What Are Standardised Age Scores (SAS) in the 11 Plus?

Standardised age scores in the 11+ exam. A Headteacher’s Guide for Parents

As an ex-headteacher — and a parent myself — I know how overwhelming the 11 Plus process can feel. One question that often arises during open evenings and parent consultations is:

“What exactly is an age standardised score, and why does it matter?”

It’s a fair question — and the answer is a key part of understanding how grammar school selection aims to be as equitable as possible for every child, regardless of when they were born in the school year.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the concept of age standardised scores in the 11 Plus exam. I’ll try to explain:

• Why they’re used

• How they’re calculated

• What they mean for your child’s chances of success
  

In One Year Group, Children Can Be Nearly a Year Apart

In any given Year 6 class, the oldest child may be nearly a full year older than the youngest. That’s a significant difference at this stage of cognitive and school development.

 “My son is an August baby — is that a disadvantage?”

Not with age standardisation in place.

Older children (autumn-born) often have:

• More academic experience

• A wider vocabulary

• Stronger emotional regulation
  

That extra time can make a big difference in timed tests — but the 11 Plus system adjusts for that.

So, What Is an Age Standardised Score?

An age standardised score (ASS) is a mathematical adjustment applied to your child’s raw exam result (the number of correct answers), based on their exact age in years and months on the test day.

“Age standardisation ensures your child is compared fairly — to peers their exact age, not the whole year group.”

This is crucial, because:

• Without it, older children would dominate the results

• With it, summer-born children are given an equal chance

It’s not a shortcut or bonus — it’s a statistical equaliser designed for fairness.

How Is It Calculated?

Each 11 Plus test provider (e.g., GL Assessment, CEM) has their own specific formula, but the general process is similar:

1. Raw Score — The number of correct answers

2. Exact Age — Calculated to the month on test day

3. Statistical Adjustment — Raw scores are compared to children of the same age

4. Final Score — Usually a number between 70 and 140, with 100 being average for that age group

So a standardised score of 100 means your child is performing exactly as expected for their age.

Here is an example: Amelia vs. Yusuf

Let’s say:

• Amelia, born 1st September, scores 64/80

• Yusuf, born 31st July, also scores 64/80

Both achieved the same raw score — but Yusuf is nearly a year younger.

Once age standardisation is applied:

• Amelia’s score might remain at around 114

• Yusuf’s might be slightly higher, say 118, because his score is above average for his age

Remember it’s not about giving younger children an advantage — it’s about removing the older child’s natural head start.

Does Being Younger Guarantee a Higher Score?

No. Age standardisation isn’t about handing out “extra marks.”It simply adjusts the results after the test has been taken — and only if a younger child performs on par with older children. It is important to remember that your child must still do well in the test — age standardisation can’t compensate for poor performance.

What Is a Good Age Standardised Score?

Due to the high number of applications for grammar school places most grammar schools use a cut-off score that children need to reach to qualify for entry.

For example:

• In Buckinghamshire, the required score maybe 121.

• In Kent, this score might vary from school to school.
  

These scores already include the age adjustment. So whether your child is born in September or August, the system aims to assess them fairly.

You don’t need to ‘do’ anything to account for your child’s birth month — it’s built into the score.

Choosing the Right 11+ Resources- is it age based?

In my role, I always advise parents to select practice materials based on the exact exam content:

• Skill level, not just age

• A balance of maths, English, verbal-reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and timed papers (as per exam content)

• A mix of confidence building and more difficult and challenging practice material.

  
  

At our online 11+ bookshop we provide many carefully prepared resources for children who need a gentle confidence boost or children looking to be stretched and challenged.

The goal should be consistent, focused practice — not cramming or coaching to the test.

Final Thought: The Bigger Picture

The 11 Plus can feel daunting, especially when unfamiliar terms like age standardised scores are thrown around.

But let me try to reassure you:

• The system is designed to be fair as possible

• Your child’s birth month is not a disadvantage

• What matters most is preparation, confidence, and wellbeing

Age standardised scores aren’t the enemy — they’re there to protect your child.

This information is given in good faith but should not be relied upon when making major decisions regarding your child's schooling. Always check with the school/Local authority.