THE BEST 11+ test tips

 

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TOP FSCE 11 plus exam tips

We offer FREE 11 plus past papers , 11 plus verbal reasoning test practice, 11 plus maths past papers, 11 plus English past papers and the most accurate 11 plus non-verbal reasoning test practice papers, and 2025 11 plus non-verbal reasoning practice tests. You can buy below for your selected school’s 11 plus exam.

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How is the FSCE 11 plus exam marked?

Papers 1 and 2 (English and maths) are marked electronically. OMR (Optical Mark Readers) scan the answer sheets and detect the marks your child has made in the boxes. Answer sheets are printed with a unique barcode for each candidate.

Your child’s raw scores from the English and maths papers will be age-standardised. This is a statistical process that takes into account your child’s age at the time of taking the test, and the number of correct marks. The standardised age score (SAS) is the final score which schools use to rank candidates.

Children who have achieved an eligible score have their creative writing paper marked by examiners. The eligible score is usually set by the school itself – more details will be included in your target school’s admissions policy.

 

FSCE 11 plus exam format

The FSCE 11 plus exam is taken on paper. Your child will receive one question booklet and one answer sheet for each subject. For all three subjects, answers must be written on the provided answer sheet – any work written in the question booklet will not be seen or marked.

The instructions are read out via a voice recording. At the start of each section, the voice recording will tell children:

  • which page number they must turn to

  • the section number and name

  • instructions for how to answer the questions

  • an example question (also printed in the question booklet, so they can follow along)

  • how much time they have to complete the section

  • when they can start answering the questions

  • how much time they have left before the end of the section.

At least one invigilator will be present in the room to help your child if they need any support.

Your child’s details, such as their name, primary school, and date of birth, plus the date and time of the test, will be pre-written on each of their answer sheets. At the start of each test, your child will be asked to check that this information is correct. If any information is incorrect, they can raise their hand and an invigilator will help.

 

What subjects does the 11+ FSCE assess?

The FSCE 11 plus tests English, maths and creative writing.

FSCE English 11 plus tips

The English paper assesses reading comprehension, vocabulary, and spelling. It’s split into three shorter and individually timed sections:

FSCE Reading comprehension 11 plus test practice

For the comprehension section, children will need to read a short passage of text. The following questions will assess how well they understand what they have read, and their ability to analyse and interpret the text. The text could be a piece of fiction or non-fiction.

The questions are multiple-choice. Your child will have a separate answer sheet to complete and will need to select the best answer by shading the matching oval (A, B, C or D) on their answer sheet. Horizontal or vertical lines, drawn through the oval, are not accepted.

There is only one correct answer for each question, so your child should only shade one oval.

11+ Vocabulary tips

This section tests the words your child currently knows and how well they understand their meaning.

They will see a series of question boxes on their answer sheet.

Each question box contains one word and five options (A–E). They will need to identify the word from the choice of options that is an exact or close match (synonym) of the main word in the question.

The answers follow the same style as the reading comprehension section.

Your child should shade in the oval (A, B, C, D or E) which corresponds with the correct word in their question booklet. Again, there is only one correct answer, so your child should only shade one oval.

The vocabulary questions and answers below are examples from the FSCE familiarisation guide.

How to pass the 11 plus exam

FCSE 11+ Missing letters test tips

Spelling is assessed through a section on missing letters. In each question, children will see a word with some letters removed. They will need to identify the full word in the context of the sentence and complete the word so that it is spelt correctly.

To complete the missing letters, your child will need to write each letter in a marked box on the answer sheet. They should write in capital letters with one letter per box. The number of empty boxes corresponds to the number of missing letters in the word.

There is only one correct answer for each question. The words will be different lengths, so the number of missing letters will vary for each question.

Have a look at some example ‘missing letters’ questions below.

Maths FCSE 11+ test tips

The FSCE 11 plus maths paper will test your child’s knowledge from Year 5 of the Key Stage 2 maths curriculum.

  • Number and place value: round numbers, negative numbers, and Roman numerals

  • Calculations: addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, plus factors and prime, square and cube numbers

  • Fractions, decimals and percentages: comparing and ordering, adding and subtracting, multiplying and rounding, and beginning to understand percentages

  • Measurement: units, perimeter, area and volume

  • Geometry: 2D shapes, 3D shapes, angles, reflection and translation

  • Statistics: tables and line graphs

Your child will be able to use the available space in the question booklet to work out their answers. However, answers must be recorded on the answer sheet provided. No marks will be awarded for working out.

The maths questions may be multiple-choice or free-response.

Multiple-choice questions are similar to those in the English paper; your child will need to shade the oval for the letter (A, B, C, D, or E) that corresponds with the correct answer.

Free-response answers will have marked square boxes. Your child should write one digit per box – for example, if an answer has two digits (20), then they should write 2 in one box and 0 in the box next to it.

If the answer has a unit attached (e.g. degrees, £, metres etc.), this will be pre-written on the answer sheet. Your child should pay attention to this and make sure their answer is relevant to the unit provided. Answers written in the wrong format will not receive any marks.

See the sorts of maths questions your child might be asked in the following examples from the FSCE familiarisation guide.

Passing grammar school entry exam 11 plus

FGSE Creative writing 11+ tips

  • The third paper in the FSCE 11 plus exam is a creative writing task.
  • This enables schools to assess children from a more holistic angle.
  • Your child will see a prompt, which they will use as the title for a piece of original writing.
  • Time will be built into the test for your child to plan their answer before they are told to start writing.
  • Planning
  • Space will be provided in the question booklet for your child to plan their creative writing piece.
  • This will not be marked, but they should use this time to structure their ideas and organise their thoughts.
  • They may wish to write notes, plot out the steps in their story, or draw a spider diagram.
  • They will not be able to write on the answer sheet during the planning time.

Creative Writing FGSE 11+ test practice

Your child will be told when the planning time has finished, and when to start writing on the answer sheet. Any work written in the question booklet will not be marked.

Examiners will be looking for children who can demonstrate:

  • creativity and imagination

  • good structure and pace

  • correct and effective use of spelling, punctuation and grammar

  • an extensive and interesting vocabulary

  • varied sentence structures

TOP 11 plus exam tips

So, when is this year’s 11 plus results day? and what’s the 11 plus pass mark?

Here’s School Entrance Tests’ popular Passed Papers You Tube channel.

Set B

This second 11 plus practice set matches the same level as Set A, but uses new questions. Use it as a timed practice run once pupils are comfortable with the style.

Mathematics — 11 plus practice

Approach: Look for the key operation (fraction of, difference, total, rate) and show one clear line of working per step.

11 Plus Practice Maths

A cinema ticket costs £12.
A child ticket costs 25% less.

What is the cost of a child ticket?

A) £8
B) £9
C) £10
D) £11

Answer: B

Coaching explanation:
“25% less” means you subtract one quarter of the adult price. One quarter of £12 is £3 because 12 ÷ 4 = 3. Subtract £3 from £12 to get £9. A common mistake is to subtract 25 (as if it were pounds) or to subtract £2.50 by confusing 25% with 0.25 without calculating properly.

11 Plus Practice Maths

The ratio of cats to dogs at a shelter is 4 : 5.
There are 30 dogs.

How many cats are there?

A) 18
B) 20
C) 24
D) 25

Answer: C

Coaching explanation:
If 5 parts represent 30 dogs, then 1 part is 6 because 30 ÷ 5 = 6. Cats are 4 parts, so 4 × 6 = 24. The best habit is to find the value of one part first and then scale up. If you skip that step, it is easy to guess a number that “looks right” but does not match the ratio.

11 Plus Practice Maths

A runner completes 6 km in 30 minutes.

What is the runner’s average speed in km/h?

A) 6 km/h
B) 10 km/h
C) 12 km/h
D) 18 km/h

Answer: C

Coaching explanation:
First convert 30 minutes into hours. 30 minutes is half an hour, which is 0.5 hours. Average speed is distance ÷ time, so 6 ÷ 0.5 = 12 km/h. Many pupils forget to convert minutes to hours and accidentally do 6 ÷ 30, which gives a meaningless number for km/h.

11 Plus Practice Maths

Simplify:
15y ÷ 5

Which is correct?

A) 3y
B) 10y
C) 5y
D) 15

Answer: A

Coaching explanation:
Divide the number part and keep the letter part. 15 ÷ 5 = 3, and the y stays with it, giving 3y. Do not remove the y, because it is part of the term. This type of question rewards calm, simple steps rather than clever shortcuts.

11 Plus Practice Maths

A sequence starts at 2.
Each time, 5 is added.

What is the sixth term?

A) 22
B) 25
C) 27
D) 30

Answer: B

Coaching explanation:
Write the terms in order to avoid skipping: 2, 7, 12, 17, 22, 27. The sixth term is 27, so check carefully that you have counted the terms correctly. Notice the answer options include nearby numbers to catch counting mistakes. A strong habit is to label the terms as you list them: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and so on.

English (Grammar, Punctuation & Vocabulary) — 11 plus practice

Approach: Identify the rule being tested, then choose the option that follows it. If two options look possible, reread them slowly for the tiny error.

11 Plus Practice English

Choose the sentence with correct punctuation.

A) Before school, I packed my bag and ate breakfast.
B) Before school I packed my bag, and ate breakfast.
C) Before school I packed, my bag and ate breakfast.
D) Before, school I packed my bag and ate breakfast.

Answer: A

Coaching explanation:
An introductory phrase like Before school is followed by a comma in formal writing, especially in short 11 plus practice sentences. Option A places the comma correctly and keeps the rest of the sentence smooth. The other options put commas in the wrong place, splitting the sentence awkwardly. Reading aloud helps you hear where the natural pause belongs.

11 Plus Practice English

Choose the word closest in meaning to cautious.

A) careless
B) wary
C) noisy
D) cheerful

Answer: B

Coaching explanation:
Cautious means careful and alert to danger or mistakes. Wary is the closest match because it means careful and watchful. Careless is the opposite, and the other words do not relate to being careful. A helpful trick is to think of a sentence: “He was cautious crossing the road” fits “wary” naturally.

11 Plus Practice English

Which sentence is written in the future tense?

A) He played football.
B) He plays football.
C) He will play football.
D) He is playing football.

Answer: C

Coaching explanation:
Future tense usually uses will (or is going to). Option C clearly shows an action that has not happened yet. The other options describe past, present, or present continuous actions. When you see will, it is a strong signal that the sentence is in the future tense.

11 Plus Practice English

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

A) Every one of the books are missing.
B) Every one of the books is missing.
C) Every one of the books were missing.
D) Every one of the books have been missing.

Answer: B

Coaching explanation:
The subject is every one, which is treated as singular, so it takes is, not are. This is a common 11 plus practice grammar trap because books sounds plural. Always find the true subject of the sentence before choosing the verb. If you match the verb to the wrong word, you will pick an option that sounds right but breaks the rule.

11 Plus Practice English

Choose the sentence with no spelling mistakes.

A) The scientist made an important discoverey.
B) The teacher gave clear instructions.
C) The package was deliverd yesterday.
D) The speech was unforgetable.

Answer: B

Coaching explanation:
Only instructions is spelled correctly in a fully correct sentence. The other options include common misspellings such as missing letters or incorrect endings. In 11 plus practice, spelling questions often use words that look almost right, so slow down and check each word carefully. A good habit is to look for endings like -ed, -able, -ery and confirm they are correct.

English Comprehension — 11 plus practice

Approach: Use the passage as your proof. If you cannot point to the exact words that support an answer, it is probably wrong.

Passage:
Zara reread the message twice before replying.
Her fingers hovered over the keyboard, and she finally typed a short answer that revealed as little as possible.

11 Plus Practice Comprehension

Why did Zara reread the message twice?

A) She could not read it
B) She was thinking carefully
C) She was excited
D) She was bored

Answer: B

Coaching explanation:
Rereading twice suggests she is being careful and thinking before replying. There is no sign she cannot read it, and nothing shows boredom or excitement. In comprehension questions, choose the answer that matches the behaviour described. When a character double-checks something, it usually signals caution or thoughtfulness.

11 Plus Practice Comprehension

Which phrase best shows Zara was hesitant?

A) reread the message
B) twice
C) fingers hovered
D) short answer

Answer: C

Coaching explanation:
Fingers hovered over the keyboard strongly suggests hesitation because it shows she pauses before acting. The other options show carefulness, but hovering is the clearest picture of stopping and thinking. When asked for the best evidence, pick the phrase that most directly shows the idea. This helps you avoid choosing an answer that is only partly related.

11 Plus Practice Comprehension

What can you infer about Zara’s reply?

A) It was long and detailed
B) It was friendly and informal
C) It was brief and cautious
D) It was angry and rude

Answer: C

Coaching explanation:
The passage says she typed a short answer and wanted to reveal as little as possible. That points directly to a brief and cautious reply. The other options introduce feelings or details that are not stated. In 11 plus practice inference, keep close to what the author actually tells you.

11 Plus Practice Comprehension

Which words suggest Zara wanted to stay in control?

A) reread
B) finally
C) as little as possible
D) typed

Answer: C

Coaching explanation:
As little as possible shows she is choosing not to share much information. That is a clear sign of control and caution. The other words show actions, but not the reason behind them. Always look for phrases that reveal intention, not just what happened.

11 Plus Practice Comprehension

Which word best describes Zara’s attitude?

A) careless
B) cautious
C) playful
D) impatient

Answer: B

Coaching explanation:
Zara rereads the message, hesitates, and replies briefly to reveal as little as possible. All of these actions point to caution. There is no evidence of playfulness, impatience, or carelessness. When you choose a describing word, it should fit all the clues, not just one.

Verbal Reasoning — 11 plus practice

Approach: Decide the relationship first (opposites, categories, patterns, anagrams, synonyms). Then pick the option that matches that relationship exactly.

11 Plus Practice Verbal

Complete the analogy:
Up is to down as inside is to ______.

A) within
B) outside
C) above
D) behind

Answer: B

Coaching explanation:
Up and down are opposites. You need the opposite of inside, which is outside. Within is a synonym of inside, so it does not match the relationship. When solving analogies in 11 plus practice, identify whether the first pair are opposites or similar words before answering.

11 Plus Practice Verbal

Find the odd one out:

A) robin
B) sparrow
C) eagle
D) salmon

Answer: D

Coaching explanation:
Robin, sparrow, and eagle are birds, while salmon is a fish. The simplest method is to name the category for each word. If three share a category and one does not, that one is the odd one out. Try not to overthink: category questions reward quick, accurate grouping.

11 Plus Practice Verbal

Complete the sequence:
3, 6, 9, 12, ___

A) 13
B) 14
C) 15
D) 18

Answer: C

Coaching explanation:
The sequence increases by 3 each time. Add 3 to 12 to get 15. The answer choices include 18 to catch pupils who skip a step. Always check the difference between terms before moving on.

11 Plus Practice Verbal

Which word can be made from these letters?
NTAE

A) neat
B) net
C) ant
D) tan

Answer: A

Coaching explanation:
You must use all the letters once. Neat uses N, T, A, and E exactly once and forms a real word. The other options do not use all the letters. In 11 plus practice anagrams, always check you have used every letter before deciding.

11 Plus Practice Verbal

Which two words are closest in meaning?

A) brave – timid
B) tiny – small
C) early – late
D) fast – slow

Answer: B

Coaching explanation:
Tiny and small mean nearly the same thing, so they are synonyms. The other pairs are opposites, not similar meanings. A quick check is whether you could swap one word for the other in a sentence without changing the meaning. That habit improves accuracy in 11 plus practice synonym questions.

Next steps

If you want faster progress from your 11 plus practice, focus on the smallest set of habits that create the biggest score change: showing working in Maths, proving answers with evidence in Comprehension, and eliminating options systematically in Verbal Reasoning.

Want a personalised 11 plus practice plan? Get in contact.

11 plus practice FAQ

How often should we do 11 plus practice?

Short, consistent practice works best. Aim for 20–30 minutes, 4–5 days per week, with one longer mixed set at the weekend.

Should pupils do Set B timed?

Yes, once Set A is comfortable. Timing helps pupils practise calm decision-making under pressure, which is essential for 11+ performance.