--- type: "Article" title: "What subjects are tested in the 11+?" description: "What does the 11+ test? Four subjects: maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Not every school uses all four. Check yours first." resource: https://pip11plus.com/what-subjects-are-tested-in-the-11-plus tags: ["11+", "pip"] timestamp: 2026-10-13T19:50:09Z image: https://pip11plus.com/info-hub-cards/subjects-pip.jpg --- 📘 Getting Started # What subjects are tested in the 11+? ![Pip](https://pip11plus.com/media/pip-mark.png) **By the Pip team** Updated June 2026 The 11+ tests four areas: maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Maths and English build on what your child already does at school. The two reasoning papers are the surprise, because they are not taught in the classroom. Not every school tests all four, so check what your target schools actually use before you plan. **TL;DR** - The 11+ covers four subjects: maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. - Maths and English extend the school curriculum. Reasoning is new and sits outside it. - Verbal reasoning is word and letter puzzles. Non-verbal reasoning is shapes and patterns. - Not every school tests all four. The board and school decide the mix, so check first. ## The four 11+ subjects Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning make up the 11+. Some schools test all four, some test only two or three, and the combination is set by the school and its exam board. Two of these will feel familiar and two will not. That gap is the whole reason families prepare, so it is worth knowing exactly what each one asks for. This sits inside the bigger picture of [what the 11+ is](https://pip11plus.com/what-is-the-11-plus-exam). _The four subjects tested in the 11+. Save or share this quick overview._ ## Maths and English Maths and English carry over from primary school, then push a bit further and a lot faster. Your child has met most of the content already; the 11+ asks them to apply it quickly and accurately. Maths covers arithmetic and mental maths plus problem solving: place value, fractions, percentages, sequences and word problems. English covers reading comprehension, [spelling](https://pip11plus.com/ks2-games-arcade/spelling-games/), punctuation, grammar and [vocabulary](https://pip11plus.com/ks2-games-arcade/11-plus-vocabulary-games/), often built around a passage to interpret. ## Verbal reasoning Verbal reasoning is problem solving with words and letters. Think codes, analogies, hidden words, letter sequences and lots of vocabulary. It leans hard on knowing what words mean, which is why wide reading is the single best preparation for it. A child with a rich vocabulary has a real head start here. ## Non-verbal reasoning Non-verbal reasoning swaps words for shapes and patterns. Children spot the rule behind a sequence, find the odd one out, or work out a rotation or a code. It is not in the school curriculum, so it feels strange at first. It is also the most learnable of the lot. A little regular exposure turns "I have no idea" into "oh, I see it" surprisingly fast. **Reading is the quiet superpower** Wide reading feeds vocabulary, comprehension and verbal reasoning all at once. If you only change one habit this year, make it daily reading your child actually enjoys. ## Which subjects will my child sit? That depends entirely on the school and its board, so confirm it before you build a plan. A school's admissions page lists exactly which papers it sets. The board matters too, because [GL and CEM](https://pip11plus.com/what-is-the-difference-between-gl-and-cem) package the subjects differently, and the papers vary in [format](https://pip11plus.com/what-format-do-11-plus-papers-come-in) and [length](https://pip11plus.com/how-long-is-the-11-plus-exam). Once you know the mix, a few minutes of [daily practice across all four subjects](https://pip11plus.com/index#subjects), the kind Pip rotates for you, keeps everything ticking over without overload. ![Pip](https://pip11plus.com/media/pip-mark.png) Written by **The Pip team** The Pip team builds Pip, the 11+ and KS2 practice app for children in years three to six. We write these guides from real exam formats and past papers. ## Keep reading [What is the 11+ exam?](https://pip11plus.com/what-is-the-11-plus-exam): Getting Started The basics, in plain English. 5 min read · Getting Started [What is the difference between GL and CEM 11+ exams?](https://pip11plus.com/what-is-the-difference-between-gl-and-cem): Getting Started The two main boards, compared. 6 min read · Getting Started [How long is the 11+ exam?](https://pip11plus.com/how-long-is-the-11-plus-exam): Getting Started Timings by board, and exam-day length. 4 min read · Getting Started ## All four subjects, five minutes a day Pip mixes maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning into short daily sessions, with difficulty that adapts as your child improves. [Download Pip on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/pip-11-practice/id6775690698) [Get Pip on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pip11plus.app) [Available at Amazon Appstore](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0HKGJ4HTP) [More 11+ guides](https://pip11plus.com/info-hub) Free forever · no sign-up