11+ Exam Dates 2026
Key dates and registration deadlines for the 11+ grammar school entrance exam — from registration to results to National Offer Day.
1. Overview of the 11+ Exam Timeline
The 11+ exam follows a broadly similar calendar across England each year. While exact dates vary by region, the general sequence of events is consistent. Understanding this timeline helps parents plan their child’s preparation and ensures no important deadlines are missed.
The process spans from the preparation phase (which typically begins in Year 4 or early Year 5) through to National Offer Day in March of Year 6. See our guide to preparing for 11+ mock exams for a full preparation timeline. Here is the typical calendar overview:
Begin Preparation
Start familiarising your child with 11+ content, particularly Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning which are not taught in school. Build foundations in English comprehension and maths. This is the ideal time to begin structured preparation, though the exact timing depends on your child.
Registration Opens
Registration for the 11+ exam typically opens in the spring or summer term of Year 5. The exact dates and process vary by region. Some areas require you to register through your local authority, while others require direct registration with the grammar school. Registration windows can be short, so check dates early and set reminders.
Exam Day
The 11+ exam is typically held in September of Year 6, usually within the first two weeks of the autumn term. Some areas may hold exams slightly later, into early October. Children usually take the exam at their target grammar school or a designated test centre. The exact date varies by region and school.
Results Released
Results are usually released in mid-October of Year 6. Parents receive their child's standardised score and an indication of whether they have reached the qualifying threshold for their area. The way results are communicated varies — some areas send letters, others provide results online.
Secondary School Application Deadline
The Common Application Form (CAF) for secondary school places must be submitted by 31st October, regardless of whether you have received 11+ results. List your preferred schools in order of preference. You can include both grammar schools and comprehensive schools on the same form. This deadline applies nationally for all state secondary school applications.
National Offer Day
Local authorities release secondary school allocation results on 1st March (or the next working day if 1st March falls on a weekend). You will be offered a place at one school. You can then accept the offer, decline it, or join waiting lists for other schools. If you wish to appeal a grammar school decision, the school will provide information on its appeals process.
2. Registration Deadlines
Registration for the 11+ exam typically opens in the spring or summer term of Year 5, usually between May and July. The exact opening and closing dates vary significantly by region. Some areas have registration windows as short as a few weeks, while others keep registration open for several months.
The registration process also varies by area. In some regions (such as Kent), registration is handled centrally by the local authority through an online portal. In others, parents register directly with the grammar school. Some areas require registration through both the local authority and the school.
Registering for the 11+ exam is usually free at state grammar schools. There is no fee to sit the test.
Registration Checklist
Research which grammar schools your child is eligible for and which exam board they use.
Check the registration opening and closing dates for your target area. Set calendar reminders.
Determine whether registration is through the local authority, directly with the school, or both.
Gather any required documents (proof of address, birth certificate, school details).
Register as early as possible within the registration window to avoid any last-minute issues.
If applying to grammar schools in multiple areas, register separately for each area's exam.
3. Exam Dates
The 11+ exam is typically held in September of Year 6, usually within the first two weeks of the autumn term. Some areas schedule exams slightly later, into early October. The exam is usually held on a weekday, and children may need to be absent from their primary school for the day.
If your child is applying to grammar schools in different areas, be aware that exam dates may clash or fall very close together. In some cases, it may not be possible to sit exams in multiple areas. Check all dates as early as possible to plan accordingly.
On exam day, children typically need to bring HB pencils, an eraser, and a water bottle. Calculators and electronic devices are not permitted. The exact requirements will be communicated by the exam centre in advance.
Approximate 11+ Exam Timeline by Region (2026)
| Region | Registration Opens | Exam Period | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kent | May–June (Year 5) | Early September | Mid-October |
| Buckinghamshire | May–June (Year 5) | Mid-September | Mid-October |
| Birmingham (KE VI) | Check Trust website | September–October | October–November |
| Essex (CSSE) | Check school websites | September | October |
| London (varies) | Varies by school | September–November | October–December |
These are approximate periods based on historical patterns. Exact dates vary by year. Always check the relevant local authority or school website for confirmed 2026 dates.
4. Results Dates
Results are typically released in mid-October of Year 6, roughly 4-6 weeks after the exam. The exact date and method of communication vary by region. Some areas send results by post, while others provide them online or through schools.
When you receive results, you will typically see your child’s age-standardised score (SAS). Most grammar schools convert raw exam scores into age-standardised scores with a mean of 100. Your results letter will usually indicate whether your child has reached the qualifying threshold for grammar school places in your area.
It is important to remember that receiving a qualifying score does not guarantee a place at a specific grammar school. Final allocation depends on the number of applicants, their scores, and in some cases distance from the school. The official school place offer comes on National Offer Day (1st March).
5. Application Deadlines & Appeals
The Common Application Form (CAF) deadline is 31st October of Year 6. This is the national deadline for all state secondary school applications, including grammar schools. You submit your CAF through your home local authority, listing your preferred schools in order of preference. You can list both grammar schools and comprehensive schools on the same form.
If your child does not receive a place at your preferred grammar school on National Offer Day (1st March), you have the right to appeal. Grammar school appeals are heard by an independent panel. To appeal, contact the grammar school directly for their appeals process and timeline. Appeals are typically heard in the summer term.
You can also request to be placed on waiting lists for oversubscribed grammar schools. Waiting lists are maintained at least until the end of the first term of Year 7, and places occasionally become available if other families decline their offers or move away.
Key Deadlines
Registration: Typically spring/summer of Year 5
Exam: Typically September of Year 6
Results: Typically mid-October of Year 6
CAF deadline: 31st October of Year 6
National Offer Day: 1st March of Year 6
If You Miss a Deadline
Late 11+ registration: Contact the school/LA immediately; may be accepted at discretion.
Late CAF: Submit as soon as possible. Late applications are processed after on-time ones.
Missed exam: There is usually no opportunity to resit the 11+ in the same year.
Appeal deadline: Contact the school for their specific appeal timeline.
6. How to Prepare in the Lead-Up
With the 11+ exam timeline in mind, here is how to structure your child’s preparation to make the best use of the available time:
- 1
12-18 months before the exam
Begin introducing Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning question types, which are not taught in school. Focus on building strong foundations in English comprehension and maths. Encourage daily reading to build vocabulary.
- 2
6-12 months before the exam
Increase the frequency and intensity of practice. Work through topic-specific practice papers. Identify weak areas and focus on them. Start taking untimed mock exams to build familiarity with the full exam format.
- 3
3-6 months before the exam
Begin timed practice under exam conditions. Take full mock exams every 3-4 weeks and review results carefully. Focus on time management and exam technique. Register for the exam when registration opens.
- 4
Final month before the exam
Take 1-2 final mock exams. Focus on maintaining confidence and reducing anxiety. Avoid introducing new content. Ensure good sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Prepare exam day equipment in advance.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions parents ask about 11+ exam dates and deadlines.
The 11+ exam is typically held in September of Year 6, usually within the first two weeks of the autumn term. Some areas may hold exams in early October. The exact date varies by region and individual grammar school. Always check with your local authority or target grammar school for the specific date that applies to you.
Registration for the 11+ exam typically opens in the spring or summer term of Year 5, usually between May and July. The exact dates vary by region. Some areas have very short registration windows, so it is important to check dates well in advance. Registration may be through your local authority website or directly with the grammar school.
If you miss the registration deadline, your child may not be able to sit the 11+ exam for that year. Late registrations are sometimes accepted at the discretion of the local authority or grammar school, but this is not guaranteed. It is strongly recommended to register as early as possible and set calendar reminders for key dates.
In most cases, yes. Grammar schools in England are open to applicants from any area, not just those living in the same county or borough. However, you will need to register separately for each area's exam, and the exam dates and formats may differ between regions. Some grammar schools also use distance from the school as a tiebreaker, which may affect your child's chances if you live far away.
National Offer Day is the date on which local authorities release secondary school place allocations. For secondary schools (including grammar schools), National Offer Day is 1st March each year (or the next working day if 1st March falls on a weekend). On this date, you will receive notification of which school your child has been offered a place at. You then have a set period to accept or decline the offer.
Don’t Leave Preparation to the Last Minute
The earlier you start preparing, the more confident your child will be on exam day. Prep4All provides mock exams, practice tests, and interactive lessons to help your child prepare effectively for the 11+.