What Are the Subjects Covered in the 11 Plus Exam?

If you’re starting to explore the 11 Plus, one of the most important things to get clear on early is what your child will actually be tested on. The subjects covered in the 11 Plus exam aren’t just pulled from the school curriculum—they also include skills that don’t show up in standard lessons but matter enormously on test day.

Most schools use some combination of English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. A few also include creative writing, a listening task, or even an interview, depending on the school and exam board.

But knowing the subject titles alone doesn’t help much. What really matters is understanding how each exam works—what’s being assessed, what the common pitfalls are, how to assess your child’s readiness, and how to approach the exams during preparation. The following breakdown will walk you through exactly that.

1. English

English in the 11 Plus exam is not just about reading fluency. It covers a broad range of language skills, usually under strict timed conditions. The core components include:

• Reading comprehension: Candidates are asked to read a passage and answer questions on detail, inference, tone, and meaning. These may be multiple choice (GL and CEM) or written responses (ISEB or independent schools).

• Grammar and punctuation: Some formats test knowledge of sentence structure, verb tense, apostrophes, and common punctuation marks.

• Spelling and vocabulary: Questions may include correcting spelling errors, choosing synonyms/antonyms, or identifying words in context.

• Understanding authorial intent: Higher-level papers assess how well a child interprets tone, character motives, or stylistic choices.

Children with strong reading habits tend to perform better here—not just because of vocabulary, but because they’ve developed the patience and focus to work through text under pressure.

2. Mathematics

Maths in the 11 Plus goes well beyond simple number work. It requires accuracy, fluency, and the ability to solve unfamiliar problems quickly. Core areas include:

• Number and arithmetic: Addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, decimals, and fractions

• Word problems: Multi-step problems often framed in unfamiliar or complex wording

• Measurements and geometry: Perimeter, area, angles, units of measure, and symmetry

• Data handling: Bar charts, graphs, tables, and probability (in some boards)

In GL and CEM exams, maths questions are usually multiple choice and timed, requiring both conceptual understanding and rapid calculation.

A major challenge here isn’t just the content—it’s the application under pressure. Children must interpret the question, plan their method, and work accurately, all within tight time limits.

3. Verbal Reasoning

Verbal reasoning is often unfamiliar to parents because it’s not taught directly in schools. This subject tests logical thinking through language, including patterns, sequences, relationships, and code-style puzzles. It’s not about creative writing—it’s about understanding and manipulating language efficiently.

Key question types include:

• Odd one out: Spotting which word doesn’t belong in a group
• Analogies: Word relationships, such as “foot is to shoe as hand is to ___”
• Letter sequences: Identifying patterns using alphabetical order
• Codes and logic: Deciphering how letters are substituted or ordered

Verbal reasoning strongly depends on vocabulary strength, attention to detail, and fast processing. Children who read widely or enjoy word-based games often have a natural advantage here, but structured practice is essential to master specific formats.

4. Non-Verbal Reasoning

Non-verbal reasoning is entirely visual. It tests a child’s ability to recognise patterns, sequences, symmetry, rotations, and spatial logic using shapes and diagrams, not words.

Common question formats include:

• Odd shape out
• Completing sequences
• Mirror and rotational symmetry
• 3D shape recognition

Because it’s untied to language or curriculum, non-verbal reasoning is often viewed as a way to test innate problem-solving skills. But it can still be improved through strategy and exposure. Children need to learn how to break down patterns, eliminate options, and manage timing carefully.

This section tends to be either a strength or a frustration for most children—rarely neutral. Early exposure helps build confidence with this unique format.

5. Additional Components Some Schools Include

While most schools stick to the main four subjects, some—particularly independent and super-selective grammar schools—add extra components to their entrance process.

Creative Writing

Some schools include a creative writing task to assess a child’s ability to organise thoughts, write clearly, and express ideas with imagination. It might involve continuing a story, describing a scene, or writing from a character’s perspective. Unlike multiple-choice questions, this section is marked subjectively, so originality, structure, and tone all matter. Spelling and punctuation are also considered, but a well-developed idea will always stand out.

Listening Comprehension

In a few CEM-style tests, children are asked to listen to a short recording and answer questions based on it. These tasks are designed to test concentration, memory, and processing under pressure. It’s less common, but if it applies to the schools you’re targeting, it’s worth preparing for.

Interviews or Discussion Tasks

Though not written subjects, some schools include a verbal assessment—either as a short interview or a small-group activity. Children may be asked about their interests, how they approach challenges, or what they enjoy reading. Schools use this to assess communication skills, personality fit, and confidence—not just academic potential.

These components may not appear on every syllabus, but they are still part of the broader picture. If your target schools include them, they should be taken seriously and built into your preparation timeline.

6. How the Subjects Differ Across Exam Boards

The subjects covered in the 11 Plus exam don’t change drastically, but the way they are tested depends heavily on the exam board. Here’s how they compare:

GL Assessment

• Subjects tested: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning
• Format: Separate papers, typically multiple choice
• Approach: Predictable, curriculum-aligned, ideal for structured preparation

CEM (Cambridge University)

• Subjects tested: Verbal Reasoning (including comprehension), Numerical Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning
• Format: Mixed subject sections, often fast-paced with short time limits
• Approach: Designed to be “tutor-proof,” with a heavy emphasis on vocabulary and logic

ISEB Pre-Test

• Subjects tested: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning
• Format: Fully online and adaptive (difficulty increases based on performance)
• Approach: Part of a multi-stage process often including interviews and school reports

Some schools also write their own bespoke papers, combining parts of these formats or adding additional tasks. Always check with individual schools to confirm exactly what subjects will be tested and in what format.

7. What the Exam Is Really Testing

While it’s useful to break things down by subject, the real aim of the 11 Plus isn’t just content knowledge. It’s about:

• How well a child can apply familiar skills in unfamiliar contexts
• Whether they can stay focused and manage time under pressure
• How resilient they are when a question isn’t straightforward

This is especially true in reasoning-based sections, where children must work with limited information and think logically, often without direct teaching. That’s why preparation isn’t just about ticking off subjects—it’s about building fluency, confidence, and flexibility.

The subjects covered in the 11 Plus exam are simply the framework. What’s really being tested is how well your child can think inside it.

8. What to Prioritise First in Preparation

When starting 11 Plus prep, parents often wonder which subject to begin with. The answer depends on your child, but there are a few guiding principles.

• Reading should be ongoing, no matter what else you’re focusing on. A wide vocabulary supports English and Verbal Reasoning across all formats.
• Maths foundations should be secure before jumping into problem-solving. If number bonds, times tables, or division methods aren’t fluent, start there.
• Reasoning (verbal and non-verbal) should be introduced gradually and with guidance. These subjects are not typically taught in school, so early exposure can prevent frustration later.
• Leave mock papers until the child has covered all sections. Full timed tests can overwhelm early on and are far more useful as a benchmark later in the process.

The goal in early preparation is not speed—it’s understanding. Once the basics are clear and habits are consistent, then timing and strategy can be layered in.

Conclusion: Knowing the Subjects Is Just Step One

Understanding the subjects covered in the 11 Plus exam gives you a framework—but successful preparation goes beyond knowing what’s on the page.

Each subject demands different skills, different strategies, and a slightly different mindset. Some children take to non-verbal reasoning quickly but struggle with comprehension. Others love maths but stumble on inference and vocabulary. Preparation needs to match the child—not just the subject list.

Start by understanding what’s being tested. Then focus on how your child learns, where their strengths lie, and what needs time to grow. That’s where real progress happens—and that’s what makes the difference on exam day.

FAQs

1. How many subjects are in the 11 Plus exam?

Most 11 Plus exams test four main subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Some schools also include creative writing, listening tasks, or interviews.

2. Is Verbal Reasoning the same as English?

No. Verbal Reasoning tests how a child uses language to solve logic-based problems, like spotting patterns, decoding sequences, or choosing related words. It’s separate from English comprehension or grammar.

3. What’s the difference between Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning?

Verbal reasoning uses words, while non-verbal reasoning uses shapes, patterns, and visual logic. Both test problem-solving but in very different formats.

4. Do all schools use the same subjects in their 11 Plus?

Not always. Grammar schools often stick to the main four subjects, but independent schools or selective academies may include extra components, like interviews or creative writing.

5. Does the exam board affect which subjects are tested?

Yes. GL and CEM boards both cover the core subjects, but the question style, format, and emphasis differ. ISEB and independent school exams may have their own structure altogether.

6. Is creative writing always included in the 11 Plus?

No, but it’s common in independent schools and some grammar schools. When included, it usually involves story writing or a descriptive task and is marked subjectively.

7. How can I find out which subjects my child’s target school uses?

The best source is the school’s admissions page or a direct call to the registrar. Many schools publish sample papers or give clear breakdowns of which subjects they test and how.