The 11+ and reasoning tests in the United Kingdom

In the parts of England that still have grammar schools, children sit the 11+ at the start of Year 6 for a place in Year 7. Many UK secondary schools also give the CAT4 reasoning test after a child joins.

The tests in the United Kingdom

CAT4
Cognitive Abilities Test, 4th edition
Mostly covered
Schools in the UK and many international and British-curriculum schools.
11+
The eleven-plus, for grammar school entry
Partly covered
Grammar schools in parts of England, for entry to Year 7. Children sit it at the start of Year 6, around age 10.

The 11+

Set locally: each grammar school or area chooses its papers, its timings and its dates.
Most areas’ papers are written by GL Assessment. Most include verbal reasoning, many include non-verbal reasoning, and many add English and maths.
Registration closes months before the test, so check your area’s admissions page during Year 5.

The CAT4

GL Assessment’s Cognitive Abilities Test: verbal, quantitative, non-verbal and spatial reasoning. Schools use it to see how a child thinks and to plan teaching.

Years and grades

The puzzles here count in North American grades. England’s Year 4 is grade 3, Year 5 is grade 4 and Year 6 is grade 5.

The 11+, explained: verbal and non-verbal reasoning

Build the reasoning, not the test

Short, original puzzles with words, numbers and shapes. Your child answers, then names the rule.

Play free in your browser

Android: coming soon

Or print free reasoning worksheets, grades 3 to 8.

Sources

GL Assessment 11+, FAQs — 11plus.gl-assessment.co.uk
GL Assessment, CAT4 — gl-education.com

Last checked 11 October 2026. This page is general information, not advice: your school, district, board or area has the final word on its own tests and dates. Test names are trademarks of their publishers. Cub Climb is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any of them, or to any school or education department.