What’s the Difference Between SATs and the 11 Plus?

If your child is in Key Stage 2, you’ve likely heard about two major sets of assessments: SATs and the 11 Plus. On the surface, both are exams taken around the same age—often in Year 6. But beyond that, they’re entirely different in purpose, structure, and pressure.

One is about measuring progress. The other could determine where your child goes to secondary school.

Still, many parents are left wondering: Are they linked? Can SATs help with the 11 Plus? And which one is harder?

This guide breaks down the key difference between SATs and the 11 Plus exam so you can clearly understand how to prepare your child—and what to prioritise depending on your goals.

What Are SATs? What Is the 11 Plus?

SATs – A National Curriculum Assessment

SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) are formal assessments taken by all Year 6 pupils in England. They are designed to measure how well a child has understood the Key Stage 2 curriculum, specifically in:

English Reading
Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar (SPaG)
Maths – Arithmetic and Reasoning

SATs are compulsory and take place in May each year. The results are used by schools to:

Track pupil progress
Identify learning gaps
Report performance to parents and local authorities

But here’s the key point: SATs don’t determine where your child goes to secondary school. They are about academic monitoring—not school placement.

11 Plus – A Selective School Entrance Exam

The 11 Plus entrance exam is very different. It’s an optional, competitive exam used by grammar schools and some independent schools to select students for Year 7 entry.

Unlike SATs, the 11 Plus varies widely depending on the region and exam board. It often includes:

English comprehension or writing
Maths (more advanced or problem-solving focused)
Verbal reasoning
Non-verbal reasoning

It’s usually taken in the autumn term of Year 6, and it’s high-stakes: a pass or fail result can determine whether your child gets into a selective school or not.

Key Differences in Purpose and Stakes

SATs Measure Progress, Not Placement

SATs are designed to check that your child is meeting expected academic standards before leaving primary school. They’re teacher-supported, curriculum-based, and standardised across the country.

There’s no passing or failing a SATs test. The results help your child’s current school understand where they’re at—but they have no impact on secondary school offers.

SATs also play a role in judging school performance, so primary schools tend to prepare children well, often starting from Year 5.

The 11 Plus Determines School Entry

The 11 Plus is used to select—not assess.

Most grammar schools, and some private schools, use it to narrow down large numbers of applicants. For that reason, the pressure is significantly higher. There’s usually only one attempt allowed, and results are often final.

While SATs affect no one beyond your child’s teachers, the 11 Plus can influence your child’s school options for years to come. It’s the first high-stakes test many children ever face.

This shift in purpose—from assessment to selection—makes the 11 Plus feel heavier for both parents and students.

Differences in Content and Question Style

SATs Stick to the National Curriculum

Everything tested in SATs has been taught in the classroom. The structure of the questions is familiar, the language is age-appropriate, and the skills assessed are clear:

Reading comprehension is drawn from familiar fiction or non-fiction
Grammar questions focus on identifying parts of speech and sentence structure
Maths questions are built around standard topics taught in Years 3 to 6

Teachers prepare children for SATs throughout the year. Most pupils go in knowing what to expect.

The 11 Plus Includes Reasoning and Advanced Logic

The 11 Plus introduces new challenges your child may never have seen before.

Verbal reasoning involves logic puzzles using words and patterns (e.g. letter codes, analogies, cloze tests).
Non-verbal reasoning requires visual problem-solving with shapes, sequences, and spatial awareness.
Maths is often faster-paced and can include Year 7 content or multi-step logic problems.
English can be more advanced in vocabulary and inference than SATs reading papers.

These skills aren’t taught in most state primary schools. That means preparation outside the classroom is essential if your child is sitting the 11 Plus.

Differences in Exam Format and Timing

SATs Are Longer, Slower-Paced, and Teacher-Led

SATs are typically spread over four to five mornings in May. Children take the tests in their usual classrooms, often with familiar teachers present. While they are timed, the pace is generally steady and the atmosphere more relaxed compared to formal entrance exams.

Here’s a rough overview of SATs timings:

English Reading: 60 minutes
SPaG (Grammar + Punctuation): 45 minutes
Spelling: ~20 minutes
Maths Paper 1 (Arithmetic): 30 minutes
Maths Papers 2 & 3 (Reasoning): 40 minutes each

Children are often encouraged to ask questions about instructions before the test starts, and some may receive access arrangements if needed. The setting is designed to minimise stress, since the aim is to measure learning rather than catch children out.

11 Plus Is Fast, Timed, and Externally Administered

By contrast, the 11 Plus is usually sat under exam conditions—either at the grammar school itself or in a centralised test centre. It’s often a single sitting, lasting between 1.5 to 3 hours depending on the number of papers and the exam board.

The timing is much tighter. For example:

Verbal reasoning papers might include 80+ questions in 50 minutes
Non-verbal reasoning often requires answering several questions per minute
English and maths sections may have limited time for planning or checking

Children must work quickly and independently. There are no clarifications from staff during the test. If they misread a question or get stuck, they have to recover on their own.

This format rewards exam technique, fast thinking, and the ability to manage pressure—skills not typically required for SATs.

Which Exam Is Harder?

In terms of raw difficulty, most parents and educators would agree: the 11 Plus is harder than SATs. But it’s worth understanding why.

The 11 Plus:

Covers unfamiliar content (especially reasoning)
Requires a faster pace
Has higher stakes—results directly affect school offers
Often includes trickier vocabulary and more abstract maths

That said, SATs aren’t necessarily easy. For children who find schoolwork challenging, the SATs can feel overwhelming—especially with school pressure to perform well for league tables.

So “harder” depends on the child:

A naturally fast problem-solver may thrive in the 11 Plus format but find SATs tedious
A diligent, curriculum-driven learner may do well in SATs but struggle with the unfamiliarity of the 11 Plus
A child who dislikes pressure may underperform in both without the right emotional preparation

In short: SATs are consistent. The 11 Plus is unpredictable—and that makes it tougher for most children.

Can SATs Prep Help with the 11 Plus?

There is some overlap between SATs and 11 Plus content—particularly in English and maths. Good SATs preparation will build:

Reading fluency
Basic arithmetic and written methods
Grammar and spelling accuracy

But SATs don’t prepare children for reasoning questions, exam pacing, or the mental stamina needed for 11 Plus testing. The 11 Plus also tends to:

Expect quicker answers with less working time
Include higher-level vocabulary and inference
Challenge children with unfamiliar formats and logic puzzles

If you’re preparing for both, SATs should form the academic foundation—but additional preparation is essential for 11 Plus success. Verbal and non-verbal reasoning practice, timed exam sessions, and mock papers that mirror your region’s format are key.

Final Thoughts: SATs and the 11 Plus Are Built for Different Goals

It’s easy to confuse the two tests—they happen around the same time, and they both seem “important.” But their goals couldn’t be more different:

SATs check how well your child has understood the curriculum
The 11 Plus decides whether they qualify for a selective school

SATs are predictable, curriculum-based, and fully supported in the classroom. The 11 Plus is high-pressure, competitive, and often unfamiliar—requiring separate preparation that schools don’t typically provide.

If your child is taking both, make sure you treat them as two separate challenges. Preparing for SATs alone won’t be enough for the 11 Plus—and ignoring SATs entirely could cause unnecessary stress at school.

Both exams matter in their own way. But only one decides where your child goes next. That’s why knowing the difference—clearly and early—makes all the difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the main difference between SATs and the 11 Plus?

SATs assess what your child has learned during Key Stage 2 and are taken by all Year 6 pupils. The 11 Plus is a selective entrance exam used to determine grammar or independent school placement. One measures progress; the other is used to decide admissions.

Do all children take the 11 Plus?

No. All state school children take SATs, but only those applying to grammar or certain independent schools take the 11 Plus. It’s optional and usually taken in Year 6, often during the autumn term.

Is the 11 Plus harder than SATs?

Yes, generally. The 11 Plus includes reasoning sections not taught in school, has stricter timing, and carries higher stakes. While SATs stick to the curriculum, the 11 Plus demands faster thinking and preparation outside normal schoolwork.

Does SATs preparation help with the 11 Plus?

SATs prep builds useful skills in maths, grammar, and reading—but it’s not enough by itself. The 11 Plus often includes verbal and non-verbal reasoning and has a faster pace. Children sitting the 11 Plus need separate, targeted preparation.

Can my child prepare for both at the same time?

Yes, but it requires careful planning. SATs and 11 Plus prep can run alongside each other, especially in Year 5 and early Year 6. The key is balancing school-based work with additional reasoning and exam strategy practice for the 11 Plus.