11+ Exam Types
Grammar schools across England use different entrance exams depending on their region and consortium. Understanding which test applies to your target schools is the first step in effective preparation.
6+
Exam Systems
163
Grammar Schools
22
Consortiums
GL · CEM · CSSE
Test Boards
Test registration and CAF are separate processes
You must register for each test directly with the consortium or school — often months before the CAF deadline of 31 October. Missing a registration deadline means your child cannot sit that test, regardless of your CAF preferences.
Major Exam Systems
Kent Test
The largest consortium — 32 grammar schools across Kent
Bexley Selection Test
Bexley's own 11+ — for the borough's four grammar schools
CSSE 11+
Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex
GL Assessment
Used by Buckinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Trafford, Wirral and more
CEM (Durham)
Centre for Evaluation & Monitoring — used by select standalone schools
SET (Southend)
Selective Eligibility Test for Southend grammar schools
School-Specific Tests
Bespoke entrance exams set by individual grammar schools
All Consortiums
Grammar schools are grouped into regional consortiums that share a common entrance test. Here is the complete list.
Bexley Selection Test
Bournemouth/Poole
Buckinghamshire 11+
CSSE
CSSE 11+
Devon/Torbay
FSCE
Gloucestershire 11+
KEF Birmingham
Kent Test
Lincolnshire 11+
London/SE Standalone
Medway Test
Other Standalone
Reading Schools
SET
Slough Consortium
Trafford Grammar Schools
Warwickshire
West Midlands (other)
Wirral 11+
Yorkshire
How the 11+ Process Works
Step 1
Register for Tests
Register with each consortium or school directly. Deadlines can be as early as May/June for September tests.
Step 2
Sit the Exam
Your child sits the 11+ entrance test — format varies by exam board (GL, CEM, CSSE, etc.).
Step 3
Submit the CAF
Submit your Common Application Form to your home local authority by 31 October, ranking schools in genuine preference order.
Step 4
Receive Offers
National offer day is 1 March. You receive one offer for the highest-ranked school you qualified for.
Not sure which test applies to you?
Enter your postcode and target schools — our Chances Calculator identifies which tests your child needs to sit and what scores they'll need.