Independent school 11+: a parent's guide
Independent schools set their own 11+ entry. Many use their own English and maths papers; others use the ISEB Common Pre-Test or a reasoning test, followed by an interview.
Unlike grammar school 11+, there is no single exam board, so it pays to read each school's admissions page carefully.
Common parts
English comprehension and writing, maths problem solving, often verbal and non-verbal reasoning, and an interview or group activity. Assessments usually take place in Year 6, from November to January.
A simple plan
Year 4: confidence and wide topic coverage. Year 5: deeper maths and English plus reasoning. Year 6: timed exam-style practice. Pass Masters follows this plan by year group.
Is a private school 11+ harder than grammar school 11+?
Not necessarily harder, but it varies more. Some papers go beyond the Year 6 curriculum, and many schools add an interview.
Does Pass Masters include writing practice?
Our timed tests include writing tasks with readable feedback. Interview preparation is not included.
- Abingdon School
- Alleyn's School
- Bedales School
- Benenden School
- Bristol Grammar School
- Cheltenham Ladies' College
- City of London School
- Clifton College
- Downe House
- Dulwich College
- Godolphin and Latymer
- Guildford High School
- Haberdashers' Boys' School
- Haberdashers’ Girls’ School
- Haileybury
- Hampton School
- Highgate School
- James Allen's Girls' School
- King Edward's School Birmingham
- Lady Eleanor Holles
- Latymer Upper School
- Magdalen College School Oxford
- Manchester Grammar School
- North London Collegiate School
- Nottingham High School
- Oundle School
- Reading Blue Coat School
- Royal Grammar School Guildford
- Sevenoaks School
- Solihull School
- St Albans School
- St Paul's Girls' School
- Stephen Perse Foundation
- Surbiton High School
- The Perse School Cambridge
- Trinity School
- University College School
- Uppingham School
- Westminster School
- Whitgift School
- Withington Girls’ School
- Wycombe Abbey
Pass Masters is an independent practice platform. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to this school, ISEB, GL Assessment, CEM or any exam board. Our questions are original practice material, not past papers. Entry requirements change, so always check the school's own admissions page.