🗺️ SECTION 6: Regional Breakdown: Where and How the 11+ Works Across the UK

“Same goal. Different rules. Know your battlefield.”

🧠 Why This Section Matters

The 11+ isn’t the same everywhere.

Different schools, boroughs, and counties use different test formats, exam boards, and rules. Some let you apply from anywhere. Others want you to live on the doorstep.

If you don’t understand the system early — you’re training blind.

This section breaks it all down by region so you can focus only on the schools and formats that actually apply to your child.

📍 Key Areas & What You Need to Know

🧭 London & Surrounding Boroughs

🔷 Sutton Grammar Schools (SET Consortium)

Schools: Wilson’s, Wallington Boys, Wallington Girls, Nonsuch, Sutton Grammar
Test:

  • Stage 1: SET (Maths & English – multiple choice)

  • Stage 2: School-specific written papers

💡 Top scorers in Stage 1 are invited to Stage 2.

🔷 Tiffin Schools (Kingston)

Schools: Tiffin Boys & Tiffin Girls
Test:

  • Stage 1: English & Maths (multiple choice)

  • Stage 2: Written papers

📍 Catchment applies — your address matters here.

🔷 Barnet / North London

Top School: QE Boys (super-selective)
Test: Two multiple-choice papers – English and Maths
🛑 No catchment. Purely score-based. Incredibly competitive.

🏡 Kent

  • 📚 One of the largest grammar school areas (30+ schools)

  • Board: GL Assessment

  • Subjects: English, Maths, Verbal + Non-Verbal Reasoning

  • Format: Mostly multiple choice

  • Registration: Opens in May (Year 5)

  • Test Date: September (Year 6)

✅ High pass rates if you’re in area — but still competitive.

🏞️ Buckinghamshire

  • 🏛️ All Bucks children are automatically entered unless opted out

  • Overseen by: The Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools

  • Board: GL

  • Format: Verbal, Non-Verbal, English, Maths

  • Out-of-county students must register

🛡️ Harder to get in if you live outside the area.

🌳 Essex (CSSE Consortium)

  • Schools: Southend High, Westcliff High, Colchester Royal, etc.

  • Test:

    • English (includes comprehension + creative writing)

    • Maths (standard, not multiple choice)

  • Board: CSSE (school-run)

  • Format: Written answers — not multiple choice

  • Registration: Opens in May, test in September

📝 Strong writing ability really matters here.

🏙️ Birmingham / West Midlands

  • Schools: King Edward VI Grammar Group, Sutton Coldfield Grammar

  • Format: Previously CEM, now many are switching to GL

  • Subjects: Verbal, Non-Verbal, Comprehension, Maths

  • Administered by: The Grammar Schools of Birmingham

📌 Very high standards — especially Camp Hill.

📌 Other Popular Areas

📍 Lincolnshire

  • Many grammar schools using GL Assessment

  • Some have catchments, others are open

  • Good range of school types

📍 North Yorkshire & Lancashire

  • Fewer grammar schools — like Ripon Grammar, Lancaster Royal

  • Often use their own tests or GL format

  • Competitive due to limited places

📍 Devon / Plymouth

  • Examples: Torquay Boys’, Colyton Grammar

  • Board: GL

  • Format: English, Maths, Reasoning (varies slightly)

✳️ Independent Schools (Optional Route)

  • Many test similar 11+ content

  • May also include interviews, creative writing, or reasoning tasks

  • Some offer scholarships or bursaries based on results

  • Application deadlines and tests vary by school

💬 What This Means for You

🎯 Before preparing, get clear on:

  • Which region you’re applying to

  • What board they use (GL, CEM, CSSE, or school-specific)

  • If there are one or two test stages

  • Whether catchment area applies

  • What subjects to prioritise in prep

✅ Once you know this, we can help you build the perfect prep plan.