What Do Grammar Schools Look For in the 11+ Exam?

Understanding what grammar schools genuinely look for in candidates transforms preparation from guesswork into strategic action. Many families focus heavily on practice papers without fully understanding what schools are assessing beneath the surface.

As a specialist 11+ English tutor working exclusively with families targeting competitive grammar schools, I have developed a clear understanding of the qualities and abilities admissions teams value most. Success in the 11+ requires more than raw intelligence  it demands specific, demonstrable skills that indicate long-term academic potential.

The Core Academic Criteria

Grammar school entrance exams assess several fundamental academic capabilities. While formats vary by school and region, expectations are broadly consistent.

Advanced Literacy Skills

The 11+ English component evaluates high-level literacy across several areas.

Reading Comprehension

Candidates are expected to demonstrate:

• The ability to understand complex texts quickly

• Extraction of both explicit and implicit information

• Analysis of a writer’s techniques and purposes

• Drawing inferences supported by evidence

• Understanding sophisticated vocabulary in context

Strong comprehension goes beyond surface-level reading. Grammar schools want to see depth of understanding and clarity of explanation.

Writing Excellence

Writing is assessed for both technical accuracy and maturity of expression, including:

• Accurate spelling, punctuation, and grammar

• Varied and controlled sentence structures

• Rich, precise vocabulary

• Original ideas clearly and compellingly expressed

• Awareness of audience and purpose

Analytical Thinking

Analytical ability underpins both comprehension and writing. Grammar schools assess:

• Evaluation and critique of texts

• Recognition of literary techniques

• Understanding of how language creates meaning and effect

• Comparison and synthesis of information

As a selective grammar school tutor, I emphasise that these are not isolated skills. They develop together and must be practised in an integrated way.

Verbal Reasoning Capability

Many grammar schools include verbal reasoning because it assesses how children think, not just what they know.

Logical Thinking

Verbal reasoning tests:

• Pattern recognition

• Analogical reasoning

• Logical problem-solving

• Working accurately under time pressure

Language Manipulation

Candidates must also demonstrate:

• Understanding of word relationships

• Breadth and flexibility of vocabulary

• Ability to work with abstract language concepts

• Fast, accurate processing

11+ verbal reasoning English questions assess a combination of innate aptitude and learned technique. Both elements matter.

Mathematical Reasoning

Although my specialism is English, it is important to recognise that most grammar schools also assess mathematics. They typically look for:

• Quick, accurate calculation

• Logical reasoning

• Problem-solving ability

• Application of mathematical concepts under pressure

Strong performance across subjects supports a child’s overall academic profile.

Beyond Raw Scores: What Really Matters

The most competitive grammar schools are not simply selecting the highest scorers. They are identifying students who will thrive in a demanding academic environment.

Intellectual Curiosity

Grammar schools value students who:

• Ask thoughtful questions

• Engage deeply with ideas

• Read widely beyond requirements

• Show genuine interest in learning

This quality often distinguishes candidates with similar test scores. A private school 11+ tutor can help develop curiosity by:

• Encouraging broad, challenging reading

• Discussing ideas rather than just answers

• Exploring topics in depth

• Fostering a questioning mindset

Resilience and Perseverance

Grammar school study is demanding. Schools look for evidence that students can:

• Work through academic challenges

• Persist when tasks feel difficult

• Learn from mistakes

• Maintain consistent effort over time

These traits often emerge clearly during the 11+ preparation process itself.

Academic Potential

Grammar schools aim to admit students who will:

• Continue developing their abilities

• Contribute meaningfully to lessons

• Achieve strong GCSE results

• Progress to competitive university pathways

This is why many families seek support from tutors who work across stages, from 11+ English preparation through to GCSE English success.

The 11+ English Exam: Specific Requirements

Comprehension Excellence

Grammar school comprehension papers demand:

Deep Understanding

• Recognition of subtle meanings

• Understanding of implication and tone

• Appreciation of the author’s craft

• Reading beyond literal interpretation

Evidence-Based Responses

Strong answers demonstrate:

• Precise quotation selection

• Clear explanation of how evidence supports ideas

• Distinction between inference and speculation

• Accurate textual reference

Sophisticated Analysis

When discussing 11+ English comprehension strategies with families, I stress that top candidates:

• Identify specific techniques (such as metaphor or personification)

• Explain the effect on the reader

• Discuss why the writer made those choices

• Acknowledge alternative interpretations

Creative Writing Mastery

The 11+ creative writing task reveals far more than imagination.

Imagination and Originality

Grammar schools look for:

• Fresh, engaging ideas

• Avoidance of clichéd plots

• Convincing settings and characters

• Logical narrative development

Technical Excellence

High-scoring writing typically shows:

• Virtually flawless spelling and punctuation

• Purposeful sentence variety

• Sophisticated vocabulary used precisely

• Paragraphing that supports structure

Effective Communication

Strong pieces demonstrate:

• A clear narrative voice

• An engaging opening

• Controlled pacing

• A satisfying overall structure

An experienced 11+ creative writing tutor helps students develop these skills deliberately rather than leaving them to chance.

School-Specific Variations

Different grammar schools place emphasis on different aspects of performance.

Highly Selective Schools

These schools often:

• Set more complex reading passages

• Expect deeper analysis

• Demand higher technical accuracy

• Look for evidence of exceptional ability

Moderately Selective Schools

These may:

• Balance accessibility with challenge

• Reward strong foundations

• Value consistency over brilliance

Understanding your target school’s expectations is essential. A top grammar school tutor with experience of specific schools offers invaluable insight.

Time Management and Exam Technique

Grammar schools assess performance under pressure, not just knowledge.

Working Under Timed Conditions

Successful candidates show:

• Speed without loss of accuracy

• Sensible time allocation

• Calm decision-making

• Strategic prioritisation

Strategic Approaches

Top performers:

• Read questions carefully

• Plan responses briefly before writing

• Check work methodically

• Avoid over-investing time in one question

These skills develop through structured 11+ preparation, not last-minute practice.

The Role of General Knowledge

Although not directly tested, general knowledge strongly influences performance.

Reading Comprehension

Students with broader knowledge:

• Understand unfamiliar topics more quickly

• Recognise references and ideas

• Read with greater confidence

Creative Writing

General knowledge supports:

• More convincing scenarios

• Richer detail

• More mature ideas

Premium English tutoring often builds this through discussion of literature, current affairs, history, and culture.

Demonstrating Potential vs Current Achievement

Grammar schools look for growth potential.

They value students who:

Show Rapid Development

• Respond well to feedback

• Apply new techniques

• Improve consistently

Display Teachability

• Listen carefully

• Ask clarifying questions

• Accept guidance positively

This is why early bespoke English tuition is valuable  it allows time for development to be visible.

What Grammar Schools Do Not Look For

Understanding what doesn’t matter helps focus preparation.

Perfect Scores

• Few candidates score full marks

• Schools expect errors

• Consistency matters more than perfection

Mandatory Tutoring

Schools do not require tutoring. They assess:

• Ability

• Performance on the day

• Potential for success

Tutoring supports development but is not a requirement.

Formulaic Responses

Grammar schools actively avoid:

• Template writing

• Memorised phrases

• Predictable narratives

They want authentic thinking and genuine expression.

The Interview Component (Where Applicable)

Some grammar schools and independent schools include interviews.

They assess:

Communication Skills

• Clear expression

• Confidence without arrogance

• Active listening

Personality and Interests

• Enthusiasm for learning

• Breadth of interests

• Social confidence

Fit with School Culture

• Understanding of values

• Genuine interest

• Contribution to school life

Preparation That Matches Requirements

Effective grammar school preparation focuses on:

Skill Development

• Reading depth

• Writing sophistication

• Analytical thinking

Broad Education

• Wide reading

• Discussion and debate

• Intellectual curiosity

Strategic Practice

• Learning from mistakes

• Gradual time-management development

• Confidence-building

Common Misconceptions

• “Tutoring is essential.”
  Reality: Ability and potential matter most.

• “Perfect scores are required.”
  Reality: Consistency is more important.

• “Preparation guarantees success.”
  Reality: Preparation improves chances but places are limited.

• “Grammar school suits everyone.”
  Reality: Grammar schools suit academically driven learners.

Aligning Your Child’s Strengths

Your child may be well suited if they:

• Enjoy academic challenge

• Read enthusiastically

• Ask thoughtful questions

• Respond well to feedback

• Show resilience

Reconsider if your child:

• Experiences high academic anxiety

• Struggles with sustained focus

• Thrives more in creative or practical environments

An experienced academic excellence English tutor can assess this honestly.

Beyond the 11+ Exam

Grammar schools also consider long-term success indicators, including:

• Work ethic

• Independence

• Time management

• Balance

They want students who will contribute positively and thrive.

The Path to Success

Grammar schools look for students who combine:

• Strong academic ability

• Intellectual curiosity

• Resilience

• Growth potential

• Cultural fit

Success comes from aligning preparation with genuine requirements and developing real skills rather than rehearsed techniques.

Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation

If you would like clarity on whether grammar school entry is the right path for your child  and how best to prepare  a short consultation can help.

In this free 15-minute call, we can:

• Discuss your child’s current level

• Identify priority areas for development

• Explore realistic next steps

👉 Book your free 15-minute consultation here