Wondering if your child's practice test scores are good enough to pass the 11+? Use our free calculator to convert raw scores to standardized scores, see which percentile they're in, and get a realistic assessment of their chances at specific grammar schools.
📊 What This Calculator Does:
- Converts raw scores (e.g., "35/50") to standardized scores (e.g., "118")
- Shows national percentile ranking
- Estimates chances at specific grammar schools
- Identifies if your child is on track or needs more preparation
Free 11+ Score Calculator
Enter your child's recent practice test scores below
What This Means:
Chances at Target School:
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Understanding Standardized Scores
Most grammar schools use standardized scoring (also called age-standardized scores) rather than raw percentages. Here's what you need to know:
What is a Standardized Score?
A standardized score adjusts your child's raw score based on their age. This ensures fairness—a 10-year-old isn't disadvantaged when competing with 11-year-olds.
- Mean (average): 100
- Standard deviation: 15
- Range: Typically 70-145 (though higher is possible)
Score Ranges Explained
| Standardized Score | Percentile | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 140+ | Top 0.1% | Exceptionally high. Qualifies for any grammar school with room to spare. |
| 135-139 | Top 1% | Very high. Strong candidate for the most competitive schools (Tiffin, HB). |
| 130-134 | Top 2% | High. Qualifies for most super-selective grammar schools. |
| 125-129 | Top 5% | Above average. Qualifies for many grammar schools. |
| 121-124 | Top 10% | Good. Meets typical grammar school pass threshold. |
| 115-120 | Top 15-20% | Solid. May qualify for less competitive grammar schools or with further prep. |
| 110-114 | Top 25-35% | Average-plus. Needs focused preparation to reach pass threshold. |
| 100-109 | 40-50%ile | Average. Requires significant preparation to reach grammar school standard. |
| Below 100 | Below 50%ile | Below average. Needs intensive, long-term preparation. |
How to Use This Calculator Effectively
1. Test Under Real Conditions
For accurate results, your child should complete practice tests:
- In a quiet environment (no distractions)
- Under strict time limits
- Using official or high-quality practice papers
- Without help or breaks
2. Track Progress Over Time
Take practice tests monthly and track the trend:
- Improving steadily? You're on the right track. Keep going.
- Plateauing? Your child needs a strategy change—switch practice methods or add tutoring.
- Declining? Possible burnout. Reduce practice intensity and focus on weak areas only.
3. Don't Panic Over One Score
A single practice test score doesn't define your child's chances. Factors that affect scores:
- Tiredness, stress, or illness on test day
- Unfamiliar question formats
- Unlucky topic distribution (e.g., all their weak areas)
- Time management issues (gets better with practice)
What matters: The trend over 5-10 practice tests, not a single result.
What to Do Based on Your Result
If Your Child Scored 130+
Status: Excellent position
Action plan:
- Maintain current preparation intensity
- Focus on exam technique and time management
- Complete 15-20 full mock exams before real exam
- Build confidence—they're ready!
If Your Child Scored 120-129
Status: On track, but room for improvement
Action plan:
- Identify 1-2 weakest areas using detailed analytics
- Spend 60% of practice time on those areas
- Take 2-3 mock exams per week
- Consider adding monthly tutor sessions for weak subjects
If Your Child Scored 110-119
Status: Needs focused improvement
Action plan:
- Increase daily practice to 60+ minutes
- Use adaptive learning platforms (like KidSmart) to target gaps
- Consider 1-2 tutor sessions per month
- Allow 6-9 months minimum for preparation
- Have realistic backup school options
If Your Child Scored Below 110
Status: Significant work needed
Action plan:
- Start immediately—allow 9-12 months minimum
- Combine app-based learning with weekly tutoring
- Daily practice (60-90 minutes)
- Consider whether 11+ is the right path or if comprehensives might be a better fit
- Be prepared for intensive effort over many months
Get a Custom Plan to Reach Your Target Score
KidSmart's AI creates a personalized practice plan based on your child's current score and target school. Track progress with predictive analytics.
Common Questions About Standardized Scores
Why do schools use standardized scores instead of percentages?
Fairness. A 9-year-old competing against 11-year-olds would be at a huge disadvantage with raw percentages. Standardized scores level the playing field by accounting for age.
Can my child's standardized score change significantly?
Yes, especially with focused preparation. Average improvement over 6-9 months of structured practice: 8-15 standardized points. Some children improve 20+ points, though this is less common.
Is a high score in one subject enough to compensate for a low score in another?
Usually no. Most grammar schools calculate a composite (average) score across all subjects. A 140 in maths and 105 in English averages to 122.5—which may not meet the pass threshold. Balanced performance matters.
Do schools publish their exact pass threshold?
Rarely. Most schools keep the exact threshold confidential and it varies year-by-year based on applicant strength. The thresholds in this calculator are estimates based on historical data and parent reports.
My child scored well—are they guaranteed a place?
No. Scores above the threshold increase chances but don't guarantee admission. Other factors:
- Number of applicants that year (competition varies)
- Catchment area priority (some schools favor local residents)
- Sibling priority
- Random allocation if too many qualify
Ready to Improve Your Child's Score?
Now that you know where your child stands, the next step is targeted preparation. KidSmart offers:
- Adaptive learning: AI identifies weak areas and creates custom practice plans
- Unlimited mock exams: Track progress over time with new tests weekly
- Predictive analytics: See projected exam score based on current trajectory
- School-specific prep: Filter practice by your target school's exam board
- Progress tracking: Weekly reports showing score trends and areas needing work
Transform Your Child's Score with KidSmart
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Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates based on typical conversion formulas and historical pass thresholds. Actual standardized scores and pass thresholds vary by exam board, year, and applicant pool. Use this tool as a guide, not a guarantee. For the most accurate assessment, complete official practice papers under timed conditions.