What is the Quest Admissions 11+ exam?

Quest Admissions is an exam provider used by some grammar schools in England for Year 7 entry. Rather than schools writing their own papers, they use Quest Admissions to supply standardized assessments that measure a child's academic ability and reasoning skills.

While Quest Admissions designs the exam papers, each grammar school controls how the results are used, including which subjects are tested and how places are allocated.

Why do grammar schools use Quest Admissions?

Grammar schools choose Quest Admissions because it:

• Provides age-standardised assessments

• Uses consistent, carefully designed question styles

• Tests both curriculum knowledge and reasoning ability

• Helps schools compare candidates fairly

This approach aims to reduce bias related to age differences within the cohort and focus on overall academic potential.

When is the Quest Admissions 11+ exam taken?

Preparation stage (Years 4-5)

Most children begin structured preparation between Year 4 and Year 5. The content tested is based on learning up to the end of Year 5, so this period is ideal for strengthening core skills.

If verbal or non-verbal reasoning is included, early exposure is particularly helpful as these subjects are not taught explicitly at school.

Exam stage (Year 6)

• Exams are usually taken early in the autumn term (September or early October)

• Some schools test on one day, others across multiple days

• Results are typically released in October

• Parents submit the Common Application Form by 31 October

Grammar school offers are then made in early March.

How are Quest Admissions papers structured?

Quest Admissions 11+ exams are paper-based and usually consist of multiple-choice questions.

Children can expect:

• A question booklet and a separate answer sheet

• Instructions read aloud before each paper

• Clearly marked time limits

• Space in the booklet for rough work

Answers must be recorded on the answer sheet to be marked.

What subjects are tested?

Each grammar school selects the subjects it wants to assess. A Quest Admissions exam may include any combination of the following.

English

The English paper focuses on skills children already practise at school, including:

• Reading comprehension

• Vocabulary and word meaning

• Grammar and punctuation

• Sentence-level understanding

Questions test how well children understand written text and apply language rules accurately.

Maths

Maths papers cover Key Stage 2 content up to the end of Year 5.

Topics may include:

• Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division

• Fractions, decimals and percentages

• Word problems and mathematical reasoning

• Place value

• Measures and geometry

• Data handling

Accuracy and logical thinking are just as important as speed.

Verbal reasoning

Verbal reasoning assesses how children work with words, patterns and logic. It is not part of the school curriculum, which is why preparation is often necessary.

Typical question types include:

• Synonyms and antonyms

• Word and letter codes

• Analogies

• Sentence logic

• Odd-one-out questions

• Missing word tasks

Non-verbal reasoning

Non-verbal reasoning focuses on visual problem-solving rather than language. It assesses how well children identify patterns and relationships.

Common question styles include:

• Shape sequences

• Rotation and symmetry

• Pattern completion

• Identifying missing shapes

• Visual codes involving size, shape or shading

How are Quest Admissions results used?

After marking, scores are age-standardised to ensure fairness for younger children in the cohort. Schools then:

• Rank candidates using a Standardised Age Score (SAS)

• Apply their admissions criteria (such as catchment area or priority groups)

• Offer places to the highest-ranked pupils

• Place additional candidates on a waiting list

Because policies differ, always review each school's admissions documentation carefully.

Common mistakes parents make

• Starting preparation too late

• Ignoring verbal or non-verbal reasoning

• Focusing only on speed instead of accuracy

• Overloading children with long study sessions

• Not familiarising children with multiple-choice answer sheets

Avoiding these pitfalls can make preparation calmer and more effective.

How to prepare for the Quest Admissions 11+ exam

Build strong foundations

Regular reading, confident maths skills and exposure to reasoning problems form the backbone of effective preparation.

Practise exam-style questions

Children benefit from becoming familiar with:

• Multiple-choice formats

• Timed papers

• Managing pace and skipping difficult questions

Practise little and often

Short, consistent sessions are far more effective than cramming. Revisiting weaker areas regularly helps build confidence.

Support wellbeing

Balanced preparation includes:

• Enough sleep

• Breaks between study sessions

• Time for hobbies and relaxation

A calm, supported child performs better on exam day.

Final advice for parents

Quest Admissions 11+ exams are designed to assess potential as well as knowledge. Preparation should aim to build understanding, confidence and familiarity with the exam style - not pressure or perfection.

With clear information, steady practice and a supportive approach, children can approach the Quest Admissions exam feeling ready to show what they can do.

Rurera provides structured guidance and exam-style practice to help families prepare for selective school assessments with clarity and confidence.