Bucks 11 Plus Sample Questions: What Each Domain Looks Like
GL Assessment does not release actual past papers, but the question formats are consistent and well-documented. Here is a guide to what children encounter in each of the four domains of the Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test — with example question types and preparation notes.
12 questions across all four domains — instant GL-style score and readiness band. No account needed.
How the Test Is Structured
The Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test consists of two 45-minute papers. All questions are multiple choice — children select one answer from five options (A–E) by shading a bubble on a separate answer sheet. All instructions are delivered by audio recording. Questions across all four domains are mixed throughout the two papers. Children do not know in advance which question types will appear in which order.
Verbal Reasoning: Sample Question Types
Non-Verbal Reasoning: Sample Question Types
Mathematical Reasoning: Sample Question Types
English Comprehension: What to Expect
The comprehension section is based on a passage of text — typically 250–500 words, either literary (a fiction extract) or non-fiction (an article or informational text). Questions are asked in sequence through the passage. Question types include:
- Literal retrieval: Find information stated directly in the passage ("According to the text, how many days did the journey take?")
- Inference: Deduce meaning not directly stated ("What does the passage suggest about how the character feels about the journey?")
- Vocabulary in context: Identify the meaning of a specific word or phrase as used in the passage ("In line 8, the word 'reluctant' most closely means…")
- Author's technique: Why did the author choose specific language or structure ("Why does the author use a list in paragraph 2?")
- Summary: Identify the main idea of a section or the whole passage
All comprehension answers must be justified from the text. Using general knowledge rather than textual evidence is the most common reason for losing marks in this section.
Try Free Sample Questions
The free diagnostic on Bucks 11 Plus Tests includes 12 GL-style questions across all four domains — the fastest way to experience the actual question format and receive an instant score estimate. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of questions appear in the Bucks 11+?
The Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test covers four domains: Verbal Reasoning (word relationships, letter codes, analogies, compound words, hidden words), Non-Verbal Reasoning including spatial reasoning (matrices, sequences, reflections, rotations, nets, cube views), Mathematical Reasoning (number operations, fractions, percentages, ratio, algebra, word problems, shape, data), and English Comprehension (literal retrieval, inference, vocabulary in context, language technique).
How hard are the Bucks 11+ questions?
The questions range from straightforward (children who have prepared should find these accessible) to challenging (designed to differentiate between high-performing children). The difficulty progression means that many children find early questions in each section comfortable and later questions more stretching. The primary challenge is not just difficulty but pace — children must work accurately and quickly under timed audio-controlled conditions.
Are there any free sample questions available?
Yes. Bucks 11 Plus Tests offers a free 12-question GL-style diagnostic that covers all four domains with real sample questions. GL Assessment also publishes a small number of specimen questions on their website. The most comprehensive free starting point is the diagnostic on this platform, which returns an instant score and identifies which domains need the most preparation.
How is the 11+ different from SATs questions?
SATs assess the national curriculum up to the end of Key Stage 2. The 11+ goes further in content (maths topics extend into Year 6 and beyond), uses a different format (multiple choice with five options rather than written answers), is delivered under strict timed audio conditions (rather than child-paced), and includes non-verbal reasoning which is not assessed in SATs at all. Children who perform well in SATs do not necessarily find the 11+ straightforward — specific preparation is needed.