Free 11 Plus Sample Tests 2026: The Complete UK Preparation Guide for GL Assessment & CEM
The most effective path to grammar school success is regular, structured practice with high-quality 11 plus sample tests aligned to exactly what your child will face on exam day. This guide brings together everything — free sample tests for all four subjects, the proven strategies that work for each question type, how to use sample tests diagnostically to target weak areas, and where to access full GL Assessment and CEM mock exams. All resources are 100% free, no registration required.
Omishaan UK is part of the global Omishaan educational network, which also provides free NAPLAN practice tests for Australian students and free EQAO practice tests for Ontario students — the same commitment to free, high-quality educational resources across three countries.
📋 Complete Table of Contents
- What are 11 plus sample tests and why are they essential?
- Sample tests vs past papers — the important difference
- Free 11 plus sample tests by subject
- Verbal Reasoning sample tests — all 21 question types
- Non-Verbal Reasoning sample tests — all 6 question types
- Mathematics sample tests — complete KS2 coverage
- English sample tests — comprehension and creative writing
- Free GL Assessment sample tests and past papers
- Free CEM sample tests and practice materials
- How to use sample tests strategically
- The 12-week sample test preparation plan
- Full mock exams: from sample tests to complete exam simulation
- The Omishaan global network — UK, Australia, Canada
- Frequently asked questions (14 answered)
What Are 11 Plus Sample Tests and Why Are They Essential?
11 plus sample tests are practice papers that replicate the format, question types, difficulty and timing of the real grammar school entrance examination. Unlike school homework, textbook exercises or general KS2 workbooks — which test curriculum knowledge — 11 plus sample tests specifically train children in the unique formats of the 11 plus exam that they will not encounter in normal classroom learning.
This format-unfamiliarity is the most important reason sample tests are so valuable. A Year 6 child who has never seen a verbal reasoning coding question, a non-verbal reasoning matrix, or a multi-step word problem under strict time pressure is at a significant disadvantage in the exam — not because they lack intelligence, but simply because the formats are unfamiliar. Sample tests solve this precisely: they build format recognition, which directly translates into answer speed and accuracy.
What 11 Plus Sample Tests Build That Classroom Learning Cannot
- Question type recognition: Students who have seen a coding question twenty times answer it in 15 seconds. Students who have never seen one spend 60 seconds confused.
- Automatic pattern recognition: After 6+ sample papers of the same subject, students begin recognising question patterns without consciously thinking — dramatically improving speed.
- Exam stamina: The full GL Assessment is 3.5 hours across four papers. No classroom activity builds this stamina — only regular full-paper practice does.
- Timed decision-making: Knowing when to skip a question and move on is a skill that only develops through timed sample test practice — it cannot be learned from a textbook.
- Anxiety reduction: Students who have completed many sample tests arrive at the real exam with familiar question formats — dramatically reducing the anxiety of the unknown.
📌 The Critical Rule for Sample Tests
Never use sample tests without reviewing every wrong answer afterwards. The review session is where improvement happens — completing a sample test and simply checking the score produces minimal benefit. For every wrong answer ask: was this a knowledge gap (I didn't know the concept), a strategy error (I used the wrong method), or a careless mistake (I rushed)? Each type needs a different solution.
11 Plus Sample Tests vs Past Papers — The Important Difference
Parents often use the terms "sample tests" and "past papers" interchangeably — but they are meaningfully different, and understanding the difference helps you select the right resources.
| Feature | 11+ Sample Tests | 11+ Past Papers |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Created to replicate real exam format and difficulty | Actual papers used in real exams in previous years |
| Authenticity | High — when well-aligned with current exam format | Highest — exactly what real exam uses |
| Availability | Unlimited — can be created continuously | Limited — only one new year of past papers per year |
| GL Assessment | Available from publishers and Omishaan UK | Official samples published by GL Assessment |
| CEM | Available from publishers and Omishaan UK | Not published — CEM deliberately withholds past papers |
| Best use | High-volume repetition for skill building | Calibrating against exact real exam standard |
| Strategy | Use throughout preparation for volume | Use first to calibrate, then sample tests for volume |
The optimal preparation uses both: start with official past papers or GL sample papers to calibrate exactly what the real exam expects, then use practice sample tests for the high volume of repetition needed to build automatic pattern recognition and exam speed. Access both from our Past Papers and Practice Tests Hub.
Free 11 Plus Sample Tests by Subject — All Four Covered
Every subject sample test below is completely free — no registration, no paywall, no fees. All aligned with current GL Assessment and CEM formats and include detailed answer explanations.
The most time-pressured 11 plus subject — 80 questions in 50 minutes, averaging 37 seconds each in GL Assessment. VR is also the subject most responsive to preparation: students with systematic strategies and strong vocabulary consistently outperform those relying on instinct.
- All 21 question types covered with worked strategies
- Synonyms, antonyms, analogies, letter codes, hidden words, sequences, logic
- Topic-specific sample tests (e.g. synonyms only, codes only)
- Mixed-type sample papers at GL exam pace
- Progressive difficulty: beginner to advanced
- Vocabulary building integrated throughout
The most improvable 11 plus subject — students who struggle initially regularly show 25–35% score improvement within 6–8 weeks of systematic NVR practice because all 6 question types are finite and learnable with the right strategy.
- All 6 NVR question types: matrices, sequences, analogies, odd one out, 3D nets, rotation
- Visual worked solutions for every question type
- Printable 3D cube nets for physical folding practice
- Systematic strategy for each type (never rely on visual instinct alone)
- Timed papers at GL Assessment 37-second pace
- Progressive difficulty from starter to full exam level
Complete KS2 curriculum coverage — entirely calculator-free — at the pace and word-problem format of the real 11 plus maths paper. Automatic times tables recall is non-negotiable; mental arithmetic fluency saves seconds on dozens of questions across the paper.
- Number and arithmetic: times tables to 12×12, factors, primes, powers
- Fractions, decimals and percentages — most commonly missed topic group
- Algebra and sequences: equations, substitution, nth term
- Geometry: area, perimeter, angles, composite shapes
- Data handling: mean, median, mode, graphs
- Multi-step word problems: the hardest question type
Two distinct skills in one paper — reading comprehension (analysing a passage) and creative writing (producing an original narrative or descriptive piece). These require different preparation strategies and should be treated as separate skills.
- Reading comprehension: literal, inference, vocabulary, literary devices
- Creative writing: narrative structure, descriptive language, varied syntax
- Model answers for creative writing at high and low exemplar levels
- Vocabulary in context practice
- SPaG: spelling, punctuation and grammar integrated
- Time split practice: 25 mins comprehension + 25 mins writing
Free GL Assessment 11 Plus Sample Tests — All Four Papers
GL Assessment is used by approximately 70% of UK grammar schools and publishes official free sample materials — making it the exam format with the richest pool of authentic preparation resources. GL's highly consistent year-on-year format means sample tests are exceptionally valuable: formats repeat reliably, so pattern-trained students have a genuine advantage.
Official Free GL Assessment Sample Papers
GL Assessment publishes official free sample papers at 11plus.gl-assessment.co.uk/pages/free-materials covering all four subjects. These are the most authentic GL sample tests available — produced by the actual exam provider. Start preparation with these to calibrate exactly what the real GL exam expects.
| GL Paper | Duration | Questions | Key Focus | Sample Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 50 mins | 80 | All 21 VR types — 37 secs/Q average | VR Hub → |
| Non-Verbal Reasoning | 50 mins | 80 | 6 NVR types — B&W diagrams — 37 secs/Q | NVR Hub → |
| Mathematics | 45–50 mins | 40–50 | KS2 curriculum — no calculator — ~60 secs/Q | Maths Hub → |
| English | 45–50 mins | Variable | Comprehension + Creative writing | English Hub → |
| Full GL Mock Exam | ~3.5 hrs | 240+ | All 4 papers — full exam simulation | Mock Tests → |
✅ Best Free GL Sample Test Sources
- Official GL Assessment website: Free sample papers all four subjects — most authentic available
- Omishaan UK (free, no registration): Online sample tests all four subjects — GL Assessment Hub
- Bond 11+: Free sample papers closely matching GL format — trusted by tutors nationwide
- CGP Books: Free sample papers with strong GL format alignment
- Individual grammar school websites: Some schools publish previous entrance test examples on their admissions pages
Free CEM 11 Plus Sample Tests and Practice Materials
CEM Select deliberately does not publish official past papers — preventing specific format drilling and encouraging preparation that builds genuine underlying ability. This makes quality CEM-aligned sample tests from third-party providers the primary available preparation resource for CEM regions (Birmingham, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire and others).
What CEM Sample Tests Must Cover
Because CEM blends all subjects into two mixed papers with question types that change between years, effective CEM sample tests need to replicate three features the real exam demands:
- Mixed-subject format: Question types alternate unpredictably — verbal, then numerical, then non-verbal, then verbal again
- Vocabulary breadth testing: CEM tests vocabulary across every section — not just the VR section
- Cloze passages: Fill-in-the-blank texts unique to CEM — absent from GL Assessment papers entirely
| CEM Sample Resource | Format | Focus | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| CEM Mixed Paper A | Verbal + Numerical mixed | Mental switching and speed | Start → |
| CEM Mixed Paper B | NVR + Mixed reasoning | Pattern recognition under speed | Start → |
| Cloze Passage Practice | Fill-in-blank texts | Vocabulary + grammar in context | English Hub → |
| Vocabulary Speed Drills | Rapid synonym/antonym Q&A | Word breadth + retrieval speed | Vocab Hub → |
| Mixed Subject Drill | All types alternating | CEM mental switching training | Start → |
How to Use 11 Plus Sample Tests Strategically
Most students complete sample tests, check the score, and move on. This approach produces limited improvement and wastes the diagnostic value embedded in every wrong answer. Follow this five-step method to extract maximum benefit from every sample test your child completes.
Step 1 — The Diagnostic Phase (Untimed First Test)
Complete the very first sample test in each subject without a time limit. The goal is not performance — it is information. Score each question type separately, not just the total. Which VR question types produced the most errors? Which maths topics? This diagnostic breakdown drives the next 4 weeks of preparation.
Step 2 — Targeted Hub Practice (2–4 Weeks)
Before taking another full sample test, spend 2 to 4 weeks using subject-specific hubs to practise specifically the question types and topics that produced the most errors in Step 1. Fix the gaps before retesting on them.
Step 3 — Timed Sample Tests (With Thorough Review)
Take a second sample test under time pressure. Compare results by question type against the diagnostic — specific types should be improving. For every wrong answer:
- Knowledge gap: I didn't know the concept → return to hub practice for that topic
- Strategy error: I used the wrong approach → re-learn the correct strategy for that question type
- Careless mistake: I knew it but rushed → practise the skip-and-check rule more deliberately
Step 4 — Build Volume and Speed (4–8 Weeks)
Alternate between targeted hub practice and timed sample papers. Speed improves through familiarity — students who complete 6+ sample papers of the same subject type answer questions faster simply through automatic pattern recognition. Progressively reduce the time limit from 1.5× target pace to 1.2×, then to full exam speed.
Step 5 — Full Mock Exams (Final 6 Weeks)
Transition from individual subject sample tests to complete four-paper GL mock exams (or two-paper CEM mock exams) under strict real exam conditions. Access from our Full Mock Test Hub.
✅ The Review Session Rule
A 30-minute review session after a 50-minute sample test produces more score improvement than taking two additional tests without review. Never skip the review. Before moving to the next sample test, your child should be able to explain exactly why each wrong answer was wrong and what the correct approach should have been.
The 12-Week 11 Plus Sample Test Preparation Plan
This plan structures sample test use alongside targeted hub practice for maximum improvement. Adjust the specific subject hubs based on your child's diagnostic results.
Diagnose
Diagnostic Sample Tests and Foundation Building
- Confirm your target schools' exam format — GL or CEM. Everything else depends on this.
- Complete one untimed diagnostic sample test per subject — score by question type not total
- Identify two weakest subjects — these become Weeks 4–7 priority
- Learn all VR question type strategies from Verbal Reasoning Hub
- Learn all 6 NVR strategies from Non-Verbal Reasoning Hub
- Start daily vocabulary routine: 7–10 words per day with synonyms and antonyms — run this for ALL 12 weeks
- Start daily times tables drill: 5 minutes every day until fully automatic
Build
Targeted Hub Practice and Speed Introduction
- Deep practice on two weakest subjects using dedicated hubs — 30–40 minutes daily, 5 days/week
- Maintain daily vocabulary and times tables drills
- Introduce time limits from Week 5: start at 1.5× target pace
- First timed subject sample test in Week 6 — review every wrong answer systematically
- Begin mixed-subject practice sessions from Week 7 (critical for CEM; also beneficial for GL stamina)
Simulate
Timed Sample Papers and Full Mock Exams
- Complete timed subject sample papers at full exam pace — one per subject per fortnight
- One full four-paper GL mock exam (or two-paper CEM) every two weeks under real conditions
- After each mock: identify lowest-scoring subject, target for next two weeks
- Practise the skip rule: mark and move after 45 seconds on any question without progress
- Access all full mock exams from Full Mock Test Hub
Consolidate
Light Review and Confidence Building
- Reduce daily practice to 15–20 minutes — the foundation is fully built
- One final mock exam early in Week 12 — then stop intensive practice
- Light vocabulary review only in final 3 days
- Confirm exam logistics: venue, time, what to bring
- 9–10 hours sleep every night — sleep directly improves exam performance
Full Mock Exams: From Sample Tests to Complete Exam Simulation
Individual subject sample tests build knowledge and strategy. Complete four-paper mock exams build the exam stamina, timing skills and mental endurance the real 11 plus requires. No amount of subject-specific sample test practice fully substitutes for the experience of sitting a complete timed four-paper examination — because stamina is a skill that must be trained separately.
When to Transition from Sample Tests to Full Mock Exams
The transition from individual subject sample tests to full four-paper mock exams should happen 6 to 8 weeks before the real exam. Before this, individual subject papers are more efficient because they allow faster feedback cycles and more targeted practice.
| Mock Exam | Format | Duration | Difficulty | Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Diagnostic Mock | All 4 papers (shortened) | ~100 mins | Baseline | Start → |
| GL Full Mock Set A | English + Maths + VR + NVR | ~3.5 hrs | Standard | Start → |
| GL Full Mock Set B | English + Maths + VR + NVR | ~3.5 hrs | Standard | Start → |
| GL Full Mock Set C | English + Maths + VR + NVR | ~3.5 hrs | Challenging | Start → |
| CEM Full Mock Set A | Paper 1 + Paper 2 (mixed) | ~100 mins | Standard | Start → |
| CEM Full Mock Set B | Paper 1 + Paper 2 (mixed) | ~100 mins | Standard | Start → |
The Omishaan Global Network — Free Educational Resources Across Three Countries
Omishaan UK is part of a global educational network providing free, high-quality practice tests for students facing national standardised assessments in three countries. The same commitment to free access, curriculum alignment and comprehensive preparation guides connects all three platforms.
🇬🇧 Omishaan UK — 11 Plus Exams
Free 11 plus sample tests and practice papers for UK grammar school entrance — GL Assessment and CEM formats. Covers Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Mathematics and English with full mock exams and vocabulary resources.
Visit Omishaan UK →🇦🇺 Omishaan Australia — NAPLAN
Free NAPLAN practice tests for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 aligned with ACARA v9.0. Covers Reading, Numeracy, Writing and Language Conventions plus OC Test and Selective School preparation for NSW students.
Visit Omishaan Australia →🇨🇦 Omishaan Canada — EQAO
Free EQAO practice tests for Ontario students in Grades 3, 6, 9 and OSSLT Grade 10. Covers Reading, Mathematics, Writing and Language Conventions aligned with the 2026 Ontario Curriculum.
Visit Omishaan Canada →📌 Why the Global Network Matters for Your Child
Omishaan's presence across three national assessment systems means our curriculum knowledge, question-type analysis and preparation methodology is continuously refined across multiple high-stakes assessment contexts. The diagnostic approach, strategic preparation frameworks and subject-specific hub models that work for NAPLAN in Australia and EQAO in Canada are the same evidence-based approaches applied to 11 plus preparation in the UK. Visit our partner sites: Omishaan Australia (NAPLAN) and Omishaan Canada (EQAO).
All Free 11 Plus Resources — Complete Library
Every resource is free — no account, no registration, no fees:
Frequently Asked Questions About Free 11 Plus Sample Tests
Answers to the 14 most-searched questions about 11 plus sample tests from UK parents and Year 5–6 students.
What are 11 plus sample tests and where can I find them free?
11 plus sample tests are practice papers replicating the real exam's format, question types and difficulty. Free sources include: GL Assessment's official website (most authentic GL materials), Omishaan UK at uk.omishaan.com (free online sample tests all four subjects, no registration), Bond 11+ and CGP Books (free sample papers aligned with GL format), and individual grammar school admissions pages (some publish past entrance test examples).
How many 11 plus sample tests should my child complete?
6 to 10 subject-specific sample papers per subject throughout preparation plus 4 to 6 complete mock exams in the final 6 to 8 weeks. Quality review after each test matters more than volume — a child who reviews 10 tests thoroughly improves more than one who rushes through 30 without review. Never treat sample tests as a pass-and-move activity.
What is the difference between 11+ sample tests and 11+ past papers?
Past papers are actual previous examination papers — the most authentic available practice. Sample tests are new practice materials replicating the format. Both are valuable: use official past papers to calibrate exactly what the real exam expects, and use sample tests for the high volume of repetition needed. See our complete guide: Past Papers and Practice Tests Hub.
What subjects do 11 plus sample tests cover?
All four 11 plus subjects: Verbal Reasoning (21 question types, 80 questions in 50 minutes in GL), Non-Verbal Reasoning (6 question types, 80 questions in 50 minutes), Mathematics (complete KS2, calculator-free), English (comprehension and creative writing). In GL, each has a separate sample test paper; in CEM, all are blended within mixed papers.
Are the 11 plus sample tests different for GL Assessment and CEM?
Yes, significantly. GL sample tests are subject-specific with consistent formats and official past papers available. CEM sample tests must replicate a mixed-paper format — and CEM publishes no official past papers. See our complete guides: GL Assessment Hub and CEM Assessment Hub.
What is the best free source of 11 plus sample tests in the UK?
GL Assessment's official free sample papers (11plus.gl-assessment.co.uk/pages/free-materials) are the most authentic GL materials. Omishaan UK provides free online sample tests for all four subjects for both GL and CEM formats with no registration. Bond and CGP also offer free sample papers. For school-specific materials, check each target school's admissions page.
When should my child start using 11 plus sample tests?
Begin untimed diagnostic sample tests 10 to 12 months before the exam to understand question types. Progress to timed sample papers at 6 months before. Use full mock exams in the final 3 to 4 months. Starting timed sample tests too early (before strategies are learned) produces confusion; starting too late (under 6 weeks before the exam) leaves insufficient time to build automatic speed.
Do free 11 plus sample tests actually improve exam scores?
Yes, significantly — when used correctly with thorough review after each test. Students who complete regular structured sample tests develop automatic question-type recognition, build exam stamina, reduce anxiety, and identify specific gaps early. The key condition: always review every wrong answer before moving to the next test. Completing 10 tests with review produces more improvement than 40 without.
What is a GL Assessment 11 plus sample test?
A practice paper replicating GL Assessment's actual 11 plus papers — four separate subject papers with consistent, predictable formats. Official GL sample papers are published free at their website. Omishaan UK's GL Assessment Hub provides additional free online sample tests with instant scoring and explanations.
How are 11 plus sample test results used to guide preparation?
Score each question type separately (not just total), identify which specific types produced the most errors, categorise each error (knowledge gap, strategy error, careless mistake), then use subject hubs to target specifically those weak types. Repeat sample tests every 3–4 weeks to track improvement in specifically targeted areas.
What 11 plus sample tests does Omishaan UK provide?
Omishaan UK provides free sample tests for all 21 VR question types, all 6 NVR question types with 3D nets, all KS2 maths topics, English comprehension and creative writing, GL four-paper format tests, CEM mixed-paper format tests, full GL and CEM mock exams, and vocabulary lists by level. All at uk.omishaan.com — no registration.
Is Omishaan available for other countries beyond 11 plus?
Yes. Omishaan Australia provides free NAPLAN practice tests for Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 including OC Test and Selective School preparation. Omishaan Canada provides free EQAO practice tests for Ontario Grades 3, 6, 9 and OSSLT Grade 10. All three platforms share the same commitment to free, high-quality educational resources.
What is the 11 plus sample test format for Verbal Reasoning?
GL Assessment VR: 80 questions in 50 minutes (37 seconds average), all 21 question types mixed — synonyms, antonyms, analogies, codes, hidden words, sequences, logic and more. Vocabulary directly improves approximately 60% of the paper. CEM: verbal questions blended within mixed papers at faster pace. See all strategies at Verbal Reasoning Hub.
How should I use 11 plus sample tests alongside subject hubs?
Alternate diagnostically: take a sample test → identify weak question types → use the relevant hub (VR, NVR, Maths, English) for 2 to 3 weeks of targeted practice → take a new sample test to measure improvement in those specific types. Add full mock exams in the final 6 to 8 weeks. This alternating cycle produces the most consistent improvement across all four subjects.
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