The 11-Plus is a standardised examination taken by some Year 6 pupils to determine their suitability for admission to selective state-funded schools in England and Northern Ireland. It consists of three subjects: English, Mathematics, and Verbal Reasoning. The difficulty of the 11-Plus varies depending on the school. In general, the English and Mathematics papers test the same topics that are covered in the national curriculum for primary schools. However, the syllabus for Verbal Reasoning is not specified in the national curriculum, and different schools set different types of questions. Some head teachers have called for the abolition of the exams, on the belief they add unneeded stress to pupils and can result in the exclusion of disadvantaged children.
11-Plus exams do differ in difficulty from school to school. However, the English and Maths papers will always test the same topics as those covered in the national curriculum for primary schools in Key Stage 2. As mentioned, the Verbal Reasoning syllabus isn’t specified in the national curriculum and so individual schools set their own style and type of questions. So, whether the 11-Plus is hard for your child will depend on the school they are applying to.