The term "eleven plus" is used to refer to an exam taken by students in England to determine entry into grammar schools. The word "eleven" is spelled /ɪˈlɛvən/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the stress on the first syllable. Meanwhile, "plus" is spelled /plʌs/, with the stress on the second syllable. The phrase is often shortened to simply "the 11+". The exam is controversial and has been criticized for being unfair to students from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
The term "eleven plus" refers to a standardized examination taken by students in the United Kingdom during the last year of primary education, usually at the age of 11. It is also commonly known as the 11+ exam. The purpose of this test is to determine the academic ability and potential of students to determine their suitability for secondary education in grammar schools, which are academically selective. The examination typically includes tests in mathematics, English, and verbal reasoning.
The eleven plus exam originated in the early 20th century and was widely used until the late 20th century as a means of selecting students for a grammar school education, which was seen as offering a more academically rigorous curriculum. It evolved as an attempt to identify and provide specialized education for academically inclined students. The exam has undergone several changes throughout the years, including alterations in its format, content, and acceptance by various regions and schools.
The results of the eleven plus exam often determine the student's future academic path, as those who perform well may gain admission to grammar schools, while others may attend non-selective secondary schools. Due to the significance of the exam, students commonly undertake preparation or coaching to enhance their chances of success.
The etymology of the term "eleven plus" can be traced back to the United Kingdom and refers to an examination taken by students in their last year of primary school (around the age of 11) to determine their suitability for secondary education. The term itself is derived from the combination of the number "eleven" and the word "plus".
The "eleven" part originates from the age at which students typically take the examination, while the "plus" refers to the fact that it is an exam that goes beyond the basic primary education curriculum. The examination was designed to assess students' abilities and aptitude in subjects such as mathematics, English, and intelligence tests, allowing them to be placed in either grammar schools or secondary modern schools, based on their performance.
Although the formal name of the examination varied across different regions in the UK, "eleven plus" became the commonly used term to describe this assessment.