Free 11+ Practice Papers (2026–27)
Last checked: · Links go to the official source
Free 11+ practice papers and familiarisation booklets – every one we could find, grouped by subject: Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Each one links to the organisation that wrote it, so you always get the genuine, up-to-date version.
Below the papers you’ll find which test your area uses, the 11+ timeline and tips for using practice papers well.
Deadlines coming up
- 31 October 2026 – national deadline to apply for a secondary school place (September 2027 entry). Apply through your home council.
- 6 November 2026 – registration closes for the London 11+ Consortium (independent girls’ schools).
- Independent school registration closing soon: Magdalen College School 31 Oct, Highgate 4 Nov, St Paul’s Girls’ and Whitgift 6 Nov, Alleyn’s 13 Nov, Stockport Grammar 11 Dec 2026.
- Now until late May 2027 – ISEB Common Pre-Test window for independent schools.
- Child in Year 5? Most areas publish dates for September 2028 entry in spring 2027, with registration from May to July 2027.
- Gloucestershire is different: registration runs 8 February – 19 March 2027 and the test is on 3 July 2027, while children are still in Year 5.
Find 11+ tests and papers near you
Enter your postcode (or just the first part, like IG8) to see which 11+ tests are set in your area and which school papers are closest.
Your postcode is looked up with postcodes.io to find your council area. PrimaryTools doesn’t store it. Results are a guide – grammar schools often take children from neighbouring areas, so always check each school’s admissions policy.
Free PrimaryTools 11+ short papers
Our own practice papers are half the length of a typical 11+ paper but keep the real pace, so practice fits into a busy week. Each comes with an answer guide that explains every answer and gives a tip for getting it right next time.
Paper 1 in each subject is free to download now. Papers 2–11 are coming soon – they’re being finalised and aren’t available yet.
Maths Paper 1
By PrimaryTools
- Length 25 questions · 25 minutes
- Level Warm-up · no calculator
English Paper 1
By PrimaryTools
- Length 25 questions · 25 minutes
- Extra Optional 15-minute writing task
Reasoning Paper 1
By PrimaryTools
- Length 36 questions · 30 minutes
- Covers 20 verbal + 16 non-verbal questions
More free 11+ papers by subject
Filter by subject, then click through to download from the source. Some publishers ask for a free sign-up first – we’ve flagged those.
Exam board and publisher papers
GL Assessment 11+ familiarisation papers
By GL Assessment – the board behind most grammar school tests
- Subjects English, Maths, VR, NVR, NVR & Maths, Verbal Skills
- Format Printable PDFs (ZIP download)
- Access Free, no sign-up
Eleven Plus Exams free papers
By Eleven Plus Exams
- Subjects English, Maths, VR, NVR
- Format Printable PDFs
- Access Free, no sign-up
Bond free 11+ test papers
By Bond 11+ (Oxford University Press)
- Subjects English, Maths, VR, NVR, plus a CEM-style paper
- Format Printable PDFs
- Access Free registration needed
ISEB Pre-Tests walkthrough
By ISEB – the online test many independent schools use
- Subjects English, Maths, VR, NVR
- Format Interactive online demo
- Access Free
Official area test booklets
Published by councils and test providers so every child can see the question types before test day.
Kent Test familiarisation booklet
By Kent County Council / GL Assessment
- Subjects Reasoning, English, Maths
- Answers Yes, with explanations
- Access Free, no sign-up
Medway Test familiarisation booklet
By Medway Council
- Subjects English, Maths
- Format PDF
- Access Free, no sign-up
Bexley Selection Test familiarisation booklets
By Quest Assessments for the London Borough of Bexley
- Subjects English, Maths, VR, NVR + answer sheet
- Extras Reading and vocabulary lists
- Access Free, no sign-up
Slough Consortium familiarisation booklets
By Quest Assessments for Herschel, Langley, St Bernard’s and Upton Court
- Subjects English, Maths, VR, NVR + answer sheet
- Extras Children’s guide, reading and vocabulary lists
- Access Free, no sign-up
Tiffin School familiarisation booklets
By Quest Assessments for Tiffin School
- Subjects English, Maths + answer sheet
- Extras Children’s and parents’ guides, reading lists
- Access Free, no sign-up
Wirral 11+ candidate information pack
By Quest Assessments and the Wirral Consortium
- Subjects Maths, VR, NVR familiarisation booklets
- Extras Test-day guide, reading and vocabulary lists
- Access Free, no sign-up
FSCE familiarisation guides
By Future Stories Community Enterprise (FSCE), the new Gloucestershire test provider
- Contains Guides for parents and children, test information sheet, FAQs
- Note FSCE says there are no authorised past or practice papers
SEAG practice materials
By the Schools’ Entrance Assessment Group
- Subjects English, Maths
- Answers Parent guide with answers
- Access Free
North Yorkshire selective schools
By North Yorkshire Council
- For Ripon Grammar School
- Note Ripon’s test format changed from September 2026 – use GL’s Verbal Skills and NVR & Maths papers
School sample and past papers
Written by the schools themselves, grouped by region. Most are meant for families applying to that school – check each school’s terms.
London grammar schools
St Olave’s Grammar School
Stage 1 and Stage 2 sample questions
- Subjects English, logic (VR/NVR), Maths
- Extras Example answer sheet
Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet
Sample test papers
- Subjects English, Maths (multiple choice)
The Latymer School
English specimen papers; GL samples for Maths and VR
- Subjects English, Maths, VR
London, Home Counties and South East independent schools
Alleyn’s School
English sample, two Maths samples, syllabus and reasoning samples
- Test Reasoning, English, Maths – early January
- Register by 13 Nov 2026
Bancroft’s School
Sample 11+ Maths and English papers, plus CEM reasoning practice
- Test Online reasoning, short English and Maths papers
- Next test Tue 5 January 2027
Dulwich College
Specimen papers
- Subjects English, Maths
Emanuel School
11+ entry information
- Subjects See school page
Haileybury
Year 7 sample papers
- Subjects Maths, English, Reading
Highgate School
English practice papers 1–3, Maths A with answers, tutorial films
- Register by noon, 4 Nov 2026
- Test Early December
Latymer Upper School
Sample 11+ papers I and II
- Answers Not provided
Merchant Taylors’ School, Northwood
Specimen English paper and reading booklet, Maths paper
- Note General Paper specimens not published
Sevenoaks School
English and Maths past papers 2017–2024, plus a 2023 Maths mark scheme
- Test ISEB Pre-Test + English, Maths, group discussion
St Paul’s Girls’ School
2027 sample papers: English, two Maths, General Comprehension
- Register by 9am, 6 Nov 2026
- Test ISEB Pre-Test + written papers 5 Dec 2026
Whitgift School
Some sample papers available on request
- Test English, Maths, Thinking Skills
- Register by 6 Nov 2026
Magdalen College School
Creative writing sample + Quest familiarisation questions
- Test Online Maths, VR, NVR, English + written creative writing
- Register by 31 Oct 2026
Midlands and East
King Edward’s School
Maths sample questions, English comprehension and composition samples
- Test Maths and English, one hour each (no VR from 2026)
Solihull School
11+ sample papers and syllabus
- Extras Links to VR/NVR familiarisation
The Perse School
Two English and two Maths sample papers, with Maths solutions
- Subjects English, Maths
North West and North
The Manchester Grammar School
Year 7 entrance exam past papers
- Note For MGS candidates’ own preparation
Withington Girls’ School
English and Maths past papers 2022–2025
- Note No VR/NVR samples
Stockport Grammar School
English model paper, Maths sample, three VR test booklets – all with answers
- Register by 11 Dec 2026
- Test Tue 12 Jan 2027
Merchant Taylors’ School, Crosby
Maths and English practice papers
- Test Year 7 Entrance Assessment, November
The King’s School, Chester
Sample papers
- Subjects English, Maths
Online tasters and familiarisation tests
Many independent schools now use online tests (Quest, Atom, ISEB, CEM) instead of paper exams. Instead of past papers, they offer a free taster so children can try the screen and question styles.
Chigwell School familiarisation test
Free Quest taster, recommended for all applicants
- Test English, VR, Maths, NVR, puzzles, creative comprehension + 30-min writing task
Forest School familiarisation exercise
Short online practice of the test format (Atom)
- Test Maths, NVR, VR, English, puzzles online + 30-min written English
- Usual test December
St Albans School familiarisation test
Free Quest taster
- Test Quest online assessment
Aldenham School taster test
Free Quest taster
- Test Maths, English, VR, NVR, puzzles, creative comprehension (105 min)
CEM Select familiarisation
Free practice of the CEM computer-based test
- Used by Hymers College, Bancroft’s School and others
Older papers – still great practice
These are genuine papers from schools and councils, but the test they were written for has since changed – a new format, a new provider or a new year. They’re still excellent for practising skills like comprehension, arithmetic and reasoning. Just don’t use them to judge timing or likely scores. Older files are sometimes removed, so links here may stop working.
Bradford Grammar School specimen questions
Year 7 English and Maths specimen paper from the January 2018 assessment
- Answers None
- Why older Format may have changed since 2018
St Paul’s Girls’ School English sample
First Year entrance English paper from 2016
- Why older SPGS now publishes 2027 samples – use this as extra reading practice
Magdalen College School English sample
11+ English paper from before MCS moved to online tests
- Why older English is now online; still good comprehension practice
Sevenoaks School earlier past papers
The older years on Sevenoaks’ past papers page
- Why older Pre-date the current ISEB + written format
North Yorkshire VR familiarisation booklet
GL verbal reasoning booklet from Ripon’s old test
- Why older Ripon switched to Verbal Skills from Sept 2026
North Yorkshire NVR familiarisation booklet
GL non-verbal reasoning booklet from Ripon’s old test
- Why older Ripon switched to NVR with Maths from Sept 2026
St Olave’s Stage 2 sample questions
English and Maths Stage 2 samples written for 2021 entry
- Why older Five years old; Stage 2 format may have moved on
Know of a free official paper we’ve missed, or spotted a broken link? Email info@primarytools.co.uk (or use our contact page) and we’ll add it.
Coming soon: the full sets
Papers 2–11 for Maths, English and Reasoning aren’t out yet – we’re finalising them now. They build from warm-up to stretch level, each with a full answer guide.
Which 11+ test does my area use?
The test your child sits depends on where you live and which schools you apply to. Dates below are for the most recent test (September 2027 entry) to show the usual pattern – always confirm on the official page.
| Area | Test | What’s tested | Registration | Last test | Official info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buckinghamshire | Secondary Transfer Test (GL) | GL mix | May–June | 10 Sep 2026 | Bucks Council |
| Kent | Kent Test (GL) | Reasoning, English, Maths | June | 10–13 Sep 2026 | Kent County Council |
| Medway | Medway Test | English, Maths | By mid-June | 15–20 Sep 2026 | Medway Council |
| Essex & Southend | CSSE (written) | English, Maths | May–June | 19 Sep 2026 | CSSE |
| Redbridge | Council test | English & VR; Maths & NVR | May–June | 18 Sep 2026 | Redbridge Council |
| Bexley | Bexley Selection Test (Quest) | Verbal & English; Numerical & NVR | Summer | September | Quest / Bexley |
| Sutton | Selective Eligibility Test, then 2nd stage | English, Maths | May–July | 15 Sep 2026 | Sutton Grammar |
| Barnet – QE Boys | Own test, one round | English, Maths | May–July | 16–17 Sep 2026 | QE Barnet |
| Bexley – St Olave’s | Own test, two stages | English, logic, Maths | Summer | September | St Olave’s |
| Lincolnshire | Consortium test (GL) | VR; NVR & spatial | January–March (early!) | 11–19 Sep 2026 | Lincolnshire County Council |
| North Yorkshire – Ripon | GL | Verbal Skills; NVR with Maths | Summer | 12 Sep 2026 | North Yorkshire Council |
| Warwickshire | GL | GL mix | May–June | 12–13 Sep 2026 | Warwickshire County Council |
| Gloucestershire | FSCE (new from 2026) | English & Maths (multiple choice and written), plus one other school subject | 8 Feb – 19 Mar 2027 (2028 entry) | 3 Jul 2027 – in Year 5 | The Crypt School |
| Slough | Slough Consortium (Quest) | English, Maths, VR, NVR | From May 2027 (2028 entry) | September | Quest / Slough |
| Kingston – Tiffin School | Quest, two stages | English, Maths | Summer | Autumn; stage 2 mid-November | Quest / Tiffin |
| Wirral | Quest | VR; Maths & NVR | Closed 31 May 2026 | 15 Sep 2026 | Wirral Council |
| Trafford, Birmingham, Torbay | GL-based | GL mix | Usually May–July | September | Your local council |
| Northern Ireland | SEAG | English, Maths | See SEAG | Autumn | SEAG |
| Independent schools | ISEB Pre-Test, Quest, Atom or own exam | English, Maths, VR, NVR | Varies | Sep 2026 – May 2027 | ISEB |
Some superselective schools (for example Henrietta Barnett and Tiffin Girls’) run their own tests on different dates. Check each school’s admissions page.
The 11+ timeline at a glance
- Year 5, springAreas publish test dates. Lincolnshire registration can open in January.
- Year 5, summer termOpen evenings. Register for the test – most windows run May to July. Gloucestershire’s test is in July of Year 5.
- Year 6, SeptemberMost grammar school tests take place.
- Year 6, late September–early NovemberSecond-stage tests at some superselective schools.
- Year 6, mid-OctoberResults arrive, before you apply.
- Year 6, 31 OctoberNational deadline for secondary school applications.
- Year 6, November–JanuaryMany independent school exams.
- Year 6, 1 MarchNational Offer Day.
How to use 11+ practice papers well
- Start with familiarisation, not timingLet your child see each question type without a clock first. Speed comes later.
- Little and oftenShort, regular sessions beat one long paper at the weekend. A tired child’s score tells you little.
- Match the testUse papers in the style your area actually sets – see the table above.
- Mark it togetherTalk through wrong answers. Explaining their thinking out loud helps children far more than a score.
- Practise the answer sheetMany tests use multiple-choice answer sheets. Filling them in neatly is a skill worth practising.
- Keep readingWide reading builds the vocabulary that English and Verbal Reasoning papers rely on.
Frequently asked questions
Are these 11+ practice papers really free?
Yes. Every link goes to a free paper published by its owner – an exam board, council, school or publisher. A few publishers ask you to register for free first. We don’t list paid papers as free.
Why don’t you host the papers yourselves?
The papers belong to the organisations that wrote them, and most don’t allow copies on other websites. Linking to the official page means you always get the latest version from the people who set the test.
When should my child start practising for the 11+?
Most families start gently in Year 5. Registration for most grammar school tests runs from May to July of Year 5, and the tests are usually in September of Year 6.
What is the difference between GL, CSSE and other 11+ tests?
GL Assessment writes the tests used by most grammar school areas, usually a mix of English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Some areas and schools set their own – for example CSSE in Essex, the Sutton SET and individual superselective schools. Check the table above for your area.
Do independent schools publish 11+ past papers?
Some do, such as Bancroft’s, Manchester Grammar and Latymer Upper. Many others, including Chigwell, Forest School and St Albans, now use online tests from providers such as Quest, Atom or ISEB. Instead of past papers they offer a free online taster test so children can practise the format.
Are old 11+ papers still worth doing?
Yes, for practising skills. Older papers still build comprehension, arithmetic and reasoning. Because test formats change, don’t use them to judge timing or likely scores – use the current familiarisation materials for that.
When is the deadline to apply for a secondary school place?
In England it’s 31 October of Year 6 – for September 2027 entry, that’s 31 October 2026. National Offer Day is 1 March 2027.
Credits
All papers and booklets linked on this page remain the copyright of their owners: GL Assessment, Eleven Plus Exams, Bond (Oxford University Press), ISEB, Kent County Council, Medway Council, Quest Assessments, London Borough of Bexley, SEAG, North Yorkshire Council, St Olave’s Grammar School, Queen Elizabeth’s School Barnet, The Manchester Grammar School, Latymer Upper School, Dulwich College, Emanuel School, The King’s School Chester, Bancroft’s School, Chigwell School, Forest School, St Albans School, Aldenham School, Quest Assessments, the Slough Consortium, Tiffin School, the Wirral Consortium, Future Stories Community Enterprise (FSCE), The Crypt School, The Latymer School, Alleyn’s School, Haileybury, Highgate School, Merchant Taylors’ School Northwood, Sevenoaks School, St Paul’s Girls’ School, Whitgift School, Magdalen College School, King Edward’s School Birmingham, Solihull School, The Perse School, Withington Girls’ School, Stockport Grammar School, Merchant Taylors’ School Crosby, Bradford Grammar School and CEM. PrimaryTools is not affiliated with any of these organisations. Test dates are a guide only – always confirm with the school or council.