked after” children, whether a sibling already attends, and more. So even if your child achieves top marks in the 11+, this might not be enough to secure a place.
How many children take the 11+ each year?
Each year, around 100,000 children sit the 11+.
The exact numbers vary by region. But generally speaking, areas with more Grammar Schools see more children taking 11 Plus exams.
The Department for Education identifies 11 local authorities as “highly selective”, meaning more than a quarter of students go to Grammar Schools. These highly selective regions include Bexley, Buckinghamshire, Kent, Medway, Lincolnshire, Slough, Southend-on-Sea, Sutton, Torbay, Trafford and Wirral.
What’s the average 11+ pass rate?
On average, about 30% of children taking the 11+ secure a place at Grammar School.
The exact number varies slightly by region, but it means most children who take the test won’t get into Grammar School. So don’t see this as a failure! The 11+ is a very competitive exam, and not passing means your child may thrive in a different academic setting.
If your child doesn’t pass, remember many other excellent schools provide strong academic support. Focus on the positives – they’ve still worked hard, learned valuable skills, and built resilience that will benefit them in future exams and challenges. It’s all about finding the right fit for your child.
To explore your options, don’t miss our guides to the best schools in the UK, including Grammar Schools, boarding schools, private schools and the top schools in London.
How hard is it to pass the 11+?
We won’t sugarcoat it. Passing the 11+ is challenging. But the difficulty will depend on your child’s academic strengths and preparation.
In terms of specifics, many children find Non-Verbal Reasoning papers more difficult. This is because the Maths, English and Verbal Reasoning papers are closer to what they’ve come across at school. In English (for example), children will encounter reading comprehension, writing and SPaG in class.
But Non-Verbal Reasoning isn’t taught at primary, so the questions feel strange at first.
Natural ability certainly helps, but regular practice, building resilience and understanding the exam format are crucial. Let your child know it’s okay to find some areas challenging and that improvement takes time. In our experience, confidence is just as critical as improving test scores.
Is the 11 Plus harder than SATs?
While we’re on the subject of difficulty, many parents wonder how the 11+ compares to SATs. After all, SATs may be the only “formal” tests your child faced during primary school. So if they achieved a high SATs score, surely they’ll do the same with the 11 Plus?
Well, not necessarily. SATs are designed to assess what a child has learned throughout Key Stage 2, focusing on literacy and numeracy. On the other hand, the 11+ assesses a child’s potential for selective secondary education, with a strong emphasis on logical reasoning and problem-solving.
In this sense, most children find the 11+ harder because it tests skills not covered in the national curriculum. But as we’ve seen, this isn’t an insurmountable challenge. With targeted preparation, your child will become confident in their skills and familiar with the exam format, reducing the difficulty of 11 Plus tests.
Can a child pass the 11 Plus without tutoring?
While it’s certainly possible for a child to pass the 11+ without tutoring, many parents work with an academic tutor. It’s a popular option for homeschooled students, as well as those in mainstream education.
Tutors provide expert personalised support, identify areas where your child may be struggling and strategies to improve performance. In short, they hone and improve your child’s abilities and confidence, improving their chances of Grammar School admission.
However, if tutoring isn’t an option, there are still plenty of ways to support your child at home. Use high-quality practice papers, review key concepts, and build a manageable study routine including both subject practice and test techniques. There are loads of online resources, quizzes and games to help your child prepare – keeping things fun, positive and stress-free.
Can you appeal 11+ results?
You can usually appeal 11+ results and school allocation decisions.
An appeals process should let you present any mitigating circumstances, such as absence due to illness on the exam day, the test was administered unfairly, or other reasons why your child’s performance didn’t accurately reflect their abilities. You can normally also request a re-mark, although it’s unlikely your child’s paper has been marked inaccurately.
The exact process will differ by region. So check with your local council and submit any necessary documentation on time.
Can you go to a grammar school without passing the 11+?
Unfortunately, no. In most cases, passing the 11+ is a requirement for Grammar School entry. So make sure your child is registered for the tests with plenty of time to spare!
However, some schools may have alternative admissions routes, such as additional testing or interviews for students who narrowly miss the pass mark. It’s always worth checking with your chosen school to see if there are any exceptions or appeals processes.
How can I help my child pass the 11+?
Supporting your child through the 11+ can feel daunting, but the key is building a consistent study routine and fostering a positive attitude toward learning.
Create a schedule that balances practice papers, mock tests, revision, skill-development and breaks. Celebrate your child’s progress, no matter how small, and remind them that their hard work is paying off.
And you don’t have to do this alone! At Achieve Learning, we offer expert 11+ tutoring to help your child feel confident and prepared. Whether it’s one-on-one tutoring, mock exams or checking you’re on track, our experienced tutors will help your child reach their potential.
To help your child achieve their best in the 11 Plus, contact us today for support.
