How does the 11 plus differ in the state sector from the private sector?

The variety in the way the exams are set differs from one independent school to another in the same way that the exams set in one county may differ from how the exams are set in a neighbouring county. 

Each school or county will be able to tell you what type of exam or exams will be set and may be able to offer you past papers, if they are not changing too radically. It is important that you do ask about the availability of this sample material which ever 11 plus exam you are looking at.

There is often a huge difference between a Mathematics paper set by two different organisations and familiarity will make it easier for the pupil to settle down at the start of the exam.

The BOFA Mathematics papers are set with this in mind and are designed to cover all possible aspects of the exam but will not look identical to any particular paper.

What happens in state schools with the 11 plus?

Each county acts independently, with each county’s own 11 plus system.   This means that some will do 4 exams in Mathematics, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-verbal Reasoning, where as others may just do Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning. 

The system is continually changing, and you should look at the information being given by your local county council to be fully up to date with the latest developments.  Your local council should be your first port of call although your local school should service you with the same information.  We will try and keep you posted on the 11 plus News pages as often as possible.