11 Plus Practice Papers

Introduction

If your child is preparing for grammar school entry, chances are you've already heard of the 11 Plus exam. It’s a key part of the admissions process for many selective schools across the UK, and it can feel a bit overwhelming at first. But with the right preparation, including using high-quality 11 plus practice papers, your child can go into the test with confidence. At Ilkley Tuition, we have a guide for on what the 11 plus consists of and how to access the right resources.

What is the 11 Plus Exam?

The 11 Plus exam is used by grammar schools and some independent schools to select pupils for Year 7. It usually takes place in September of Year 6, though the exact date can vary depending on the school or exam board. Most children only get one shot at it, so preparation is really important.

The content of the exam also depends on the region and the provider. Some schools use GL Assessment, others use CEM, and some may even write their own tests. Despite the differences, the subjects are fairly consistent.

What’s Covered in 11 Plus Papers?

The 11 Plus usually includes a combination of the following:

• English – comprehension, grammar, spelling and vocabulary

• Maths – problem-solving, arithmetic and worded questions

• Verbal Reasoning – spotting patterns in words, codes and logic

• Non-Verbal Reasoning – identifying shapes, sequences and spatial reasoning

Some exams may combine English and verbal reasoning into one paper, or maths and non-verbal reasoning into another. This is why working through a mix of 11 plus papers is one of the best ways to get used to the different question styles.

When Should You Start Using 11 Plus Exam Past Papers?

It’s helpful to build up skills gradually in Year 4 and Year 5. But when it comes to test technique, timing, and stamina, 11 plus exam past papers are ideal from around six months before the real thing. These allow your child to practise under timed conditions, spot tricky areas, and learn to manage their nerves.

Try not to jump in with past papers too soon though. It’s better to build up core skills first, then gradually introduce full-length papers as the exam approaches.

Why Use MME for 11 Plus Practice?

MME offers a brilliant range of 11 plus practice papers that match the real exam as closely as possible. Their papers are clearly laid out, professionally written, and designed to follow the types of questions your child is likely to see on test day.

Whether you're looking for familiarisation papers, subject-specific packs, or complete mock exams, MME has plenty to choose from. Their resources cover all the major providers and include answers and mark schemes to make reviewing progress easier.

If you're starting to search for 11 plus exam past papers or just want reliable resources to boost revision, MME’s range is a great place to start. Practising with realistic 11 plus papers can make all the difference when it comes to building confidence and improving scores.

With the right tools and a bit of encouragement, preparing for the 11 Plus doesn’t have to be stressful. High-quality 11 plus practice papers, used at the right time, can make your child feel much more ready to tackle the real thing.