Is 11 Plus Worth It? An Honest Guide for Parents

by Yum Yum Mama Team August 15, 2025

Is It Worth Doing the 11 Plus?

If you're asking is 11 Plus worth it, you’re likely weighing what’s best for your child’s future — and that’s a great place to start.

The 11 Plus exam is an entrance test for grammar schools in some parts of the UK. It’s usually taken at the start of Year 6, and tests verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths, and English skills.

But is it right for your child?

👉 New to the 11 Plus world? Start here:
Everything You Need to Know About the 11 Plus Exam

What Are the Benefits of Passing the 11 Plus?

Here’s why many families consider it:

Access to top-performing grammar schools
Selective learning environments that often stretch bright pupils
More academic pathways in preparation for A-levels and university
Often no tuition fees, unlike private schools

If you live near highly regarded grammar schools, the 11 Plus can be a doorway to exceptional education without the financial burden.

👉 Example: The Best Grammar Schools in Manchester

But What About the Pressure?

The truth is, the 11 Plus isn’t easy — for children or parents. It requires:

Early preparation (usually in Year 4 or 5)
Consistency over months
Managing nerves, self-belief, and workload

That’s why it’s important to know your child. Some thrive on challenge; others may feel overwhelmed.

If your child struggles with confidence or focus, it doesn’t mean they can’t do it — it just means the journey needs more nurturing support.

👉 Practical tips here:
11 Plus Tuition: How to Get Your Child Ready for the Test

What Is the Success Rate for the 11+?

Success depends on the area and competition:

Nationally, about 20–30% of children pass the 11 Plus
In London, competition can be higher due to more applicants per place
In some counties (like Kent or Buckinghamshire), pass marks are standardised scores, not percentages

👉 For scoring breakdowns, see:
11 Plus Explained: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Is 11 Plus Tuition Worth It?

Short answer: it can be — but it depends how it’s used.

Some families choose tutors to:

Help introduce the test format
Build core skills like vocabulary and comprehension
Boost confidence

But others manage perfectly well with DIY resources, books, and practice papers — especially if they start early and stay consistent.

👉 Need tutor recommendations?
11 Plus Tutor UK

Should My Child Take the 11 Plus?

Here are some questions to ask:

Does my child enjoy problem-solving or learning new concepts quickly?
Are they motivated by challenge?
Do we live near a grammar school we’d genuinely consider?
Am I able to support them (with time, resources, or a tutor)?

If your child needs lots of time to absorb new material, that’s okay. The 11 Plus journey is possible — but it may need a gentler, longer lead-in.

👉 Consider building vocabulary first:
11 Plus Vocabulary for Children

Timing and Deadlines

If you're still deciding, keep an eye on key dates:

Registration for 2025 entry opens between April and July 2025 (varies by region)
Exam sits in September 2025
Results released in October

👉 See full timeline:
11 Plus Dates: Your Family’s Timeline to Grammar School Success

What Other Parents Say

Is 11 Plus worth it Reddit?
Many say yes — but not if it costs your child’s wellbeing or becomes overly stressful.
Is 11 Plus worth it Mumsnet?
The most common answer: “It depends on your child and local school options.”

And that’s true. The 11 Plus is one path — not the only one — to academic success.

👉 Want to hear real parent experiences? Explore our blog archives for first-hand insights.

External Resource for Perspective

Check out this guide from TheSchoolRun on how the 11+ compares with comprehensive options and whether it’s the right choice:
https://www.theschoolrun.com/grammar-schools-are-they-right-child