What is 11 Plus ? 

It is the stage at which primary students in UK transition to secondary education. Children can go to either a non-selective schools – aka Comprehensive (state) schools or can choose try admission for a selective school. 

 

What are types of selective schools ? 

First type of selective schools are Grammar schools which usually funded by state. Second type is the Independent Schools which are private schools.  

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What is the benefit of selective school over comprehensive school ? 

Best way to understand and verify this is to visit the school on Open days (Please see open day dates on school website – usually they happen in early summer till September). Usually, there are difference in educational performance, facilities, extra curricular activities and environment.

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Does each area/council have Grammar schools ? 

No. Only few areas in UK have Grammar schools. Please see list of schools here.

If your area doesn’t have good comprehensive or private school options you may choose to try admission for a Grammar school which is out of your area. The school may have preference for children closer to school. In some cases people choose to move to the area which has Grammar schools. 

 

When selection exams for Grammar schools happen ? When one should start preparation. 

11 Plus exams happen at the end of year 5 – start of year 6 which is usually September month. Good Grammar schools are usually oversubscribed hence there is high competition. Starting the preparation in year 4 is ideal, but starting in beginning of year 5 may also be fine – but might need some extra effort.