11+ Practice
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School Exam Types

Most 11+ exams share a common core. Here is how much they overlap, and the type of exam each school sets.

Based on each school's published arrangements for September 2027 entry. Formats can change, so check each school before the exam year.

What overlaps

  • Reading comprehension

    14 of 16 schools

  • Creative writing

    11 of 16 schools

    plus 1 in part

  • Maths

    14 of 16 schools

    plus 1 in part

  • Verbal reasoning

    15 of 16 schools

  • Non-verbal reasoning

    15 of 16 schools

  • Interview

    11 of 16 schools

Grammar school tests

  • Bexley Selection Test: Two multiple-choice papers, about 50 minutes each
  • Kent Test: English and maths paper plus a reasoning paper, multiple choice
  • Medway Test: Three multiple-choice papers: English (30 minutes), maths (50 minutes) and reasoning (45 minutes)
  • Newstead Wood: Two multiple-choice papers
  • St Olave's Grammar School: One-hour multiple-choice test, then written English and maths (about 60 minutes each)

Independent schools

Aiming at one school or several?

Every school asks for something slightly different, and preparing for each one separately quickly becomes confusing for parents and children alike. Whether you aim at one school or several, one coherent strategy is key: build the shared core once, then add each school's extras in the right order. That is what this platform is designed to do, based on a real family's 11+ experience as parents and child. Read our story.

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