Eleven Plus Test Papers: Free Sample Papers & Practice Tests for 2026
Preparing with the right eleven plus test papers is one of the best ways to help your child feel confident and prepared for the 11+ exam. Whether they’re applying to a grammar school or an independent school, practising realistic questions helps them become familiar with the exam format, improve time management, and identify areas that need extra attention. The most effective preparation combines high-quality practice papers with targeted revision, ensuring children understand the methods behind each question rather than simply memorising answers.
In this guide, you’ll find free eleven plus test papers, sample papers, and advice on using practice materials for Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. If you’re new to the 11+ journey, start with our 11 Plus Exam: Complete Parent’s Guide for a complete overview of the admissions process. To strengthen mathematical problem-solving, explore our 11 Plus Maths Topics guide, which covers the key topics children are expected to know before sitting the exam.
Page Contents
What Are Eleven Plus Test Papers?
What subjects do eleven plus test papers cover?
Most eleven plus test papers are designed to assess the core skills that grammar schools and many independent schools look for during the admissions process. While the exact format varies between schools and exam providers, the majority of papers include one or more of the following subjects:
- Mathematics: Number, arithmetic, fractions, percentages, ratios, algebra, geometry, measurement and problem-solving.
- English: Reading comprehension, grammar, spelling, punctuation, vocabulary and, in some schools, creative writing.
- Verbal Reasoning: Questions that test logic, vocabulary, pattern recognition and the ability to solve problems using words and language.
- Non-Verbal Reasoning: Visual reasoning questions involving shapes, patterns, sequences, rotations and spatial awareness.
Some schools assess all four subjects, while others focus only on Maths and English or use a combination of subjects depending on their admissions criteria. Before choosing practice papers, it’s important to check the format used by your target schools so your child practises the most relevant question types.
For a complete overview of the exam structure and subject requirements, read our 11 Plus Exam: Complete Parent’s Guide. If you’re focusing on Maths preparation, our 11 Plus Maths Topics guide explains the key concepts children should master before exam day.
Official papers vs practice papers
When searching for eleven plus test papers, you’ll come across both official past papers and practice papers. While both are valuable revision tools, they serve different purposes and should be used together as part of a balanced preparation plan.
Official papers are released by some grammar schools or exam providers and show the style, format and difficulty of real entrance exams. They are ideal for helping children become familiar with the types of questions they may encounter. However, many schools release only a small number of official papers—or none at all—so they shouldn’t be your child’s only source of practice.
Practice papers are created by educational publishers and tuition providers to reflect the format and difficulty of real 11+ exams. They offer a much wider range of questions, allowing children to build confidence, strengthen weaker topics and gain experience under timed conditions. The best practice papers focus on developing problem-solving skills rather than encouraging children to memorise answers.
A good revision strategy is to begin with topic-based practice papers to build understanding, then move on to full-length practice papers before using any available official papers closer to the exam. This helps children develop strong subject knowledge while also becoming comfortable with exam technique and time management.
If you’re unsure how the 11+ is structured, our 11 Plus Exam: Complete Parent’s Guide explains the different exam formats and what to expect on test day.
Free Eleven Plus Test Papers by Subject
Eleven Plus Maths Test Papers
Eleven plus Maths test papers help children develop the numerical skills and problem-solving techniques needed for success in the 11+ exam. While the exact content varies between schools and exam providers, most Maths papers assess a child’s ability to apply mathematical knowledge accurately under timed conditions rather than simply recall facts.
Common topics found in eleven plus Maths test papers include:
- Number and arithmetic
- Fractions, decimals and percentages
- Ratio and proportion
- Algebra
- Geometry and angles
- Perimeter, area and volume
- Measurements and units
- Data handling
- Multi-step word problems and mathematical reasoning
When using Maths practice papers, encourage your child to review every mistake after completing each paper. Understanding why an answer was incorrect is often more valuable than completing another paper straight away, as it helps strengthen weaker topics and improves long-term confidence.
If your child needs to build their mathematical foundations before attempting full papers, explore our 11 Plus Maths Topics guide, which explains the key concepts commonly tested in the 11+ exam.
Eleven Plus English Test Papers
Eleven plus English test papers help children develop the reading, grammar and vocabulary skills needed for success in the 11+ exam. Depending on the school or exam provider, English papers may focus on comprehension and language skills alone, while others also include creative writing tasks.
Common topics found in eleven plus English test papers include:
- Reading comprehension
- Grammar and sentence structure
- Spelling and punctuation
- Vocabulary and word meanings
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Inference and interpretation
- Cloze exercises
- Creative writing (where required)
Strong performance in English comes from regular reading as well as consistent practice with exam-style questions. Encourage your child to explain their answers, especially for comprehension questions, as this develops the reasoning skills examiners look for. Reviewing mistakes and learning unfamiliar vocabulary after each practice paper can also lead to steady improvement over time.
For a complete overview of the 11+ exam and the subjects your child may be tested on, read our 11 Plus Exam: Complete Parent’s Guide.
Eleven Plus Verbal Reasoning Test Papers
Eleven plus Verbal Reasoning test papers assess a child’s ability to think logically using words, letters and language patterns. These questions are designed to measure reasoning and problem-solving skills rather than knowledge learned in the classroom, making regular practice essential for improving speed and accuracy.
Common question types found in eleven plus Verbal Reasoning test papers include:
- Letter and word sequences
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Code-breaking and letter substitution
- Hidden words
- Analogies
- Alphabetical order
- Logical deductions
- Vocabulary-based reasoning
Many children find Verbal Reasoning challenging at first because the question formats are unfamiliar. Working through a variety of practice papers helps children recognise common patterns, expand their vocabulary and develop strategies for answering questions efficiently under timed conditions.
For a complete overview of the subjects and exam formats used in the 11+ assessment, read our 11 Plus Exam: Complete Parent’s Guide.
Eleven Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning Test Papers
Eleven plus Non-Verbal Reasoning test papers assess a child’s ability to recognise patterns, understand spatial relationships and solve visual problems. Unlike Maths or English, these questions rely on logical thinking rather than language skills, making them an important part of many 11+ entrance exams.
Common question types found in eleven plus Non-Verbal Reasoning test papers include:
- Shape sequences
- Pattern recognition
- Rotations and reflections
- Mirror images
- Codes and symbols
- Similarities and differences
- Cube and net problems
- Spatial reasoning
Many children improve significantly with regular practice because Non-Verbal Reasoning questions follow recognisable patterns. Completing a range of practice papers helps children become familiar with different question styles, improve their speed and build confidence before the exam.
To learn more about the structure of the 11+ exam and which subjects your chosen schools assess, read our 11 Plus Exam: Complete Parent’s Guide.
Eleven Plus Sample Test Papers
Who should use sample papers?
Eleven plus sample test papers are suitable for children at every stage of their 11+ preparation. Whether your child is just beginning to explore the exam or is approaching test day, sample papers provide valuable practice and help build familiarity with the question styles they are likely to encounter.
Children who are new to the 11+ can use sample papers to understand the structure of the exam and identify their strengths and areas for improvement. As their knowledge grows, more challenging papers can be introduced to develop problem-solving skills, accuracy and confidence. Closer to the exam, timed sample papers are particularly useful for improving exam technique, pacing and time management.
Sample papers are most effective when they are used alongside targeted revision. Rather than simply completing paper after paper, encourage your child to review mistakes, revisit difficult topics and practise similar questions until they fully understand the methods. This approach leads to stronger long-term progress and better exam performance.
When should children start using sample papers?
Most children benefit from using eleven plus sample test papers from Year 4 onwards, although the ideal starting point depends on their confidence and the schools they plan to apply to. Beginning with untimed, topic-based papers allows children to build a strong understanding of key concepts before moving on to full-length practice papers.
During Year 4, sample papers can be used to introduce different question types in Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning without the pressure of strict time limits. In Year 5, children should gradually increase the number of timed papers they complete, helping them improve speed, accuracy and exam technique as the 11+ approaches.
It’s important not to rely solely on practice papers. Children make the greatest progress when sample papers are combined with targeted revision and regular review of mistakes. Focusing on weaker topics between papers helps build confidence and ensures they develop the skills needed for success on exam day.
Ready to take the next step? While eleven plus test papers are an excellent way to build exam familiarity, expert guidance can make an even bigger difference. Book a free trial lesson to experience Think Academy’s interactive teaching, personalised feedback and structured approach to 11+ success.
Eleven Plus CEM Test Papers
What is the CEM format?
The CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) format was developed to assess a child’s reasoning, problem-solving and academic potential while reducing the benefits of excessive tutoring. Although many schools have now moved to other assessment providers, some schools and regions still use CEM-style questions or papers based on the same principles.
CEM-style eleven plus test papers typically include a mixture of:
- Mathematics
- English
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning (in some exams)
Rather than separating each subject into long sections, CEM papers often combine different question types into shorter, timed sections. This means children must switch quickly between Maths, vocabulary and reasoning tasks, making both speed and accuracy important.
Vocabulary plays a particularly significant role in many CEM-style exams, so regular reading, learning new words and practising a wide variety of question types can make a noticeable difference. When preparing, it’s helpful to use a range of CEM-style practice papers rather than focusing on just one subject, as this better reflects the varied nature of the exam.
How CEM practice differs from GL-style papers
Although both CEM and GL Assessment papers are used for 11+ entrance exams, they differ in their structure and the skills they emphasise. Understanding these differences can help you choose the most appropriate eleven plus test papers for your child’s target schools.
CEM-style papers often combine multiple subjects into shorter, timed sections that require children to switch quickly between Maths, English and reasoning questions. The emphasis is on working efficiently under pressure, with a strong focus on vocabulary, comprehension and problem-solving skills.
GL-style papers, by contrast, are generally more structured, with subjects presented in separate sections. Question types tend to be more consistent across papers, allowing children to become familiar with the format through regular practice. GL papers commonly assess Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, although the combination of subjects varies by school.
Before downloading practice papers, check which exam provider your chosen schools use. Matching your child’s preparation to the correct format ensures they become familiar with the style of questions and exam structure they are most likely to face on test day.
To understand which schools use different 11+ exam formats, read our 11 Plus Exam: Complete Parent’s Guide.
Eleven Plus Test Papers Free Download
Where to find free eleven plus test papers
There are many websites offering free eleven plus test papers, but the quality and relevance of these resources can vary. The best practice papers reflect the format and difficulty of real 11+ exams, helping children build confidence while developing the skills tested by grammar schools and independent schools.
A good place to start is with official papers released by schools or exam providers, as these provide the closest representation of real entrance exams. If official papers are limited, high-quality practice papers from trusted educational organisations can help children continue improving across Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
When choosing free resources, look for papers that:
- Match the format used by your target schools.
- Include clear answer sheets or mark schemes.
- Cover a range of subjects and question types.
- Are suitable for your child’s current ability.
- Encourage understanding rather than memorisation.
Remember that practice papers are most effective when combined with targeted revision. Reviewing mistakes, revisiting weaker topics and gradually increasing the difficulty of questions will help your child make steady progress throughout their 11+ preparation.
For a complete overview of the exam and how to build an effective revision plan, read our 11 Plus Exam: Complete Parent’s Guide.
How to choose high-quality practice papers
Not all eleven plus test papers provide the same level of preparation. High-quality practice papers should closely reflect the format, difficulty and question styles used in real 11+ exams, while helping children develop the reasoning and problem-solving skills needed to succeed.
When choosing practice papers, consider the following:
- Match your target schools: Select papers that follow the same exam format, whether that’s GL-style, CEM-style or a school’s own entrance test.
- Cover all relevant subjects: Choose papers that include Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning if these are assessed by your chosen schools.
- Include answer sheets or mark schemes: Detailed solutions help children understand where they went wrong and how to improve.
- Offer a range of difficulty levels: Start with easier or topic-based papers before progressing to full-length, timed practice papers.
- Use up-to-date materials: Look for recently published resources that reflect current 11+ exam expectations.
The best results come from using practice papers as a learning tool rather than simply measuring scores. Encourage your child to review every mistake, revisit weaker topics and repeat challenging questions after a few days. This approach builds confidence, strengthens understanding and leads to more consistent progress over time.
How to Use Eleven Plus Test Papers Effectively
Review mistakes instead of completing more papers
One of the biggest mistakes families make when using eleven plus test papers is moving straight on to the next paper without reviewing the previous one. While completing lots of practice papers may feel productive, real improvement comes from understanding why mistakes happened and learning how to avoid them in future.
After each paper, go through every incorrect answer with your child. Identify whether the mistake was caused by a lack of knowledge, a misunderstanding of the question, a calculation error or poor time management. Keeping a record of common mistakes can help reveal patterns and highlight the topics that need the most attention.
Encourage your child to revisit difficult questions a few days later without looking at the answers. Solving the problem independently reinforces learning and builds confidence. By focusing on quality rather than quantity, practice papers become a powerful learning tool that develops long-term understanding instead of short-term familiarity with question types.
Build exam technique and time management
Completing eleven plus test papers under realistic exam conditions helps children develop the technique and time management skills needed to perform well on the day. Even children with strong subject knowledge can lose marks if they struggle to manage their time or become overwhelmed by the pace of the exam.
As your child becomes more confident, gradually introduce timed practice sessions that reflect the format of their target schools. Encourage them to work steadily, avoid spending too long on a single question and move on if they get stuck. Leaving enough time to review answers at the end of the paper can also help catch simple mistakes.
After each timed paper, discuss not only which questions were answered incorrectly but also how time was used throughout the exam. If your child consistently runs out of time, identify where they slowed down and focus revision on those topics. With regular practice and thoughtful review, children can improve both their accuracy and their confidence, making them better prepared for the pressure of the real 11+ exam.
