Welcome to our 11+ blog titled, What’s the percentage pass mark for 11 plus?
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11+ pass mark
Firstly, the 11 plus pass mark each year is at least 80%.
Secondly that the 11+ CEM GL pass mark 2022 depends on what Local Educational Authority (LEA) you take the test in. Each region has its own pass marks for entry into a grammar school. In fully selective regions where there are many grammar schools, (i.e. Lincolnshire, Buckinghamshire, Kent) the pass mark is lower than in areas with fewer grammar schools (Greater London).
FREE 11 plus prep resources
School Entrance Tests offer a wide selection of 11 plus test practice resources. Try our free online 11plus maths test: Click here to start our 11 plus Maths quiz.
11_Plus_Maths_Sample-Paper and 11_Plus_Maths_practice-papers.
What is the 11 plus ethos?
So yes every year, in every 11 plus region, the 11 plus exam is very difficult. Even though most 11 plus content will have been covered by the national curriculum taught in all state schools. Most 11 plus applicants are now highly coached. At least a year, if not two years, prior to their 11 plus exam. Still, the intent of the 11 plus in setting such a high pass benchmark each year is to only select the academically gifted. For whom achieving a high 11 plus score is, of course, quite manageable.
- In addition, different schools within the same LEA may have different minimum pass marks.
- Also, 11 plus pass marks are standardised using a complex statistical process.
- Put simply, this means a child’s score is adjusted to reflect their age and the difficulty of the paper. Standardisation ensures fairness because older children would otherwise have an advantage.
- Some grammar schools select candidates by ranked order. Places are given to the children who performed best on the test.
- Other schools have a minimum pass mark and use other criteria, such as distance, faith, siblings, to select candidates. In conclusion, it is impossible to say exactly what percentage you need to pass the 11-plus.
- However, as an approximate figure, a child will need to score about 80—85% to pass. Obviously, in more competitive areas this figure may be higher.
What score will my child need to get into Grammar School?
For the schools that publish the standardised test score requirement, children normally need to score more than 110 in all their papers. Other schools do not have fixed standardised thresholds, instead ranking the students by their test scores and accepting as many of the top students for which they have places.
A score of 80-85% in mock exam papers is a good starting point that should set your child up for success when applying to competitive grammar schools (provided they continue to study and improve!).
What does previous years’ 11 plus pass mark data tell us?
| QUALIFYING SCORE 2018 | QUALIFYING SCORE 2017 | PUPIL PREMIUM PLACES | TOTAL NUMBER OF PLACES | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School | 204 | 204 | 32 | 192 |
| King Edward VI Aston School | 205 | 205 | 30 | 120 |
| King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys | 215 | 215 | 24 | 120 |
| King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls | 209 | 209 | 30 | 150 |
| King Edward VI Five Ways School | 200 | 200 | 36 | 180 |
| King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls | 205 | 209 | 32 | 160 |
Can you pass the 11 Plus without tuition?
- Yes, you can pass the 11 Plus without tuition.
- However, given the prevalence of tutoring for the 11 Plus, many parents view it as disadvantageous if their child does not work with a tutor to improve their learning.
- Most parents choose either online or in-person tutoring to help their child prepare for the 11 Plus exams, especially if they’re considering highly competitive schools.
11 Plus exam papers
- Firstly, our recommended 11 plus practice past papers.
- Secondly our Step-by-step guide to passing the 11 plus.
- Thirdly, our helpful 11 Plus Guide for parents.
- You may also find useful our guide called Where is my local grammar school?
