11+ Maths – What’s in the 11+?

The 11+ is an Admissions Test

The 11+ is an admissions test that some schools use to select students for entry into Year 7.

It is not a school exam—it is a separate test designed to see what you know and how you think.

Schools use the results to decide which students meet their entry requirements.

Key points:
⦿ It is used for selection, not for grading your current schoolwork.
⦿ It is usually taken in Year 6, before moving to secondary school.
⦿ It tests a mix of knowledge, reasoning skills, and problem-solving.

Some Schools Test a Mixture of Subjects

Different schools test different subjects, so it is important to check what your school tests.

The four main subjects in the 11+ are:

⦿ Maths – number skills, calculations, problem-solving, and data handling.
⦿ English – reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
⦿ Verbal Reasoning (VR) – logic and word-based puzzles to test thinking skills.
⦿ Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR) – visual puzzles and patterns to test problem-solving without words.

Some schools may test all four subjects, while others may test only one or two.

Tip: Make sure you know which subjects your chosen school tests so you can focus your practice.

Get to Know What Kind of Paper You’re Taking

11+ tests come in different formats, and knowing the format helps you prepare effectively.

⦿ Multiple Choice – You select the correct answer from a list of options.
⦿ Standard Answer – You write your answer in a box or space provided.

Tips for success:
⦿ If it is multiple choice, read all the options carefully before choosing.
⦿ If it is standard answer, make sure your working is clear and check your calculations.
⦿ Practice both types of questions so you feel confident on exam day.

Summary

⦿ The 11+ is an admissions test used to select students for secondary school.
⦿ Schools may test Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
⦿ Papers can be multiple choice or standard answer, so it’s important to know the format.

Preparation is about understanding the types of questions and practicing your skills in the subjects the school tests.