5 Regions That Don’t Use the 11 Plus

The 11 Plus exam, historically a pivotal assessment for students transitioning from primary to secondary school, is no longer universally implemented across the UK. While some regions continue to use it as a selective entry examination for grammar schools, others have chosen to abandon it altogether.

This article examines the regions that have opted out of the 11 Plus, exploring the reasons behind their decisions and the alternative systems in place.

Scotland

Scotland is one of the regions that has completely abandoned the 11 Plus. In the mid-1960s, Scotland moved away from the selective grammar school system in favour of comprehensive schools. The decision to eliminate the 11 Plus was driven by a broader desire to reduce educational inequality.

The 11 Plus was seen as divisive, particularly in how it separated students into academic and vocational tracks based on an exam taken at a young age. By adopting a comprehensive school system, Scotland aimed to provide equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their exam performance, fostering a more inclusive education system.

Wales

Similar to Scotland, Wales has fully transitioned to a comprehensive education system, meaning the 11 Plus is no longer used in any part of the region. The move away from the exam began in the late 1960s, with Welsh educational authorities questioning the fairness of determining a child’s academic future at such an early stage.

The shift was also influenced by social and political movements calling for a more egalitarian approach to education. Comprehensive schools now serve as the standard in Wales, with students of all abilities attending the same schools, thus promoting a more diverse and integrated learning environment.

Northern Ireland

While Northern Ireland is sometimes perceived as still adhering to the grammar school system, the 11 Plus exam was officially scrapped in 2008. The decision followed years of debate over the divisive nature of the exam. Many argued that it placed undue pressure on children and created a two-tiered education system that benefited a select few while disadvantaging others.

Although the official 11 Plus is no longer used, many grammar schools in Northern Ireland still use their own entrance tests, which are similar in structure and content. This means that while the 11 Plus itself has been removed, selective education remains present in parts of Northern Ireland, albeit in a different form.

Greater London

Greater London, despite its size and diversity, has seen a significant reduction in the use of the 11 Plus. Most of London’s secondary schools are now comprehensive, and only a small number of grammar schools in outer boroughs continue to use the exam.

The decline of the 11 Plus in London can be attributed to the changing educational landscape and the increased emphasis on comprehensive schooling. For many years, London’s education system has leaned towards inclusivity and providing equal opportunities for all children, regardless of background or academic ability.

Large Parts of England

While selective education through the 11 Plus continues in certain counties like Kent and Buckinghamshire, large swathes of England have moved away from the exam.

Areas such as Manchester, Birmingham, and Liverpool no longer operate selective grammar schools that require students to sit the 11 Plus. This shift away from selection was part of a broader educational reform in the 1970s, where many local education authorities favoured the comprehensive model.

The decision to abandon the 11 Plus in these regions was largely influenced by concerns about fairness and social mobility. Many believed that comprehensive education would help reduce the socio-economic divide that was often perpetuated by the 11 Plus system, which appeared to benefit middle-class families more than others.

Reasons for Abandoning the 11 Plus

The decision to abolish the 11 Plus in these regions stems from various concerns.

One of the most significant is the belief that it creates a divide between students at a young age, which can have lasting consequences on their academic and social development. Critics of the exam argue that it places undue pressure on children, and many feel that it disproportionately favours students from wealthier backgrounds who can afford private tutoring to prepare for the test.

In contrast, advocates for the comprehensive system believe that it promotes equality, allowing students of all abilities to learn together and giving them more time to develop their skills before any major assessments.

Furthermore, the changing attitudes towards education in the UK have seen a gradual shift towards more inclusive practices. Many educators and policymakers now favour systems that allow for greater flexibility in learning and offer multiple pathways for students to succeed, rather than a single, high-stakes exam at age eleven.

Summary

The 11 Plus exam, once a standard part of the British education system, has seen a significant decline in usage across the UK. Regions such as Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and large parts of England have abandoned the exam, choosing instead to adopt more comprehensive approaches to education.

These changes were motivated by a desire to reduce inequality, provide equal opportunities, and lessen the pressure on young students. Although the 11 Plus remains in place in some regions, its diminishing presence reflects a broader move towards educational inclusivity across the UK.