Free 11 Plus Practice Papers Downloadable PDF

Heard the words ‘11 Plus’ and feeling unsure where to start? It can seem overwhelming, but you're not alone. Many parents find the best way to prepare for the 11 plus exam at home is by seeing what the test questions actually look like. This simple step turns an unknown concept into something tangible and less intimidating.

That’s why we’ve created these free, downloadable 11 plus exam preparation materials. Taking a calm look at a paper with your child is a pressure-free introduction where the focus is on familiarity, not scores or timing. This guide will help you get a productive, positive start on this new journey.

Download Your Free 11 Plus Practice Paper PDFs

Ready to take that first step? Our free taster pack is the perfect starting point. This single paper mixes questions from all the typical 11 Plus subjects to give your child a gentle feel for what to expect. We've designed these free 11 Plus practice papers as a downloadable PDF to be a helpful preview, not a scary test.

Get your copy instantly. Just follow the link below to download your free 11 plus sample paper, which you can print at home whenever you're ready.

• Click here to download your FREE 11 Plus Taster Pack (PDF)

What's Actually In an 11 Plus Exam? A Simple Breakdown

So, what should you expect to find inside the paper? An 11 Plus test typically covers four subjects. You’ll recognise Maths and English, which build on what your child learns at school. The English section often tests reading ability and vocabulary, similar to the skills needed for 11 plus English comprehension papers online. However, you’ll also notice two subjects that are probably new to you both.

The first is Verbal Reasoning (VR). This subject isn’t usually part of the national curriculum, so it’s perfectly normal if you’ve never heard of it. It’s a type of word-based logic puzzle. Our paper includes some free verbal reasoning practice questions so you can see firsthand how it tests vocabulary and the ability to see connections between different words.

Next is Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR), another area that’s new for most families. Instead of words, it uses shapes, patterns, and pictures to test problem-solving skills. The goal is to see how well a child can identify and apply logical rules. You can think of 11+ non-verbal reasoning test examples as visual puzzles, like spotting the odd one out or completing a sequence.

Seeing these unfamiliar question types is exactly why a practice paper is such a useful first step. It gives your child a gentle introduction and removes the element of surprise, helping them feel more comfortable.

How to Use This Practice Paper Without Adding Pressure

Your first thought might be to see how your child scores, but for this initial experience, we recommend a different approach. The goal isn't a perfect mark; it’s to create a positive and curious first impression. This is the foundation of preparing for the 11 plus exam at home without causing stress.

For a calm and productive session, follow this simple guide:

• Find a quiet time. Pick a moment with no TV, no siblings running around, and no rush. A relaxed child is a more focused child.

• Frame it as a puzzle. Use language like, "I've found some interesting puzzles, want to have a look?" rather than, "It's time to do a test." This removes the pressure immediately.

• Forget the clock (for now). While you may find a timed 11 plus practice test online free later, the first attempt should be untimed. The focus is on understanding the questions, not racing against time.

By treating this as a joint discovery, you’re not testing your child—you’re exploring with them. The aim is to make them familiar with the look and feel of the questions. A child who feels confident and curious is far more likely to engage with the process long-term.

Your Child Finished the Paper – Now What? How to Find Clues, Not Scores

With the paper finished, it’s tempting to grab a red pen and tally up a score. But the real value isn’t in the final number—it’s in the clues the paper leaves behind. For this first step, think of yourself as a friendly detective, not a judge. Your goal is simply to understand your child’s starting point and thought process.

Look for patterns in the answers. Were most of the incorrect questions clustered in one subject, like the new Non-Verbal Reasoning puzzles? Or did they mostly happen at the end of each section? This analysis helps you see whether the challenge is a specific topic or just tiredness setting in.

Next, try to understand the type of error. Was it a simple slip-up, like misreading a question, or a topic they’ve genuinely never seen before? Distinguishing between a knowledge gap and a simple mistake is crucial. Good 11 plus practice papers with detailed explanations can help you pinpoint these differences later on, but for now, just noticing is enough.

The most important clues, however, come from your child. Instead of asking “Why did you get this wrong?”, try a more open approach: “Which part did you find the most interesting?” or “Was there anything that felt a bit tricky?” This turns a test into a team effort and a shared puzzle, creating a positive foundation for whatever comes next.

Your First Step is Complete: What's Next?

By working through a practice paper, you’ve turned an overwhelming concept into a manageable starting point. You now have a real sense of what the test involves and a better understanding of where your child stands.

As you continue, you may hear terms like CEM vs GL assessment practice papers. These are the two main exam boards for the 11 Plus, and different regions use different ones. Your next task is simple: find out which exam board your target schools use. A quick online search for “[Your County] grammar school admissions” will usually give you the answer.

This single piece of information will help you find the right resources going forward. You've navigated the hardest part—getting started—and are now on a path to preparing calmly and effectively.