11 Plus Worksheets: Free Printable Practice for the 11+ Exam

The 11 Plus exam is one of the most significant assessments in the UK education system. Sat by children in Year 6 (typically aged 10 or 11), the 11+ is used by grammar schools and selective independent schools to determine entry. For families in areas with grammar schools — including parts of Kent, Essex, Buckinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Birmingham, and others — preparing for the 11+ is a major priority from Year 4 or 5 onwards. This guide explains what the 11+ involves, which topics to focus on, and how to use worksheets effectively in preparation.

**What Does the 11 Plus Cover?**

The 11+ is not a single national exam — different schools and local authorities use different tests, typically produced by GL Assessment or CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring). However, most 11+ exams draw from four main areas:

Verbal Reasoning: This tests a child's ability to understand and reason using language. Common verbal reasoning question types include finding words with similar meanings (synonyms), finding the odd one out from a group of words, completing word analogies ("cat is to kitten as dog is to ___"), working out codes, and solving word sequences.

Non-Verbal Reasoning: This assesses the ability to identify patterns, relationships, and sequences using shapes and diagrams rather than words. Non-verbal reasoning is considered to be less dependent on prior academic learning and is used to test raw analytical ability. Common question types include identifying the next shape in a sequence, finding the odd shape out, and completing matrices.

Mathematics: 11+ maths covers the full KS2 curriculum with some extension. Key topics include the four operations with large numbers, fractions and percentages, ratio and proportion, algebra, geometry (area, perimeter, angles), data handling, and multi-step word problems. Speed and accuracy are both important, as many 11+ maths sections are timed.

English: 11+ English typically includes a reading comprehension passage with comprehension questions, a writing task (narrative or descriptive), and sometimes a grammar, vocabulary, and spelling section. Strong vocabulary is particularly important in 11+ English, as questions often ask children to identify the meaning of words in context.

**When to Start 11+ Preparation**

Most families begin serious 11+ preparation in Year 5, leaving a full year before the exam (which is typically sat in September or October of Year 6). However, some children begin earlier, particularly if their school does not naturally cover all the extension content tested at 11+.

The most effective approach is to begin with a realistic mock test to identify which areas need the most work, then focus practice on those areas using targeted worksheets, before moving to full mixed-practice and timed conditions closer to the exam.

**Using Worksheets for 11+ Preparation**

Worksheets are one of the most efficient tools for 11+ preparation because they allow focused, repeatable practice on specific question types. Here is how to use them strategically.

For verbal reasoning, produce worksheets that focus on one question type at a time initially. If synonyms are a weak area, practise synonyms exclusively until the child is confident and fast. Then move to the next type. Once all types are individually secure, move to mixed verbal reasoning worksheets that replicate the exam format.

For non-verbal reasoning, visual pattern worksheets are essential. These train children to look systematically at shapes — checking for changes in size, rotation, shading, and position. The key skill is developing a methodical approach: always check each attribute in order rather than guessing.

For maths, use worksheets to drill any KS2 topics that are not yet secure, then introduce extension topics such as harder fractions, algebraic thinking, and complex word problems. Timed arithmetic worksheets are particularly valuable — speed and accuracy under pressure is a key differentiator in 11+ maths.

For English, comprehension worksheets using challenging, longer passages develop the reading stamina needed for the exam. Encourage your child to annotate the text before answering questions, underlining key information and key words in the questions. Vocabulary worksheets that introduce and test high-level synonyms are also very effective.

**The Importance of Timed Practice**

Unlike many primary assessments, the 11+ is strictly timed. Children who have only ever completed worksheets at their own pace often struggle when placed under exam conditions for the first time. Introduce timed practice well in advance of the exam — at least three months before — so that working quickly feels normal rather than stressful.

Start with generous time allowances and gradually reduce them to mirror the actual exam timing. Track accuracy at each speed level: the goal is to maintain high accuracy at exam speed, not just to complete the paper quickly.

**Building Vocabulary for 11+ Success**

Vocabulary breadth is one of the biggest differentiators between children who excel at the 11+ and those who struggle, particularly in verbal reasoning and English comprehension. Worksheets that introduce and test challenging vocabulary — words such as benevolent, tenacious, melancholy, turbulent, frugal — in context are extremely valuable.

Encourage your child to read widely above their comfort level. Books, quality newspapers, and non-fiction texts all expand vocabulary in a way that worksheets alone cannot fully replicate. Worksheets and wider reading work together.

**Generate Free 11+ Worksheets Instantly**

Worksheets Generator allows you to create free 11+ preparation worksheets on any topic instantly. Select the 10–11 age group (or 11–13 for extension level), enter a specific topic — such as "11 plus verbal reasoning synonyms", "11 plus maths word problems", "11 plus English comprehension", or "non-verbal reasoning sequences" — choose Advanced difficulty, and click Create. Each worksheet comes with a full answer key, ready to print for immediate use.