How the 11+ differs by area
There is no single 11+. Each area chooses its own test, so the papers, timings and question styles change depending on where you live. Find your area below.
Taken from council and test provider guidance, checked October 2026. Details can change each year, so always check your council’s admissions page.
Kent
- Paper 1: English and maths, two 30-minute sections (5 minutes of practice, then 25 minutes).
- Paper 2: verbal and non-verbal reasoning, about an hour including practice.
All multiple choice with five options, marked by computer. A 40-minute writing task is only read if a headteacher panel reviews the result.
Buckinghamshire
- Paper 1, verbal skills: English (comprehension, spelling, punctuation, best word) and verbal reasoning.
- Paper 2: maths and non-verbal reasoning, the non-verbal part in short timed sections.
All multiple choice, mostly five options. Some questions need two answers. Instructions are played as audio. About 45 minutes per paper.
Birmingham and Warwickshire
- Papers and timings are set locally.
GL Assessment style multiple choice. Check the admissions page for this year's papers.
Gloucestershire
- Papers and timings are set locally.
GL Assessment style multiple choice. Check the admissions page for this year's papers.
Lincolnshire
- Papers and timings are set locally.
GL Assessment style multiple choice. Check the admissions page for this year's papers.
Essex (CSSE schools)
- English: 60 minutes, plus 10 minutes of reading time.
- Maths: 60 minutes.
English and maths only, with no verbal or non-verbal reasoning paper. Question styles are set by the consortium.
Bexley
- Paper 1: verbal ability and English comprehension.
- Paper 2: numerical reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
About 50 minutes per paper. Multiple choice, usually five options, answered on a mark sheet.
Slough
- Paper 1: English comprehension and verbal reasoning.
- Paper 2: non-verbal reasoning and maths.
About 50 minutes per paper, answered on a mark sheet. A reading booklet may be provided.
Northern Ireland
- Two papers in the same format.
- Each paper: 28 English (or Gaeilge) and 28 maths questions in 60 minutes.
Based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum. No verbal or non-verbal reasoning.
How we use your area
Set your child’s exam area on your dashboard. Their tutor sees it too, so homework can match the real test. If your area has no reasoning paper, such as Essex or Northern Ireland, we tell you which subjects to focus on.
All our questions are original. We study the free familiarisation material each test provider publishes and write new questions in the same style. We are not connected to any council or test provider.
Create a free accountUnsure of your area? Pick “Not sure / other” and we will use GL Assessment style, which most areas use.