The Perse School (11+) 11 Plus Exam - 2026 Key Information

​The Perse School is a prestigious co-educational selective independent school located in Cambridge. Founded in 1615, it provides an inspiring education to 1,700+ students aged 3 to 18, covering Key Stage 3 (KS3) and sixth form (6th Form).​

Ranked among the best independent schools in UK, the Perse School delivers stellar academic outcomes. It holds an "Excellent" ISI status. You can check the full The Perse School ISI report here.

Ranked as East Anglia’s leading independent school, the Perse School distinguishes itself through the renowned Perse Exploration Society for outdoor adventure. It uniquely fosters early research skills via the bespoke Aristotelian Award, blending academic rigour with exceptional character development.

In this guide, I leverage my 6+ year education consultancy background to simplify The Perse School 2026 11 plus (11+) Exam admissions for every parent.

School Details

• Type of School: Independent School
• Boarding Type: No Boarding (Day School)
• Gender Type: Co-educational
• Religion: None
• Age Range: 3 to 18 years
• Number of Pupils (Total): 1730+
• GCSE Results (2025): 90% achieved Grade 9–7 (A*–A)
• A-Level Results (2025): 79.5% achieved Grade A*–A

Admissions Details

• Admissions Policy: Selective
• Number of Places in Year 7 (PAN): 180 (Approx. 70 External Vacancies)
• Exam Board: Internal School Exam (English, Maths, Reasoning)
• Number of Stages: 2 (Entrance Test & Interview)
• School Catchment Area: No
• Sibling Policy: No
• Pass Mark: Aim for 90%

​Attending The Perse School open day is the first step, but tracking 11 plus exam dates is crucial for a stress-free application. I have compiled the official The Perse School 11 plus exam dates to guide your family through the process.

​The Perse School manages its own admissions for Year 7 entry in September 2026. Parents researching independent schools in Cambridgeshire must follow the official guidelines carefully. Detailed instructions are provided on The Perse School 11 Plus Admissions Page.

How to Register for 11+ Exam

• Access the secure online portal to understand how to register for 11+ exam candidates.
• Complete the 11 plus exam registration form and pay the non-refundable registration fee.
• Upload a digital copy of the applicant’s birth certificate or passport to finalise the 11 plus exam process.
• Indicate clearly on the form if you intend to apply for means-tested bursaries or Music Scholarships.
• Ensure your child's current school details are correct, as a confidential reference will be requested.

In this section, we explore what is in the 11 Plus exam at The Perse School.

The admissions process for Year 7 entry in September 2026 focuses on identifying academic capability and intellectual curiosity. Students entering in 2026 will sit their entrance examinations in mid-January 2026.

As stated in The Perse School Admissions Policy, the school uses a comprehensive assessment day to evaluate candidates. All registered applicants attend the school to sit these formal papers and participate in a creative activity.

11+ English

The 11+ English assessment is approximately 45 minutes long and tests reading and writing skills. It is designed to evaluate how well a child can analyse text and express their own ideas.

• The paper includes a reading comprehension task based on a fiction or non-fiction passage.
• Candidates must answer 11+ exam questions that require them to infer meaning from the text.
• The second section is a creative writing task where students respond to a specific prompt.
• Markers assess spelling accuracy, punctuation usage, and the range of vocabulary employed.

11+ Mathematics

The 11+ Mathematics paper lasts 45 minutes and follows the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum. It aims to test numerical fluency and the ability to solve non-routine problems.

• The paper begins with standard arithmetic questions to check calculation speed and accuracy.
• It progresses to multi-step word problems requiring logical application of mathematical concepts.
• Topics covered include fractions, decimals, percentages, area, and simple geometry.
• Students must show their working out, as marks are often awarded for the correct method.

Verbal Reasoning

The Perse School includes a Verbal Reasoning paper to identify underlying potential and cognitive speed. This section is typically based on the GL Assessment format.

• This multiple-choice paper tests a child’s ability to think and reason using words.
• Questions involve letter sequences, codes, analogies, and vocabulary-based puzzles.
• This part of The Perse School 11 Plus Test measures processing speed under strict timing.
• Success requires a strong grasp of synonyms, antonyms, and logical deduction.

The 11+ Interview

Shortlisted candidates are invited back for an interview shortly after the written examinations. This session helps the school understand the child's personality and interests beyond the classroom.

• The interview is a friendly conversation rather than a formal academic interrogation.
• Staff members look for enthusiasm, teachability, and genuine intellectual engagement.

Parents should review PiAcademy’s 11+ interview questions to help their child feel comfortable and reflective during this discussion.

Parent’s Top 2 Queries

What exam board does The Perse School follow?

GL Assessment (Verbal Reasoning) and Internal (English & Maths)

How long is the 11+ Exam for The Perse School?

The entrance assessment includes papers in English, Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning, taking approximately 3 hours total.

​The Perse School does not use a fixed pass mark for the eleven plus exam, selecting students based on rank order instead.

• Aim for maximum marks across all subjects to ensure competitive 11 plus test results.
• Achieving 95%+ in PiAcademy’s 11+ Practice Papers is highly recommended to ace the assessment.

​The Perse School is widely regarded as the academic gold standard for families in Cambridge. However, with hundreds of applicants vying for limited Year 7 places, reliance on a single option is a risky strategy. As an education consultant, I have seen brilliant students miss out simply due to exam day nerves.

I strongly advise parents to curate a balanced portfolio of schools. A robust strategy typically includes two highly academic independent alternatives and, geography permitting, a grammar school option. This approach ensures your child secures an environment that fosters their potential, even if the Perse School is not the final destination.

Top 5 Alternative Independent and Grammar Schools

Most families applying to The Perse School also consider the Stephen Perse Foundation and The Leys. For those willing to travel for a state grammar education, the Essex consortium offers exceptional value. Here is how the top alternatives compare:

Why these schools are the top alternatives to The Perse School

• Stephen Perse Foundation: This is the most natural alternative for Perse applicants. It shares a similar central Cambridge location and academic ethos but places a slightly heavier emphasis on creative thinking during the assessment process via its bespoke writing task.
• The Leys School: Known for its outstanding pastoral care and campus facilities, The Leys offers a broader, less pressurised academic environment. It is an excellent choice for well-rounded students who excel in sports and arts alongside their studies.
• St Mary’s School (Cambridge): For parents seeking a single-sex environment, St Mary’s provides a nurturing atmosphere. It focuses heavily on individual student growth, making it a supportive backup for girls who might find the sheer scale of The Perse daunting.
• Chelmsford County High (CCHS) & Colchester Royal (CRGS): These are the closest "super-selective" grammar schools. While they require a commute from Cambridge, they offer a tuition-free education with academic results that rival top private schools. Admission is based strictly on the FSCE or CSSE exam scores.

​The Perse School 11+ entrance exam assesses candidates in Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Our analysis of the papers ensures students focus on high-yield topics.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Maths Topics

Our review of The Perse School's past trends highlights a focus on core numerical skills and problem-solving. Number operations and Geometry make up a significant portion of the questions.

Try our 11 Plus Maths topics-wise Questions to master these areas. This resource covers vital 11+ maths questions found in independent school exams.

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Analysis of 11+ Exam English Topics

The English paper tests a student's ability to analyse texts and write creatively. Reading Comprehension and Creative Writing are the most critical components for success.

To prepare, parents should utilise 11 plus English past papers to familiarise students with the format. We also recommend focusing heavily on 11+ Creative writing skills.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Verbal Reasoning Topics

The 11 plus verbal reasoning component assesses logic and vocabulary through various question types. Codes, Word Meanings, and Missing Words are frequently tested areas.

Using Verbal reasoning 11 plus practice papers will help improve speed and accuracy. These papers are essential for mastering the specific logic puzzles used by The Perse School.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Non-Verbal Reasoning Topics

The 11 plus non verbal reasoning section evaluates a student's ability to interpret shapes and patterns. Topics like Odd One Out and Analogies are standard features.

Regular practice with 11 non verbal reasoning papers is crucial for visual fluency. These resources help students identify complex patterns quickly.

Which are the Best 11+ Practice Papers for The Perse School?

We recommend specific resources tailored to the independent school curriculum used by The Perse School. These packs cover the necessary 11 plus maths topics and English skills.

​The Perse School is highly competitive, so rigorous preparation is essential for a successful application. Sitting The Perse School 11 plus mock exam helps students familiarise themselves with the pressure of the real day. These sessions are vital for identifying weak areas and improving accuracy under timed conditions.

The school sets its own papers for English and Mathematics, alongside Reasoning tests. We recommend the following resources to help your child prepare effectively:

Parents can access our 11 plus mock test papers pdf free to evaluate their child's current academic level. Booking an 11 plus mock test Cambridgeshire ensures students are confident and ready for this challenge.

For the 2024/25 academic year, The Perse Upper School fees are £8,269 per term. This figure typically includes lunch, personal accident insurance, and most curricular books.

Families requiring financial assistance may apply for means-tested The Perse School bursaries to reduce costs. Additionally, The Perse School Scholarships are awarded for exceptional talent in academic, music, and sporting pursuits. 

Parents often research available private school scholarships to effectively manage these investments. You can explore our guide on the most expensive Private Schools UK to see how these costs compare with other elite institutions.

• Autumn Half Term 1: 4^th September 2025 to 17^th October 2025
• Autumn Half Term 2: 3^rd November 2025 to 12^th December 2025
• Spring Half Term 1: 6^th January 2026 to 13^th February 2026
• Spring Half Term 2: 23^rd February 2026 to 27^th March 2026
• Summer Half Term 1: 15^th April 2026 to 22^nd May 2026
• Summer Half Term 2: 1^st June 2026 to 2^nd July 2026

This information has been sourced from Get Information about Schools and The Perse School Official Website.