About the Independent 11+ Entrance Exam (Private School 11 Plus)
The Independent 11+ exam (also known as Independent 11 plus, Independent eleven plus, or private school 11+) is the entrance exam used by the UK's top private and independent schools — and our 11 plus practice papers are designed by experienced tutors to mirror the real exam format. Most independent senior schools assess candidates through a combination of online pre-tests, written examinations and an assessment day featuring interviews and group exercises.
Most common format: ISEB Common Pre-Test — a standardised online test covering English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, sat in Year 6 (and increasingly Year 5 for 13+ Common Entrance preparation)
Subjects covered: English (comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, creative writing), Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning — four separate papers
Who uses Independent 11+: 214 top UK private and independent schools — including Eton, Westminster, St Paul's, Habs Boys, City of London, North London Collegiate, KE Birmingham, Manchester Grammar, Withington Girls, Wycombe Abbey, Tonbridge, Marlborough, and many more
Key feature: Each school sets its own pass criteria — some shortlist on ISEB score alone, others require additional written papers, interviews and group exercises on a dedicated assessment day. Scholarships (academic, sport, music, art, drama) are available at most schools.
Our 8 Independent 11+ packs were built by experienced 11+ tutors to mirror the real exam format. Every question comes with a video walkthrough explaining the technique — so your child learns the thinking process, not just the answer.
Looking for a different test format? See our GL Assessment 11+ practice papers (state grammars), CEM 11+ practice papers, or SEAG transfer test papers (Northern Ireland).
UK Grammar School Entrance Exam Sample Papers
Our UK grammar school entrance exam sample papers cover all four core subjects in dedicated, separate papers — mirroring the ISEB Common Pre-Test format and the typical written entrance papers used across UK top independent and grammar schools. Every paper includes a full answer key with detailed video walkthroughs, so families can use these as grammar school test papers with answers (PDF + video format). A free grammar school sample paper is available to download before purchase.
📚 Independent 11+ English
Reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, spelling, vocabulary, cloze passages, sentence completion, antonyms and synonyms. Our Independent 11+ English papers reflect the depth of reading and language analysis expected at top independent schools.
🔢 Independent 11+ Maths
Number, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio, algebra basics, geometry, measurement, data handling, mental arithmetic and challenging word problems. Independent school Maths papers test mathematical reasoning beyond standard Key Stage 2.
🧠 Independent 11+ Verbal Reasoning
Word codes, antonyms, synonyms, letter sequences, missing letters, hidden words, compound words, analogies and cloze passages. Verbal Reasoning is heavily vocabulary-driven — our video walkthroughs build the techniques and word knowledge needed.
🔷 Independent 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning
Matrix patterns, series completion, codes, analogies, cube nets, 3D shapes, reflections and rotations. Non-Verbal Reasoning rewards systematic pattern recognition — our videos teach the methods that work under timed adaptive testing.
Top UK Independent Schools Our Practice Papers Prepare Pupils For
Our Independent 11+ practice papers are used by parents preparing children for entrance to the most competitive UK private and independent schools — from top London day schools to leading boarding schools and major regional independents. Here are the school clusters our 160+ verified parents represent:
🏛️ Top London Day Independents
St Paul's Girls' (SPGS), St Paul's Boys', Westminster, City of London Boys' & Girls' (CLSG), North London Collegiate (NLCS), Haberdashers' Boys' (Habs), Habs Girls', Highgate, King's College Wimbledon (KCS), Latymer Upper, Alleyn's, James Allen's Girls' (JAGS), Lady Eleanor Holles (LEH), Hampton, Ibstock Place, Eltham College.
🏰 Top UK Boarding Schools
Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Tonbridge, Wellington, Marlborough, Sevenoaks, Charterhouse, Rugby, Stowe, Bradfield, Cheltenham College, Ampleforth. For girls' boarding: Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC), Wycombe Abbey, Roedean, Benenden, Downe House, St Mary's Calne, St Mary's Ascot, Sherborne Girls.
🎓 Major Regional Independents
King Edward's Birmingham (KES), King Edward VI High School for Girls (KEHS), Manchester Grammar (MGS), Withington Girls', Bolton School, Bristol Grammar, Clifton College, Royal Grammar School Newcastle, Newcastle High Girls', Hymers College Hull, AKS Lytham, Solihull, Birkenhead, George Watson's Edinburgh.
✨ Specialist & Mid-Tier Independents
Mill Hill, Forest School, Bancroft's, Whitgift, Trinity Croydon, Caterham, Worth, St John's Leatherhead, Tudor Hall, Heathfield Ascot, Queen Anne's Caversham, Magdalen College School Oxford, Headington, Putney High, South Hampstead High, Royal High Bath, Felsted, Framlingham, Bedford School, Pocklington and many more.
See the full list of 214 Independent schools in our database, or browse 160 verified parent reviews by school.
Difference Between GL Assessment, CEM, ISEB and School-Specific Entrance Exams
UK grammar school and independent school entrance exams come in several formats. Knowing which test your target school uses is the first step to effective preparation. Here's a breakdown of the four main test types used across UK grammar schools and independent senior schools:
📘 GL Assessment
Used by most UK state grammar schools — including Kent, Buckinghamshire, Birmingham (KE Consortium), Trafford, Sutton, Bexley and Lincolnshire grammars. Four separate timed papers: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning. Standardised scoring with age allowance. See our GL Assessment grammar school test papers.
📗 CEM
The Centre for Evaluation & Monitoring (CEM) format was previously used by many grammar schools. Most state grammars moved to GL Assessment after 2022, but CEM-style papers still appear at some independents (CEM Select consortium). Mixed sections across Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning (no English paper). See our CEM grammar school test papers.
📕 ISEB Common Pre-Test
An adaptive online test administered by the Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB). Used by the majority of UK independent senior schools for 11+ and 13+ entry — including St Paul's, Westminster, Wellington, Marlborough, Sevenoaks and 200+ others. Tests English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning. Standardised score shared with multiple schools.
📙 School-Specific Entrance Exams
Top independent schools (Eton, Westminster, St Paul's Boys' and Girls', Habs, City of London) set their own bespoke entrance papers in addition to the ISEB Pre-Test. These typically include extended Maths, English creative writing, and an assessment day with interview and group exercises. Our practice papers cover the question types used across all four formats.
Not sure which test your target school uses? Browse our 214 independent schools list or search our UK grammar schools database.
Kent Grammar School Tests — How to Prepare
Kent is home to one of the largest concentrations of UK grammar schools — over 30 Kent grammars use the Kent Test (a GL Assessment-based entrance exam) for Year 7 entry. Whether you're applying to Tonbridge Grammar, Judd, Skinners, Tunbridge Wells Grammar, Dover Grammar, Folkestone School, Sir Roger Manwood's, Highworth Grammar, Wilmington Grammar, Cranbrook or any of the other Kent grammars, the Kent Test follows the same GL Assessment format used by most UK state grammars.
- Test format: GL Assessment style — English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning
- When: September of Year 6 — earlier than most other UK 11+ tests
- Registration: Through Kent County Council (the Procedure for Entrance to Secondary Education, "PESE")
- Pass mark: Standardised score of 320+ (across all three components combined) is typically required
Our GL Assessment grammar school test papers cover the exact format used by the Kent Test — with grammar school test papers with answers (PDF format) plus tutor video walkthroughs for every question. A grammar school test papers with answers free sample is available for download. View GL Assessment packs →
Independent 11+ Test Format & Structure
The Independent 11+ assessment process varies by school, but most senior independents follow a similar structure: an online pre-test sat in the candidate's primary school, written entrance papers, and an assessment day at the target school.
- ISEB Common Pre-Test: Adaptive online test (the ISEB Pre-Test) in English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Sat in candidate's primary school. Standardised scores reported to multiple schools simultaneously.
- School-specific written papers: Many top schools (Eton, Westminster, St Paul's, Westminster) require additional bespoke written papers — often Maths and English with creative writing.
- Assessment day: Interview, group exercises, sometimes drop-in lessons. Schools assess academic potential, character, and fit.
- Subjects tested: English (comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, creative writing), Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning — four core subjects
- Pass criteria: Vary by school — top schools shortlist 2-3× their final intake based on pre-test scores, then make final offers post-assessment day
- Scholarships: Academic, sport, music, art and drama scholarships available at most independent schools — usually require additional specialist examination
- Bursaries: Means-tested fee assistance increasingly available at top schools (up to 100% at some)
Independent Schools Using the 11+ Entrance Test — 214 UK Independent & Private Schools
Our Independent 11+ practice papers prepare children for entrance exams at 214 top UK private and independent schools — including London day schools (St Paul's Girls, Westminster, City of London, North London Collegiate, Habs Boys, Habs Girls), top boarding schools (Eton, Harrow, Wellington, Marlborough, Sevenoaks), and major regional independents across Surrey, Hertfordshire, Yorkshire, Suffolk, Birmingham, Manchester and beyond. Many schools use the ISEB Common Pre-Test for online pre-screening, while others run bespoke entrance exams — our papers cover the question types used by both.
| School Name | Location | Type | GCSE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ackworth School | West Yorkshire, WF7 7LT | Mixed | — |
| Aldenham School | Hertfordshire, WD6 3AJ | Mixed | 30% |
| Aldro School | Surrey, GU8 6AS | Boys | — |
| Aldwickbury School | Hertfordshire, AL5 1AD | Boys | — |
| Alleyn's School | London, SE22 8SU | Girls | 94.8% |
| Ardingly College | West Sussex, RH17 6SQ | Mixed | 76.1% |
| Arnold Lodge School (ALS) | Warwickshire, CV32 5TW | Mixed | — |
| Ashville College | North Yorkshire, HG2 9JP | Boys | 38% |
| Badminton School | Bristol, BS9 3BA | Girls | 74.9% |
| Barnard Castle School | County Durham, DL12 8UN | Mixed | — |
| Bedales (Dunhurst) School | Hampshire, GU32 2DP | Mixed | — |
| Bede's Prep School | East Sussex, BN27 3QH | Mixed | — |
| Bedford Greenacre Independent School | Bedfordshire, MK41 7NH | Boys | — |
| Bedford Modern School (BMS) | Bedfordshire, MK41 7NT | Boys | 70.4% |
| Bedford School | Bedfordshire, MK40 2TU | Boys | 74.1% |
| Beechwood Sacred Heart School | Kent, TN2 3QD | Mixed | — |
| Benenden School | Kent, TN17 4AA | Girls | 78.2% |
| Bethany School | Kent, TN17 1LB | Boys | 33.3% |
| Birkenhead School | Merseyside, CH43 2JD | Boys | 45.1% |
| Bishop's Stortford College | Hertfordshire, CM23 2PJ | Boys | 77.6% |
| BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School) | West Midlands, CV3 6AQ | Mixed | — |
| Bloxham School | Oxfordshire, OX15 4PE | Boys | 70% |
| Blundell's School | Devon, EX16 4DN | Boys | 52% |
| Bootham School | North Yorkshire, YO30 7BU | Mixed | 59% |
| Box Hill School | Surrey, RH5 6EA | Mixed | — |
| Bradford Grammar School (BGS) | West Yorkshire, BD9 4JP | Boys | 70.9% |
| Brighton Girls | East Sussex, BN1 3AT | Girls | — |
| Bromley High School | Kent, BR1 2TW | Girls | 71.2% |
| Burgess Hill Girls | West Sussex, RH15 0EG | Girls | 69.3% |
| Bury Grammar School | Greater Manchester, BL9 0HN | Boys | 54.1% |
| Cheadle Hulme School | Cheshire, SK8 6EF | Mixed | 64% |
| Cheltenham Ladies' College (CLC) | Gloucestershire, GL50 3EP | Girls | 87.6% |
| Chesham Prep School | Buckinghamshire, HP5 3QF | Boys | — |
| Chigwell School | Essex, IG7 6QF | Mixed | 68.2% |
| Christ College, Brecon | Powys, LD3 8AF | Mixed | 37.9% |
| City of London Freemen's School | Surrey, KT21 1ET | Mixed | 81.5% |
| Claremont Fan Court School | Surrey, KT10 9LY | Boys | 57% |
| Clayesmore School | Dorset, DT11 8LL | Mixed | 70% |
| Clifton High School | Bristol, BS8 3JD | Girls | 57.3% |
| Cobham Hall | Kent, DA12 3BL | Girls | 45% |
| Cokethorpe School | Oxfordshire, OX29 7PU | Mixed | 48% |
| Colston's School | Bristol, BS16 1BJ | Mixed | — |
| D'Overbroeck's College | Oxford, OX2 7PL | Mixed | 47.2% |
| Dame Allan's School | Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 9YH | Boys | 58.5% |
| Dean Close | Gloucestershire, GL51 6HE | Mixed | 40% |
| Denstone College | Staffordshire, ST14 5HN | Mixed | 45.6% |
| Ditcham Park School | Hampshire, GU31 5RN | Mixed | — |
| Dixie Grammar School | Warwickshire, CV13 0LE | Boys | — |
| Dulwich Prep London | London, SE21 7AA | Boys | — |
| Durham School | County Durham, DH1 4SZ | Mixed | 44.3% |
| Emanuel School | London, SW11 1HS | Boys | 90.9% |
| Farringtons School | Kent, BR7 6LR | Mixed | 70% |
| Felsted School | Essex, CM6 3LL | Boys | — |
| Framlingham College | Suffolk, IP13 9EY | Boys | — |
| Frensham Heights School | Surrey, GU10 4EA | Mixed | 44% |
| Giggleswick School | North Yorkshire, BD24 0DE | Mixed | — |
| Godolphin School | Wiltshire, SP1 2RA | Girls | 57.2% |
| Greenshaw High School | Surrey, SM1 3DY | Mixed | — |
| Haberdashers' School for Girls (Habs Girls) | Hertfordshire, WD6 3BT | Girls | 70% |
| Halliford School | Surrey, TW17 9HX | Boys | 54% |
| Hampton School | Middlesex, TW12 3HD | Boys | 95.8% |
| Hasmonean High School | Hendon, NW4 3JR | Mixed | — |
| Headington School | Oxfordshire, OX3 7TD | Girls | — |
| Hereford Cathedral School | — | Mixed | 55% |
| Highclare School | Birmingham, B23 6QL | Mixed | — |
| Hill House School, Doncaster | South Yorkshire, DN9 3GG | Girls | 44.5% |
| Hipperholme Grammar School | West Yorkshire, HX3 8JE | Boys | — |
| Hitchin Boys' School | Hitchin, SG5 1JB | Boys | — |
| Hitchin Girls' School | Hitchin, SG4 0AH | Girls | — |
| Howell's School, Llandaff | CF5 2YD, Wales | Girls | 57.5% |
| Huddersfield Grammar School | West Midlands, B15 2UA | Boys | — |
| Ipswich High School | Suffolk, IP9 1AZ | Mixed | — |
| Ipswich School | Suffolk, IP1 3SG | Mixed | 59.5% |
| JCoSS (Jewish Community Secondary School) | Barnet, EN4 8PU | Mixed | — |
| JFS | Harrow | Mixed | 54 |
| Kensington Park School (KPS) | London, SW7 5JP | Mixed | 48.9% |
| Kent College, Canterbury | Kent, CT2 9DT | Mixed | 45% |
| Kimbolton School | Cambridgeshire, PE28 0EA | Boys | 60.8% |
| King Edward VI High School for Girls (KEHS) | West Midlands, B15 2UB | Girls | 96.6% |
| King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham | West Midlands, B15 2UA | Boys | 83.8% |
| King Edward's School, Bath | Bath, BA2 6HU | Boys | 76.6% |
| King's College Lower School, Wimbledon (KCS) | London, SW19 4TT | Boys | — |
| King's Hall School | Somerset, TA2 8AA | Boys | — |
| King's High School for Girls (King's High) | Warwickshire, CV34 6YE | Girls | — |
| Kingham Hill School | Oxfordshire, OX7 6TH | Mixed | 31% |
| Kingston Grammar School (KGS) | Surrey, KT2 6PY | Boys | 91.6% |
| Kingswood School | Somerset, BA1 5RG | Mixed | 78.4% |
| Kirkstone House School | Lincolnshire, PE6 9PA | Mixed | — |
| Latymer Upper School | London, W6 0LG | Mixed | 96.5% |
| Leehurst Swan School | Wiltshire, SP1 3BQ | Mixed | — |
| Leicester Grammar School (LGS) | Leicester, LE8 9FL | Mixed | 74.2% |
| Leicester High School for Girls | Leicester, LE2 2PP | Girls | 80.6% |
| Leighton Park School | Berkshire, RG2 7ED | Mixed | 59.5% |
| Lewes Old Grammar School | East Sussex, BN7 1XS | Mixed | — |
| Leweston School | Dorset, DT9 6EN | Girls | — |
| Lichfield Cathedral School | Staffordshire, WS13 7LH | Mixed | — |
| Lingfield College | Surrey, RH7 6PH | Girls | — |
| Long Close School | Berkshire, SL3 7LU | Mixed | — |
| Loughborough Grammar School (LGS) | Leicestershire, LE11 2DU | Boys | 58.4% |
| Magdalen College School (MCS) | Oxford, OX4 1DZ | Boys | 94.1% |
| Malvern St. James Girls' School | Worcestershire, WR14 3BA | Girls | 50% |
| Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG) | Manchester, M14 6HS | Girls | 76.9% |
| Mayfield School | East Sussex, TN20 6PH | Girls | 65.8% |
| Meoncross School | Hampshire, PO14 2EF | Mixed | — |
| Merchant Taylors' School (MTS) Northwood | Middlesex, HA6 2HT | Boys | 88.3% |
| Mount House School | Hertfordshire, EN4 0NJ | Boys | — |
| Mount Kelly College | Devon, PL19 0HZ | Mixed | — |
| Normanhurst School | London, E4 7BA | Mixed | — |
| North London Collegiate School (NLCS) | Middlesex, HA8 7RJ | Girls | 99.2% |
| Norwich School | Norfolk, NR1 4DD | Mixed | 74% |
| Notre Dame School | Surrey, KT11 1HA | Girls | — |
| Nottingham Girls' High School (NGHS) | Nottingham, NG1 4JB | Girls | 60.1% |
| Oakham School | Rutland, LE15 6DT | Boys | 54.9% |
| Oldham Hulme Grammar School | Greater Manchester, OL8 4BX | Boys | 43.2% |
| Oundle School | Peterborough, PE8 4EE | Mixed | 77.6% |
| Oxford High School (OHS) | Oxford, OX2 6XA | Girls | 93.6% |
| Pipers Corner School | Buckinghamshire, HP15 6LP | Girls | — |
| Plymouth College | Devon, PL4 6RN | Boys | 35.6% |
| Pocklington School | East Yorkshire, YO42 2NJ | Mixed | 54.5% |
| Portland Place School | London, W1B 1NJ | Mixed | — |
| Portsmouth High School | Hampshire, PO5 3EQ | Girls | — |
| Prior's Field | Surrey, GU7 2RH | Girls | 61% |
| Priory School | West Midlands, B5 7AP | Mixed | — |
| Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS) | West Yorkshire, WF1 3QX | Boys | 70% |
| Queen Elizabeth's Hospital | Bristol, BS8 1JX | Boys | 66.1% |
| Queen's College, Taunton | Somerset, TA1 4QS | Mixed | — |
| Queenswood School | Hertfordshire, AL9 6NS | Girls | — |
| Quinton House School | Northampton, NN5 4UX | Mixed | — |
| Ratcliffe College | Leicestershire, LE7 4SG | Boys | 47% |
| Reading Blue Coat School | Berkshire, RG4 6SU | Boys | 81.9% |
| Redmaids' High School | Bristol, BS9 3AW | Girls | 73.1% |
| Reigate Grammar School | Surrey, RH2 0QS | Boys | 89.7% |
| Rishworth School | West Yorkshire, HX6 4QA | Mixed | — |
| Roedean School | East Sussex, BN2 5RQ | Girls | 76% |
| Rossall School | Lancashire, FY7 8JW | Mixed | 42.8% |
| Royal Grammar School (RGS) Dodderhill | Worcestershire, WR9 0BE | Girls | — |
| Royal Grammar School (RGS) Worcester | Worcester, WR1 1HP | Mixed | 62% |
| Royal Hospital School | Suffolk, IP9 2RX | Mixed | 56.3% |
| Royal Russell School | Surrey, CR9 5BX | Mixed | 58.9% |
| Ryde School with Upper Chine | Isle of Wight, PO33 3BE | Girls | 39.6% |
| Rye St. Antony School | Oxfordshire, OX3 0BY | Girls | — |
| Saint Felix School | Suffolk, IP18 6SD | Girls | — |
| Scarisbrick Hall School | Lancashire, L40 9RQ | Mixed | 41% |
| Sedbergh School | Cumbria, LA10 5HG | Boys | 50% |
| Sevenoaks School | Kent, TN13 1HU | Mixed | 88.7% |
| Sheffield High School for Girls (SHS) | South Yorkshire, S10 2PE | Girls | — |
| Shiplake College | Oxfordshire, RG9 4BW | Boys | — |
| Shrewsbury High School | Shropshire, SY1 1TN | Girls | 60% |
| Sidcot School | North Somerset, BS25 1PD | Mixed | — |
| Silcoates School | West Yorkshire, WF2 0PD | Mixed | — |
| Sir William Perkin's School (SWPS) | Surrey, KT16 9BN | Girls | — |
| Solihull School | West Midlands, B91 3DJ | Boys | 78.8% |
| St Joseph's College, Ipswich | Suffolk, IP2 9DR | Boys | 32.5% |
| St. Albans School | Hertfordshire, AL3 4HB | Mixed | 80.4% |
| St. Bede's College | Manchester, M16 8HX | Mixed | 38.2% |
| St. Benedict's School | London, W5 2ES | Boys | 71.7% |
| St. Catherine's School, Bramley | Surrey, GU5 0DF | Girls | 79.6% |
| St. Catherine's School, Twickenham | Middlesex, TW1 4QJ | Girls | 62% |
| St. Christopher School, Letchworth | Hertfordshire, SG6 3JZ | Girls | 43% |
| St. Edmund's School, Hindhead | Surrey, GU26 6BH | Mixed | — |
| St. Edward's School, Cheltenham | Gloucestershire, GL53 8EY | Mixed | 26% |
| St. Francis' College, Letchworth | Hertfordshire, SG6 3PJ | Girls | 70.1% |
| St. Gabriel's School | Berkshire, RG20 9BD | Girls | — |
| St. George's School, Ascot | Berkshire, SL5 7DZ | Girls | 62.4% |
| St. George's School, Edgbaston | West Midlands, B15 1RX | Mixed | — |
| St. Helen and St. Katharine (SHSK) | Oxfordshire, OX14 1BE | Girls | 92.1% |
| St. John's School, Billericay | Essex, CM12 0AR | Mixed | — |
| St. John's Senior School, Enfield | Middlesex, EN2 8AQ | Mixed | — |
| St. Joseph's College, Reading | Berkshire, RG1 5JT | Girls | 50% |
| St. Joseph's College, Stoke-on-Trent | Suffolk, IP2 9DR | Boys | 42.5% |
| St. Mary's College, Crosby | Merseyside, L23 5TW | Boys | — |
| St. Mary's School Ascot | Berkshire, SL5 9JF | Girls | 94.1% |
| St. Teresa's School, Effingham | Surrey, RH5 6ST | Girls | — |
| Surbiton High School | Surrey, KT1 2JT | Girls | 85.5% |
| Sydenham High School | London, SE26 6BL | Girls | 67.3% |
| Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School and Sixth Form College | Blackburn | Girls | 66.3 |
| The Abbey School | Berkshire, RG1 5DZ | Girls | 80.8% |
| The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School | London | Boys | 55.5 |
| The Cedars School | Greater London, CR0 5RD | Boys | 70% |
| The Charter School North Dulwich | London | Mixed | 54 |
| The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) | West Yorkshire, LS17 8GS | Boys | 71.1% |
| The John Lyon School | Middlesex, HA2 0HN | Boys | — |
| The King's School, Gloucester | Gloucestershire, GL1 2BG | Boys | — |
| The King's School, Worcester (King's Worcester) | Worcestershire, WR1 2LL | Boys | 66% |
| The Leys School | Cambridgeshire, CB2 7AD | Mixed | 86.1% |
| The Mary Erskine School, Edinburgh (MES) | EH4 3NT, Scotland | Boys | 65% |
| The Old Palace School, Croydon | Surrey, CR0 1AX | Girls | — |
| The Oratory School | South Oxfordshire, RG8 0PJ | Boys | 41% |
| The Perse School | Cambridgeshire, CB2 8QF | Mixed | 90.4% |
| The Peterborough School | Cambridgeshire, PE3 6AP | Girls | — |
| The Portsmouth Grammar School | Hampshire, PO1 2LN | Mixed | 62.8% |
| The Queen's School, Chester | Cheshire, CH1 2NN | Girls | 53.5% |
| The Royal Masonic School for Girls | Hertfordshire, WD3 4HF | Girls | 65% |
| Truro School | Cornwall, TR1 1TH | Mixed | 46.5% |
| University College School (UCS) | London, NW3 6XH | Boys | 91.3% |
| Verulam School | St Albans, AL1 5HD | Boys | — |
| Wakefield Girls' High School (WGHS) | West Yorkshire, WF1 2QS | Girls | — |
| Waldegrave School, Twickenham | London | Girls (Mixed 6th) | 53 |
| Watford Grammar School for Boys | Watford, WD18 0BZ | Boys | — |
| Watford Grammar School for Girls | Watford, WD17 4PS | Girls | — |
| Wellingborough School | Northamptonshire, NN8 2BX | Mixed | — |
| Westfield School, Newcastle upon Tyne | Newcastle upon Tyne, NE3 4HS | Girls | 70% |
| Whitgift School | Surrey, CR2 6YT | Boys | 87.2% |
| Wimbledon High School (WHS) | London, SW19 4AB | Girls | 85.9% |
| Withington Girls' School | Manchester, M14 6BL | Girls | 92.9% |
| Wolverhampton Grammar School | West Midlands, WV3 9RB | Boys | 65% |
| Woodbridge School | Suffolk, IP12 4JH | Boys | 59.7% |
| Woodhouse Grove School | West Yorkshire, BD10 0NR | Mixed | — |
| Wrekin College | Shropshire, TF1 3BH | Mixed | — |
| Yarm School | Stockton-on-Tees, TS15 9EJ | Boys | 70.5% |
| Yavneh College | Borehamwood | Mixed | 56 |
Independent 11+ Test Dates & Registration Deadlines
Independent school 11+ entry typically follows this annual timeline for September entry:
📅 Typical annual timeline (Year 6)
- Year 5 onwards: School visits, open days, prep school choices, taster days
- Year 5 summer / Year 6 autumn: ISEB Common Pre-Test sat in primary school (school-dependent timing — some sit in Year 5)
- Year 6 autumn (typically September-November): School-specific written entrance papers
- Year 6 autumn (October-December): Assessment days — interview, group exercises
- Year 6 January-February: Offers issued
- Year 6 March: Offers accepted, deposits paid, scholarship awards announced
- Registration deadlines: Most schools require registration at least 12 months before entry — many top schools require registration by Year 4 or Year 5
- Scholarship applications: Usually separate application alongside main entrance — exams typically January-February of Year 6
⚠️ Always check the specific entry requirements and deadlines for your target school — Independent 11+ entry processes vary significantly between schools.
Grammar School Entrance Exams — What to Expect & How to Prepare
Preparing for grammar school entrance exams is multi-faceted — academic preparation, interview skills, and broad enrichment all play a role. Here's the proven approach used by 150+ successful families.
- Tip 1: Start 12-24 months ahead — Independent 11+ is competitive (often 4-10 applications per place at top schools); steady preparation matters more than last-minute cramming
- Tip 2: Cover all four core subjects systematically — English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Tip 3: Build a strong vocabulary — Independent schools test broad vocabulary and reading depth; daily reading is essential
- Tip 4: Practise creative writing — many bespoke written papers require story or descriptive writing; technique matters
- Tip 5: Practise online with timing — the ISEB Pre-Test is adaptive and answers cannot be revisited; build the right test-taking habits
- Tip 6: Prepare for interviews — discuss current affairs, hobbies, books read, and the school itself; assessment day is as much about character as academics
Why Parents Choose ExamTutor for Independent & Private School 11+ Preparation
Over 150 verified parents have trusted ExamTutor's Independent 11+ practice papers (private school 11+ entrance preparation) to prepare their child for entrance to the UK's top private and independent schools — from London day schools like St Paul's, Westminster and City of London, to top boarding schools like Eton, Wellington and Marlborough.
- Expert tutor video walkthroughs for every question — your child learns the technique, not just the answer
- Full Independent 11+ syllabus coverage across all four subjects (English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning)
- Affordable alternative to private tutoring — typically £1,000+ saved compared to weekly 1-to-1 tutoring
- 12 months unlimited access with no auto-renewal — buy once, use as much as needed
- Used across the UK — 214 Independent schools represented in our customer base
- Free sample paper and free tutorial videos — try before you buy with no email signup
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Independent 11+ Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions parents ask about Independent school 11+ practice papers and how to prepare your child for entrance to top UK private schools.
What is the Independent 11+ exam?
The Independent 11+ refers to the entrance exam process used by UK private and independent senior schools. Most schools now use the ISEB Common Pre-Test — an adaptive online test in English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning — alongside school-specific written papers and an assessment day with interview and group exercises. Used by top schools including Eton, Westminster, St Paul's, Habs, City of London, North London Collegiate, KE Birmingham, Manchester Grammar and 200+ others.
What is the ISEB Common Pre-Test?
The ISEB Common Pre-Test is a standardised online entrance test produced by the Independent Schools Examinations Board. It is adaptive (questions adjust to ability), covers English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, and is sat in the candidate's primary school. The standardised score can be sent to multiple senior schools simultaneously, streamlining the application process. Most schools use it as an initial shortlisting filter before assessment day.
How much do Independent 11+ practice papers cost?
Our individual Independent 11+ Test Packs cost £35 each (4 papers across English, Maths, VR and NVR · 200 video explanations · 9–11.5 hours of tutor video). Our Multi Pack Bundles cost £85 each and combine 3 Test Packs — saving £20 compared to buying separately. All packs include 12 months full access with no auto-renewal. Use code EXAMDISCOUNT for 10% off orders over £50.
Are there free Independent 11+ practice papers?
Yes — we provide a free Independent 11+ sample practice paper and free tutorial videos so you can see the quality before buying. No email signup required — download instantly.
What's the difference between Independent 11+ and GL Assessment / CEM?
GL Assessment and CEM are used primarily by state grammar schools and a small number of independents. The Independent 11+ landscape is more varied — most schools use the ISEB Common Pre-Test alongside their own bespoke written papers and assessment days. Our Independent 11+ packs reflect this broader scope and include question types found in ISEB and school-specific entrance exams. For state grammar schools, see our GL Assessment papers or CEM papers.
Do Independent schools offer scholarships and bursaries?
Yes — most independent senior schools offer scholarships (academic, sport, music, art, drama) and means-tested bursaries. Scholarship exams are typically held in January-February of Year 6 and require additional specialist examination beyond the main entrance. Bursaries can cover anywhere from 10% to 100% of fees and require a financial means assessment. Our practice papers help your child achieve the strong academic foundation needed for scholarship consideration.
When should we start Independent 11+ preparation?
For competitive independent schools, most families start focused preparation at the beginning of Year 5 (12-24 months before the test). Some top schools (Eton, Westminster, St Paul's) require registration by Year 4. Early exposure to broad reading, mental arithmetic and verbal/non-verbal reasoning patterns is helpful from Year 3 onwards. See our 6-step preparation guide below.
Do the papers cover specific Independent schools' entrance exams?
Our 8 Independent 11+ packs cover the question types and structure used across the ISEB Common Pre-Test and the typical written entrance papers at top schools — Eton, Westminster, St Paul's Girls & Boys, Habs Boys, Habs Girls, City of London Boys & Girls, North London Collegiate, KE Birmingham, KEHS Birmingham, Manchester Grammar, Withington Girls, Wycombe Abbey, Tonbridge, Marlborough, Wellington, Bristol Grammar and 200+ others. The same papers work for any Independent 11+ entrance exam.