For many families the 11+ is shorthand for "grammar school exam", but in practice it covers two very different routes: state grammar schools (free and selective) and independent senior schools (fee-paying and selective). The exam is similar in spirit — English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning sit at the heart of both — but the papers, the timelines and the culture behind each route are genuinely different. Choosing well means understanding those differences before you pick which practice to prioritise. Our 11+ process guide maps the whole journey, but this post focuses on the fork in the road.
Grammar schools: free, selective and heavily oversubscribed
Grammar schools are state-funded, so a place costs nothing in fees — a long-term saving of tens of thousands of pounds compared with the independent route. The trade-off is fierce competition. In counties that still run selection (Kent, Buckinghamshire, Lincolnshire, parts of Birmingham, Trafford, Essex and others), the test is the single gatekeeper, and many schools receive several applicants for every place. Most grammar regions now use GL Assessment papers, which are multiple-choice, tightly timed at roughly a minute a question, with answers marked on a separate OMR sheet and no calculator allowed.
Two important exceptions are worth naming. Essex grammar schools use the CSSE consortium exam, which includes free-response maths rather than pure multiple choice. And you may still hear parents talk about "CEM" papers — CEM discontinued its traditional 11+ tests around 2022-2023, and most former CEM regions have moved to GL or bespoke papers, so treat older "GL vs CEM" advice with caution.
Independent schools: bespoke papers and a wider assessment
Independent senior schools are fee-paying and set their own admissions. Many use the ISEB Common Pre-Test, an online, adaptive assessment taken in Year 6 (sometimes Year 5) covering English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Others write entirely bespoke papers, and a large number add a creative or continuous writing task, a group activity, and an interview. The result is a broader picture of the child than a single timed reasoning test provides. If your target is independent, budget practice time for extended writing and for talking confidently about interests — skills a purely multiple-choice grammar syllabus can under-train.
Side-by-side: the two routes at a glance
| Feature | Grammar (state) | Independent (fee-paying) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Termly fees (bursaries/scholarships possible) |
| Typical test | GL Assessment (CSSE in Essex) | ISEB Common Pre-Test or bespoke papers |
| Format | Mostly multiple choice, OMR sheet | Often mixed, plus a writing task |
| Extra assessment | Rarely | Interview, creative writing, activity common |
| Scoring | Standardised Age Score, age-adjusted | Varies; standardised or raw plus interview |
| Registration | Local authority / consortium, often earlier | Directly with each school |
Because deadlines differ, families frequently do both — sitting a grammar test as a free option and one or two independent exams as insurance. Check the key dates for each target school early; independent registration can close a full year before the assessment.
How scoring works — and why it matters for both
Most grammar schools report a Standardised Age Score (SAS), which adjusts each child's raw marks for their age in months so a September-born and an August-born pupil are compared fairly. Scores typically run from roughly 69 to 141, with 100 as the national average. Many grammars need around 111 or above to qualify, but exact pass marks vary by area and year and should never be assumed. Independent schools may use standardised scores too, but they weigh them alongside writing and interview, so a single number tells you less. When you sit our free mock papers, treat the standardised result as a trend, not a verdict.
Which should you target?
The right answer depends on local options, finances and — most importantly — your child's character. Use this quick self-check:
- Finances: Is a grammar place a necessity, or could you sustain fees (or pursue a bursary or scholarship)?
- Geography: Are there strong grammars within a realistic commute, or is the nearest selective option independent?
- Temperament: Does your child relish fast, high-pressure multiple-choice tests, or shine more in extended writing and conversation?
- Breadth: Would smaller classes, music, sport or pastoral support tip the balance toward an independent?
- Backup: What is the excellent non-selective school you would be genuinely happy with if selection does not go your way?
A child who thrives on academic intensity may flourish at a competitive grammar; a quieter, creative child might be happier at an independent with smaller classes. There is no single "best" route — only the best fit for one particular family. Whatever you choose, the four core skills overlap heavily, so start with broad practice on our free worksheets and the revision hub, then specialise once you know the exact paper. If you are still deciding between schools, the grammar school directory shows which board each area uses.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 11+ the same for grammar and independent schools?
The subjects overlap — English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning — but grammars mostly use GL multiple-choice papers (CSSE in Essex), while independents often use the ISEB Common Pre-Test or bespoke papers and frequently add a writing task and interview.
Can my child sit both?
Yes, and many do. Because registration deadlines differ, sitting a free grammar test alongside one or two independent exams is a common insurance strategy. Watch the dates carefully, as independent registration often closes much earlier.
What score does my child need for a grammar school?
Many grammars look for a Standardised Age Score around 111 or above, but exact pass marks vary by area, school and year, so never rely on a fixed figure. Practise with timed centre-specific mocks to gauge readiness against your actual target.