7 Alternative Assessments to the 11 Plus

The 11 Plus exam is a widely recognised assessment used in the UK to determine entrance into selective grammar schools. However, not all students or schools rely solely on this method. Several alternative assessments can be used to either complement the 11 Plus or act as a replacement.

These alternative evaluations can provide different insights into a student’s abilities, offering a broader perspective on their academic potential and suitability for selective education.

Common Entrance Exam (CEE)

The Common Entrance Exam (CEE) is a popular alternative to the 11 Plus, especially for students aiming to attend independent schools. It is designed for children aged 11 or 13 and covers a range of subjects, including Maths, English, Science, History, Geography, and Modern Foreign Languages.

Unlike the 11 Plus, which primarily focuses on reasoning and basic literacy and numeracy skills, the CEE offers a more comprehensive view of a student’s academic abilities across various disciplines. The structure of the CEE can also help to evaluate how well a child has absorbed the curriculum, making it an excellent option for schools that wish to assess a child’s general academic performance rather than focusing solely on verbal or non-verbal reasoning.

CAT (Cognitive Abilities Test)

The Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT) is another alternative that many schools use alongside or instead of the 11 Plus. CAT assesses students’ reasoning abilities through a series of verbal, non-verbal, and quantitative reasoning tasks. This test measures a student’s cognitive potential, often focusing more on their ability to learn rather than their knowledge of specific subjects.

CAT is frequently used by schools to identify gifted students or to assess children who may not have had the same educational opportunities as others. This type of assessment provides a more rounded evaluation of intellectual potential rather than relying solely on academic knowledge.

SATs (Standard Assessment Tests)

Standard Assessment Tests (SATs) are another evaluation method that schools might use to complement or replace the 11 Plus. SATs are national tests in England that assess children’s abilities in reading, writing, and mathematics. While SATs are not designed as entrance exams for secondary schools, their results are often used by schools to gauge a child’s academic level and progress.

Some selective schools may take SAT scores into consideration alongside other assessment methods to provide a more holistic view of a child’s capabilities. SATs also help identify areas where a student might need additional support, which can be useful for parents and schools in developing a child’s learning strategy.

Independent School Entrance Exams

Many independent schools offer their own entrance exams as an alternative to the 11 Plus. These exams vary from school to school but typically include assessments in English, Maths, and other subjects deemed important by the institution. The format and difficulty level of these exams can differ significantly from the 11 Plus, allowing schools to tailor their assessments to their specific educational philosophy.

Independent school entrance exams often focus not only on a child’s current academic performance but also on their potential to thrive within the school’s particular environment. These assessments may be designed to reflect the ethos of the school and the skills it values most.

GL and CEM Tests

While the 11 Plus is often associated with selective grammar schools, it’s important to note that there are different versions of the 11 Plus, including those created by GL Assessment and CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring). These tests, though similar in some respects, focus on different aspects of a child’s abilities.

GL Assessment focuses more on curriculum-based knowledge, while CEM tests place a greater emphasis on aptitude and reasoning skills. Both GL and CEM tests are considered alternatives to the traditional 11 Plus in some areas of the country and are designed to minimise the effects of tutoring, aiming to provide a more level playing field for all students. They offer schools and parents a choice in how a child’s abilities should be measured.

Pre-Tests

Pre-tests are another alternative used by some selective schools to assess students in the years leading up to secondary school admission. These tests are often used by independent schools as an initial filter before students take more comprehensive entrance exams.

Pre-tests usually assess a child’s reasoning abilities, verbal and non-verbal skills, and mathematical knowledge. The advantage of pre-tests is that they are often taken earlier, giving schools a preliminary view of a student’s potential and allowing more time for parents and educators to address any gaps in learning before final entrance exams.

Non-Academic Assessments

In addition to standardised tests, some schools have begun to explore non-academic assessments as part of their admissions process. These might include interviews, group activities, or even assessments of a child’s extracurricular achievements and personal development. These methods can provide a fuller picture of a child’s overall abilities, character, and potential.

By considering qualities such as leadership, creativity, teamwork, and resilience, schools can complement academic assessments like the 11 Plus with evaluations that focus on broader skills important for a well-rounded education. This holistic approach is particularly valued by independent schools that seek to nurture both academic excellence and personal growth.

Summary

While the 11 Plus remains a key tool for selecting students for grammar schools, there are numerous alternative assessments available to provide a more comprehensive evaluation of a child’s abilities.

Whether through exams like the Common Entrance Exam, cognitive tests like CAT, or non-academic assessments, these alternatives offer schools and parents a broader range of options to find the most suitable method for evaluating a child’s potential.