What Is the Pass Rate for 11+ English Exams?

Understanding pass rates for the 11+ English exam is an important consideration for families exploring grammar school entrance. Many parents want a clear sense of how competitive the process really is and what the numbers mean for their own child.

As a specialist 11+ English tutor, I’m frequently asked about the likelihood of success and whether pass rates should influence how early families begin preparing. While the statistics are useful, the reality is more nuanced than many parents expect.

The Reality of 11+ Pass Rates for Grammar School Entry

The term “pass rate” can be misleading when discussing the grammar school entrance exam. Unlike traditional exams with a fixed pass mark, the 11+ is a competitive selection process.

Grammar schools typically receive far more applications than they have places available. This means that only the highest-scoring candidates secure admission, regardless of how many children achieve a technically “good” score.

National data suggests that approximately 25–30% of children who sit the 11+ exam gain grammar school places. However, this figure varies significantly depending on several factors:

• Geographic location and the number of local grammar schools

• The competitiveness of individual schools

• Whether children attend primary schools with strong 11+ preparation

• Access to specialist private 11+ tutor support

These variables mean that pass rates should always be interpreted within context.

Regional Variations in 11+ English Pass Rates

Success rates differ widely across the country.

In highly competitive areas such as Buckinghamshire, Kent, and parts of London, pass rates can fall below 10%. In these regions, it is common for ten or more children to compete for each available place.

In contrast, areas with fewer applicants or more grammar schools may see success rates closer to 40–50%.

As a selective grammar school tutor, I work with families targeting both scenarios. Preparation strategies must be adjusted accordingly — what is sufficient for a less competitive area may not be nearly enough for the most selective schools.

Breaking Down the 11+ English Exam Component

The 11+ English exam typically includes several distinct elements, each contributing differently to overall outcomes.

11+ English Comprehension Success Rates

English comprehension is often the most challenging element of the 11+ exam. It requires children to demonstrate advanced reading and thinking skills, including:

• Sophisticated vocabulary understanding

• Inference and deduction

• Analysis of writer’s techniques

• Interpretation of complex texts

School-based data and mock exam results consistently show that comprehension has one of the lowest success rates, with many children scoring below 60% without targeted preparation. This is where structured 11+ English comprehension support can make a significant difference.

11+ Creative Writing Performance Levels

Creative writing performance varies widely.

Broadly speaking:

• Around 30% of candidates produce writing that grammar schools regard as outstanding

• Approximately 40% achieve competent but unremarkable scores

• The remaining 30% struggle to meet expected standards

The difference between competent and outstanding writing is rarely about imagination alone. It usually comes down to sentence control, vocabulary precision, structure, and clarity — all of which are teachable with the right guidance.

Working with an experienced 11+ creative writing tutor can significantly improve a child’s position within these performance bands.

11+ Verbal Reasoning English Statistics

Verbal reasoning presents a particular challenge because it tests specific thinking patterns that are rarely taught explicitly in mainstream primary schools.

Success in this area depends heavily on:

• Prior exposure to verbal reasoning question types

• Logical and language-based thinking skills

• Speed and accuracy under exam conditions

Children receiving focused 11+ preparation often score 20–30% higher in verbal reasoning than those without specialist support.

Factors That Affect an Individual Child’s 11+ Success Rate

While overall pass rates provide useful context, a child’s individual likelihood of success depends on several key factors.

Quality of 11+ Exam Preparation

Children following a structured 11+ exam preparation programme typically outperform those relying solely on school provision. When parents search for the best 11+ tutor, they should prioritise proven experience and familiarity with their target schools.

Starting Point and Academic Profile

Natural ability plays a role, but it is not the whole story. As an academic excellence English tutor, I have seen many children exceed early expectations through systematic preparation — and equally capable children underperform without it.

Time Investment

Preparation time matters. Children who begin bespoke English tuition 18–24 months before the exam tend to achieve stronger outcomes than those starting with only a few months’ notice.

Exam Technique and Confidence

Many able children struggle not because they lack knowledge, but because they lack strategy. Understanding how to approach different question types, manage time, and remain calm under pressure has a measurable impact on results.

Understanding School-Specific 11+ Statistics

Each grammar school publishes different information about its selection process. Some schools provide:

• Number of applicants versus places

• Typical scores required for admission

• Subject-specific expectations

When researching competitive grammar school preparation, these figures are invaluable. A school with 1,000 applicants for 120 places presents a very different challenge from one with 300 applicants for 100 places.

The Role of Premium 11+ English Tutoring

High-quality tutoring can significantly improve outcomes.

Data from multiple tuition providers suggests that children receiving specialist 11+ English tutor support are two to three times more likely to secure grammar school places than those without.

However, quality matters. Effective 11+ and GCSE English tuition share common features:

• Personalised learning plans

• Regular assessment and feedback

• Targeted practice materials

• Focus on underlying skills, not just exam tactics

How to Interpret 11+ Pass Rate Statistics

When assessing your child’s chances, consider the following alongside headline figures.

Primary School Track Records

Some primary schools have strong histories of 11+ success, which can provide a helpful foundation — though this should not replace specialist preparation where needed.

Tutor Success Rates

Ask potential tutors about previous outcomes, but interpret statistics carefully. The most effective tutors often work with complex or late-starting cases, which can affect raw figures.

Practice Test Performance

Mock exams are often the most reliable indicator of readiness.

• Children scoring 70%+ consistently tend to be competitive for many grammar schools

• Those reaching 85%+ become strong candidates even in highly selective areas

Improving Your Child’s Chances of Success

Rather than focusing solely on pass rates, parents are better served by concentrating on controllable factors.

Build Core English Skills Early

Success in how to pass 11+ English is rooted in long-term skill development. Encourage:

• Wide reading across genres

• Regular, structured writing practice

• Discussion of texts and ideas

• Vocabulary development through context

Invest in the Right Support

Effective independent school exam preparation is highly individual. Look for:

• Experienced tutors with clear expertise

• Structured, adaptable methodologies

• Strong communication and transparency

Create a Realistic Preparation Timeline

A balanced approach often looks like this:

• Year 3: Reading habits and general literacy

• Year 4: Gentle introduction to exam-style tasks

• Year 5: Structured preparation and regular practice

• Year 6: Refinement, confidence-building, and consolidation

Maintaining Perspective on 11+ Results

Pass rates help set expectations, but they describe populations — not individual children.

Beyond statistics, important questions include:

• Is grammar school the right environment for your child?

• Are you prepared for the academic demands if successful?

• How will you support your child if they do not secure a place?

As an 11+ and GCSE English tutor specialising in grades 7–9, I consistently see that children who thrive share qualities such as curiosity, resilience, and engagement — regardless of the school they attend.

Success Rates for Different Student Profiles

High-Achieving Students

Children already working at the top of their year group may achieve success rates of 60–70%, assuming appropriate preparation.

Average to Above-Average Students

With sustained support and elite school English tutor guidance, success rates of 30–40% are achievable, even in competitive areas.

Late Bloomers

Some children develop confidence later. While immediate 11+ success may be less likely, these students often excel once placed in the right educational environment.

Making Informed Decisions About Grammar School Entry

Rather than being discouraged by statistics, use pass rates to:

• Set realistic expectations

• Select appropriate target schools

• Allocate sufficient preparation time

• Decide whether grammar school is your only pathway

Many families benefit from applying to a balanced mix of grammar schools, independent schools, and strong state comprehensives.

The Long-Term Perspective

The 11+ exam does not define a child’s future. Many successful adults followed different educational routes, while others found their strengths later on.

What matters most is developing genuine skills and confidence. Whether through later GCSE English support or alternative academic pathways, there are multiple routes to success.

Pass rates provide context but your child’s individual journey matters far more than any statistic.

Book a Free 15-Minute Consultation

If you’re trying to work out what the 11+ statistics mean for your child  and whether grammar school is a realistic goal  a short conversation is often the most helpful next step.

In this free 15-minute consultation, we can:

• Talk through your child’s current level and strengths

• Identify which areas of 11+ English need the most attention

• Discuss whether further preparation would be worthwhile, and what that might look like

There’s no obligation and no pressure. The purpose is simply to give you clarity and a sensible direction.

👉 Book your free 15-minute consultation here