For many families the 11+ is shorthand for "grammar school exam", but in practice it covers two very different routes: state grammar schools (free, selective) and independent senior schools (fee-paying, selective). The exam is similar in spirit but has different stakes — and different cultures behind it.
Grammar schools
These are state-funded and free, but oversubscribed in nearly every county that still has them. A grammar school place is a long-term financial saver compared to private fees. The test is the gatekeeper.
Independent schools
Most write their own entrance papers, often in an ISEB-style mould. Some weight interviews and reasoning ability alongside the written test. Practice now to see how different paper styles compare.
Which should you target?
The right answer depends on local options, finances, and — most importantly — your child's character. A child who thrives on academic intensity may flourish at a competitive grammar; a quieter, creative child might be happier at an independent with smaller classes. There's no single "best" route.