What are baseline tests and do they matter?

If you're thinking about grammar school for your child, you may have come across the term baseline test. But what exactly is it, and how can it help?

An 11+ baseline test is a short, focused assessment that gives you a clear snapshot of your child’s current academic level across key subjects covered in the 11+ exam. Unlike full mock exams, which test timing and technique, a baseline test is designed to measure what your child already knows and where they may need support.

What’s Covered in a Baseline Test?

Most 11+ baseline assessments include questions from the main areas of the exam:

• English – comprehension, grammar, spelling, and vocabulary

• Maths – arithmetic, problem-solving, and reasoning

• Verbal reasoning – logic, word patterns, and critical thinking

• Non-verbal reasoning – shapes, sequences, and spatial awareness

  
  

Why Take an 11+ Baseline Test?

✅ It helps you decide whether the 11+ is the right path

Grammar schools are highly selective and best suited to children working at the top of their peer group. A baseline test can give you an early sense of whether this route is a good fit. It also highlights any areas that may need additional focus, helping you make an informed decision about whether to continue with 11+ preparation or consider other educational options better aligned with your child’s learning style.

✅ It focuses preparation where it matters most

Preparation for the 11+ shouldn’t mean more work—it should mean targeted work. A baseline test helps you identify specific strengths and weaknesses so you can prioritise the topics that need attention. That way, your child spends less time revisiting what they’ve already mastered, and more time improving where it counts.

✅ It tracks progress and celebrates improvements

Taking another baseline test later in your child’s preparation is a brilliant way to see how far they’ve come. It can confirm that their revision plan is working—or highlight areas that need adjusting. Tracking scores over time provides clear, data-driven insights and helps guide your next steps.

✅ It builds confidence and reduces exam anxiety

The 11+ can be daunting, especially when children feel unsure about their progress. Baseline testing breaks the journey into manageable steps. As children see their scores improve and grasp tricky concepts, their confidence grows. A sense of progress is one of the best motivators, helping children feel more in control and positive about their learning.