11 Plus Exam Results 2026: Dates, Scores & Pass Marks by Area
11 plus exam results are one of the most important stages in the grammar school application process. Understanding what the scores mean, how pass marks work, and how results vary by area can help parents make informed decisions about school choices.
In this guide, we explain everything you need to know about 11 plus exam results in 2026, including key dates, score ranges, and regional differences across areas like Bexley, Kent, Buckinghamshire, and Birmingham. You’ll also learn how results are calculated, what counts as a good score, and what happens after results are released.
For a full overview of preparation, format, and key dates, see 11 Plus Exam: The Complete Parent’s Guide for 2026. Parents often ask us how to navigate this challenge. free exam-style resources here. 📚
Page Contents
When Are 11 Plus Exam Results Released?
Typical 11 Plus exam Results Timeline
Most 11 plus exam results are released in October of Year 6, usually around mid-October, before the secondary school application deadline.
A typical timeline looks like this:
- September (Year 6): 11 plus exams take place
- Early–Mid October: Results are released to parents
- 31 October: Secondary school application deadline
- March (National Offer Day): School places are confirmed
Results are released early so parents can make informed school choices before submitting their application preferences.
Why Results Dates Vary by Region
11 plus exam results dates vary by region because each local authority or grammar school consortium sets its own testing schedule and marking process. There is no single national 11+ system in the UK.
Several factors affect when results are released:
- Different exam boards: Areas use GL, CEM, or their own tests
- Marking and standardisation: Scores must be adjusted for age and cohort performance
- Number of applicants: Higher volumes can delay processing
- Local authority timelines: Each region aligns results with school application deadlines
Despite these differences, most areas aim to release results before the end of October so parents can complete their secondary school applications on time.
If you are looking for the most prestigious institutions, explore our curated list of the top 100 grammar schools
11 Plus Exam results Dates and Results Timeline (2026)
Bexley 11 Plus Exam Dates
For entry in 2027 (test taken in 2026), the Bexley 11+ follows a clear timeline set by the local authority.
- Registration opens: 1 March 2026
- Registration closes: 31 March 2026
- Exam dates: Between 2 and 10 September 2026 (most pupils sit tests from 7–10 September)
- Results release: October 2026 (exact date varies)
Most children take the Bexley Selection Test at the start of Year 6, with results released in time for secondary school applications.
👉 Key takeaway:
The Bexley 11 plus exam typically takes place in early September, with results available by mid-October, allowing parents to complete school applications before the deadline.
Buckinghamshire 11 Plus Exam Dates
For entry in September 2027 (test taken in 2026), the Buckinghamshire 11+ (Secondary Transfer Test) follows a structured timeline set by the local authority.
- Registration opens: 1 May 2026
- Registration closes: 2 June 2026
- Practice test: 8 September 2026
- Transfer test (main exam): 10 September 2026
- Results release: Around 9 October 2026
Most children sit the test in their primary school, while others attend a designated test centre if they are out of county.
👉 Key takeaway:
The Buckinghamshire 11 plus exam takes place in early September, with results released in early to mid-October, giving parents time to complete secondary school applications.
Birmingham 11 Plus Exam Dates
For entry in September 2027 (test taken in 2026), the Birmingham 11+ (West Midlands Grammar Schools Test) follows a fixed timeline:
- Registration opens: May 2026
- Registration closes: Late June 2026
- Exam date: 12 September 2026
- Results release: Around mid-October 2026
For the previous cycle (2026 entry), the exam took place on 13 September, showing the test is consistently held in early September each year .
👉 Key takeaway:
The Birmingham 11 plus exam is usually held on a single day in early September, with results released in mid-October, allowing parents to complete school applications before the deadline.
Slough 11 Plus Exam Dates
For entry in September 2027 (test taken in 2026), the Slough Consortium 11+ follows a clear and consistent timeline:
- Registration opens: 1 May 2026
- Registration closes: 5 June 2026
- Exam date: Saturday 19 September 2026
- Results release: October 2026 (exact date not announced in advance)
The Slough 11+ is run by the Slough Consortium of Grammar Schools, meaning students only sit one exam for multiple schools.
👉 Key takeaway:
The Slough 11 plus exam takes place in mid-September, with results released in October, giving parents time to submit school applications before the deadline.
While the 11+ is the first step, you can plan for future milestones with our AQA GCSE Timetable 2026: Exam Dates for Maths, English & Science
How 11 Plus exam Results Work
Standardised Scores Explained
11 plus results are given as standardised scores, not raw marks. This means your child’s score is adjusted to account for factors like age and the overall performance of all students who took the exam.
How standardisation works:
- Raw marks are converted into a standard scale (usually centred around 100)
- Age adjustment is applied, so younger pupils are not disadvantaged
- Cohort performance is considered, meaning scores reflect how your child performed compared to others
What the scores mean:
- 100 = average score
- 115–121 = typical pass mark range
- 130+ = very high score
👉 Key takeaway:
A standardised score shows your child’s performance relative to other students, making the results fairer and more consistent across different age groups and exam sessions.
Pass Marks vs Rankings
11 plus results are often presented as either a pass mark or a ranking, and understanding the difference is key when applying to grammar schools.
Pass Marks
A pass mark is the minimum score required to qualify for grammar school consideration.
- Usually around 115–121 (varies by area)
- Indicates whether your child has met the required standard
- Does not guarantee a school place
Rankings
Some areas rank students based on their scores rather than just using a pass/fail system.
- Shows your child’s position compared to other candidates
- Used by competitive or super-selective schools
- Higher rankings increase chances of receiving an offer
Key Difference
| Pass Marks | Rankings |
|---|---|
| Minimum qualifying score | Position in the cohort |
| Pass or fail outcome | Competitive selection |
| Used in many areas | Used by selective schools |
👉 Key takeaway:
Passing the 11 plus means your child is eligible, but rankings often determine who actually receives a place, especially in highly competitive grammar schools.
11 Plus exam Results by Area (2026)
Bexley 11 Plus Exam Results
Bexley 11 plus exam results are based on standardised scores, with children classified as “selective” (pass) or non-selective, rather than a fixed national pass mark.
What your child receives:
- A standardised score (combined across papers)
- A result showing whether they are “selective”
- No raw marks are usually provided
Typical Bexley score ranges:
- ~216+ → often around the selective threshold
- 230–245 → strong score
- 245–260+ → very high score
- 250+ → top-performing candidates
Around 30–35% of pupils are deemed selective each year, making the Bexley 11+ highly competitive.
What results mean for school places:
- Being “selective” does not guarantee a place
- Grammar schools use:
- Score (for top candidates)
- Distance from the school
- Admissions criteria
Higher scores significantly improve your chances, especially for oversubscribed schools.
👉 Key takeaway:
Bexley 11 plus results are competitive and ranking-based, meaning a strong score is important—but school offers depend on both performance and location, not just passing the exam.
Kent 11 Plus Exam Results
Kent 11 plus exam results are based on standardised scores across multiple subjects, with pupils assessed in English, maths, and reasoning. To pass, children must meet both minimum subject scores and an overall standard.
What your child receives:
- Three standardised scores (English, maths, reasoning)
- A total aggregate score
- A result showing whether they are “grammar school assessed” (pass)
Typical Kent pass mark:
- Score of 100 = average
- Minimum ~106–110 per paper (varies slightly each year)
- Total score ~320+ → usually required to pass
👉 Pupils must:
- Achieve the minimum score in each paper
- Reach the overall total threshold
Typical score ranges:
- 320+ → pass (grammar school standard)
- 330–350 → strong score
- 360+ → very high / top performers
What results mean for school places:
- Passing means your child is eligible for grammar school
- Some schools are super-selective, using:
- Higher scores
- Rankings
- Others use:
- Distance
- Catchment areas
👉 Key takeaway:
Kent 11 plus results are based on both subject scores and total score, meaning children must perform consistently across all papers—not just achieve a high overall mark.
Buckinghamshire 11 Plus exam Results
Buckinghamshire 11 plus results are based on a single standardised score, with children assessed as either qualified for grammar school or not.
What your child receives:
- A standardised score (combined from both test papers)
- A result showing whether they are qualified (pass)
- No raw marks are typically provided
Typical Buckinghamshire pass mark:
- 121 is the standard qualifying score
- 100 represents the average score
- Scores above 121 indicate stronger performance
Typical score ranges:
- 121+ → pass (qualified for grammar school)
- 125–135 → strong score
- 135+ → very high score
What results mean for school places:
- A score of 121 or above qualifies your child for grammar school consideration
- Most Buckinghamshire grammar schools are not super-selective, meaning:
- Passing is often enough if you are in catchment
- Some schools may still consider:
- Catchment area
- Admissions criteria
👉 Key takeaway:
Buckinghamshire 11 plus results are clear and pass-mark based, with 121 as the key benchmark, making it one of the more straightforward 11+ systems compared to other regions.
Start with structured guidance to keep preparation calm and manageable. A free 11+ maths trial lesson can help your child build confidence, understand exam-style questions, and develop the right pace without unnecessary pressure.
Birmingham 11 Plus Exam Results
Birmingham 11 plus exam results are based on a standardised score from a single test, used by the West Midlands Grammar Schools. Results are competitive, with places offered based on ranking rather than just a pass mark.
What your child receives:
- A standardised score
- Sometimes an indication of ranking or position
- No simple pass/fail label
Typical Birmingham score ranges:
- ~200–205+ → often considered competitive
- 210–225 → strong score
- 225+ → very high / top-performing candidates
Scores are standardised each year, so exact thresholds can vary depending on cohort performance.
How Birmingham results work:
- There is no fixed pass mark
- Schools rank students by score
- Places are offered to the highest-scoring candidates first
What results mean for school places:
- Higher scores significantly increase chances of receiving an offer
- Most Birmingham grammar schools are super-selective, meaning:
- Ranking is more important than simply “passing”
- Admissions may also consider:
- Catchment areas
- School preferences
👉 Key takeaway:
Birmingham 11 plus results are highly competitive and ranking-based, so achieving a strong score is essential to secure a place at a grammar school.
Essex 11 Plus Exam Results
Essex 11 plus exam results are based on standardised scores, with pupils assessed as either eligible for grammar school or not, depending on the required threshold and school criteria.
What your child receives:
- A standardised score (or scores, depending on the school)
- Confirmation of whether they have reached the required standard
- Some schools may provide additional score details
Typical Essex score ranges:
- ~300+ → often considered around the pass threshold (CSSE areas)
- 320–340 → strong score
- 340+ → very high / top-performing candidates
👉 Exact scores vary depending on whether the school uses CSSE (Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex) or its own entrance test.
How Essex results work:
- Some areas (CSSE schools) use a combined score across papers
- Other grammar schools may:
- Set their own pass marks
- Use rankings for offers
What results mean for school places:
- Meeting the pass mark means your child is eligible, not guaranteed a place
- Many Essex grammar schools are competitive and may use:
- Score rankings
- Catchment areas
- School-specific criteria
👉 Key takeaway:
Essex 11 plus results vary by school, but in most cases, a high combined score is needed, and places are often allocated based on ranking rather than just passing.
Slough 11 Plus Exam Results
Slough 11 plus exam results are based on standardised scores across multiple papers, used by the Slough Consortium of Grammar Schools. Results determine whether a child has reached the required standard, but places are allocated based on ranking and admissions criteria.
What your child receives:
- Standardised scores for each paper
- A total combined score
- Confirmation of whether they have met the required standard
Typical Slough score ranges:
- ~111–120 per paper → around the pass level (varies yearly)
- ~320+ total → competitive score
- 330–350 → strong score
- 350+ → very high / top-performing candidates
👉 Exact thresholds change each year depending on cohort performance.
How Slough results work:
- Scores are standardised and combined
- There is no guaranteed place from passing alone
- Schools rank pupils based on their total score
What results mean for school places:
- Meeting the standard makes your child eligible for grammar schools
- Most Slough grammar schools are highly competitive, so:
- Higher scores improve chances
- Ranking plays a key role
- Admissions may also consider:
- Catchment area
- School preferences
👉 Key takeaway:
Slough 11 plus results are competitive and score-based, meaning a strong overall score is essential, as places are awarded based on ranking, not just passing.
Medway 11 Plus Exam Results
Medway 11 plus exam results are based on standardised scores across multiple papers, with pupils assessed as either selective (pass) or non-selective.
What your child receives:
- Standardised scores for each paper (usually maths, English, and reasoning)
- A total combined score
- Confirmation of whether they are “selective”
Typical Medway pass mark:
- Score of 100 = average
- ~105–110 per paper → typical minimum threshold
- Total score ~320+ → often required to be deemed selective
👉 Pupils must usually meet both:
- A minimum score in each paper
- An overall total score
Typical score ranges:
- 320+ → pass (selective)
- 330–350 → strong score
- 350+ → very high / top performers
What results mean for school places:
- Being selective does not guarantee a grammar school place
- Many Medway grammar schools are competitive and may use:
- Score rankings
- Catchment areas
- School-specific admissions criteria
👉 Key takeaway:
Medway 11 plus results require consistent performance across all subjects, and while passing is important, higher scores improve your chances of securing a place.
Redbridge 11 Plus Exam Results
Redbridge 11 plus exam results are based on standardised scores from the entrance test, with pupils ranked according to performance. Unlike some areas, results are primarily used for ranking rather than a simple pass mark.
What your child receives:
- A standardised score
- Sometimes an indication of ranking or position
- No simple pass/fail label in most cases
Typical Redbridge score ranges:
- ~100 → average score
- 115–120+ → competitive range
- 125+ → strong score
- 130+ → very high / top-performing candidates
👉 Exact score thresholds vary each year depending on cohort performance and the specific school.
How Redbridge results work:
- Scores are standardised across all candidates
- Pupils are ranked based on performance
- Grammar schools offer places to the highest-scoring students first
What results mean for school places:
- There is no guaranteed place from achieving a certain score
- Admissions depend on:
- Ranking
- Catchment area (for some schools)
- School-specific criteria
👉 Key takeaway:
Redbridge 11 plus results are ranking-based and competitive, meaning higher scores significantly improve your chances, as places are awarded to the top-performing candidates rather than based on a fixed pass mark.
Start with structured guidance to keep preparation calm and manageable. A free 11+ maths trial lesson can help your child build confidence, understand exam-style questions, and develop the right pace without unnecessary pressure.
What Is a Good 11 Plus Result?
Typical Pass Marks by Area
11 plus pass marks vary by region because each area uses different exam boards, scoring systems, and levels of competition. Some regions have a fixed pass mark, while others use ranking-based systems.
Typical pass marks across key areas:
- Buckinghamshire:
- 121+ → fixed qualifying score
- Kent:
- ~320 total score
- Minimum required in each paper
- Bexley:
- No fixed pass mark
- Top ~30–35% deemed selective (≈ 216+ typical range)
- Birmingham:
- No fixed pass mark
- Competitive scores usually 200–225+
- Slough:
- ~320+ total score
- Ranking-based for final offers
- Medway:
- ~320 total score
- Minimum per paper required
- Essex (CSSE):
- ~300+ total score
- Varies by school
- Redbridge:
- No fixed pass mark
- Competitive scores typically 115–130+
Key differences:
- Fixed pass mark areas: Buckinghamshire
- Score threshold + subject minimums: Kent, Medway
- Ranking-based systems: Bexley, Birmingham, Redbridge, Slough
👉 Key takeaway:
There is no single national pass mark for the 11 plus—each area sets its own criteria, so understanding your local system is essential when interpreting results.
To compare these results with independent sector standards, check out our guide to the top 100 private schools
What Scores Get You Into Top Grammar Schools
Getting into a top grammar school usually requires a score well above the pass mark, as most are highly competitive and allocate places based on ranking.
Typical score expectations:
- Buckinghamshire:
- 121+ → pass
- 125–135+ → stronger chance at top schools
- Kent:
- 320+ → pass
- 340–360+ → competitive for top grammar schools
- Bexley:
- ~216+ → selective
- 230–250+ → competitive for popular schools
- Birmingham:
- ~200–205+ → competitive
- 215–225+ → strong for top schools
- Slough / Medway / Essex:
- 320+ → pass
- 340–360+ → strong
- 350+ → top range
- Redbridge:
- 115–120+ → competitive
- 125–130+ → strong for selective schools
What really matters:
- Ranking: Top grammar schools prioritise highest scorers
- Catchment area: Distance can affect offers
- School type:
- Super-selective → score only
- Others → score + location
👉 Key takeaway:
To secure a place at a top grammar school, your child typically needs a score significantly above the pass mark, as offers are based on ranking and competition, not just passing the exam.
What Is the Highest 11 Plus exam Results Score by Area?
Highest Scores in GL Assessment Areas
In GL Assessment 11 plus exams, the highest scores are based on a standardised scale, where performance is measured relative to other candidates.
Typical GL score scale:
- 100 → average score
- 121+ → common pass mark (e.g. Buckinghamshire)
- 130–140 → very strong score
- 140–150+ → top-performing candidates
👉 In most GL areas, scores are capped at around 140–150, although this can vary slightly depending on the region.
What counts as a “top score”:
- 130+ → competitive for most grammar schools
- 135–140+ → highly competitive
- 140+ → among the highest scorers
Where GL scores are used:
- Buckinghamshire
- Some areas of Essex
- Many grammar school entrance tests across the UK
What this means for results:
- GL scores are standardised, so results depend on cohort performance
- Higher scores improve ranking and school allocation chances
- In fixed pass areas (like Bucks), anything above 121 qualifies—but top schools still favour higher scores
👉 Key takeaway:
In GL Assessment areas, the highest scores typically fall in the 140+ range, and achieving well above the pass mark is crucial for securing places at competitive grammar schools.
Highest Scores in CEM Exam Areas
In CEM 11 plus exams, the highest scores are also standardised, but unlike GL, there is no fixed universal scale. Scores vary by region and are often combined across multiple papers.
Typical CEM score ranges:
- 100 → average per paper
- ~110–120 per paper → around pass level
- 320+ total → competitive score (in multi-paper areas like Kent/Slough)
- 340–360+ → very strong score
- 360+ → top-performing candidates
👉 In some areas, totals can exceed 370+, depending on how scores are combined and weighted.
What counts as a “top score”:
- 340+ → competitive for many grammar schools
- 350+ → strong chance at selective schools
- 360+ → among the highest scorers
Where CEM-style scoring is used:
- Birmingham (West Midlands Grammar Schools)
- Some consortium areas (e.g. historically in Slough)
- Select grammar and independent schools
What this means for results:
- CEM scores are cohort-based, meaning thresholds change each year
- There is usually no fixed pass mark—ranking is key
- Higher total scores significantly improve chances of securing a place
👉 Key takeaway:
In CEM exam areas, the highest scores are typically 350–360+, and success depends on ranking within the cohort, not just reaching a set pass mark.
What Happens After 11 Plus exam Results?
School Applications Process
After receiving 11 plus exam results, parents must complete the secondary school application (CAF – Common Application Form) before the national deadline.
Key steps in the process:
- Submit your application (by 31 October):
List your preferred schools in order of priority through your local authority - Include grammar schools:
If your child has passed or is competitive, include grammar schools alongside other options - Rank schools carefully:
Your first choice should be your genuine preference—not based on chances - Local authority matching:
The system matches your child to the highest-ranked school they qualify for
Important things to consider:
- You can list multiple schools (usually 4–6 choices)
- Always include at least one safe option (non-selective school)
- Grammar schools may consider:
- Score
- Ranking
- Catchment area
What happens next:
- March (National Offer Day): You receive your school offer
- If unsuccessful, you may:
- Join waiting lists
- Submit an appeal
👉 Key takeaway:
The school application process is about strategic choice and ranking, so use your child’s 11 plus results to balance ambition with realistic options.
Appeals and Review Process
If your child does not achieve the required 11 plus result or does not receive a grammar school place, you may be able to request a review or submit an appeal.
Review process
Some areas (such as Buckinghamshire) offer a Selection Review shortly after results are released. This allows parents to request a reconsideration based on:
- Academic evidence from school
- Extenuating circumstances (e.g. illness, disruption)
The review panel decides whether your child should be deemed qualified despite their score.
Appeals process
If a review is unsuccessful—or not available—you can submit a formal appeal after school places are allocated in March.
During an appeal, you present your case to an independent panel, including:
- Academic ability evidence
- School reports and recommendations
- Any exceptional circumstances affecting performance
The panel will decide whether your child should be offered a place.
Key things to know
- Appeals are not guaranteed to succeed
- Strong academic evidence is essential
- Each school runs its own appeal process
👉 Key takeaway:
The appeals and review process gives parents a second opportunity, but success depends on clear academic evidence and a strong, well-supported case.
Waiting Lists Explained
If your child does not receive an offer from a grammar school on National Offer Day, they can be placed on a waiting list for that school.
How waiting lists work:
- Waiting lists are ordered based on the school’s admissions criteria
- This may include:
- 11 plus score or ranking
- Distance from the school
- Catchment area
- It is not first come, first served
What happens after results:
- Lists begin to move after March (offer day)
- Movement happens when:
- Families decline offers
- Students accept places at other schools
- Your child’s position on the list can go up or down
Your options:
- Stay on multiple waiting lists
- Accept your current school offer while waiting
- Consider submitting an appeal alongside the waiting list
👉 Key takeaway:
Waiting lists offer another chance to secure a grammar school place, but positions depend on ranking and admissions criteria, not how early you join.
11 Plus exam Results vs Mock Exam Results
Why Mock Results Can Be Different
Mock exam results often differ from real 11 plus results because they are taken under different conditions, difficulty levels, and levels of pressure.
Key reasons for differences:
Different difficulty levels:
Mock papers may be harder or easier than the real exam, especially if they are designed to stretch students
Standardisation differences:
Real 11+ scores are standardised against a full cohort, while mock results may use smaller or less accurate comparisons
Test conditions:
In-person mocks can feel more realistic, but some students perform differently on the actual exam day
Exam pressure:
Nerves, confidence, and environment can significantly affect performance in the real exam
Preparation timing:
Mock exams are often taken earlier in preparation, before a child has fully developed their skills
👉 Key takeaway:
Mock results are a useful indicator of progress, but they are not exact predictors—real 11 plus results depend on performance on the day and how scores are standardised across all candidates.
How to Use Mock Results Effectively
Mock exam results are most useful when they are used to guide improvement, rather than just measure performance.
Turn results into action:
- Identify weak areas:
Look for patterns in mistakes (e.g. timing, specific topics, question types) - Focus revision strategically:
Prioritise topics where marks were lost instead of repeating what your child already knows - Review mistakes properly:
Go through incorrect answers together and understand why they were wrong - Track progress over time:
Compare results across multiple mocks to see improvement, not just one score - Practise exam technique:
Use feedback to improve timing, accuracy, and confidence under pressure
Keep expectations realistic:
- One mock result does not define ability
- Scores can vary depending on difficulty and conditions
- Improvement between mocks is more important than the score itself
👉 Key takeaway:
Use mock results as a diagnostic tool, focusing on learning and progress—this is what leads to better performance in the real 11 plus exam.
Success isn’t luck—it’s a strategy. 🎯 Unlock your child’s full potential with a Free Academic Assessment. We’ll identify hidden gaps and provide a data-driven performance plan designed to turn weaknesses into strengths before exam season hits.
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11 Plus Exam Results FAQs
When are 11 plus exam results?
11 plus exam results are usually released in October of Year 6, often in mid-October, before the secondary school application deadline at the end of the month.
When is the 11 plus exam results released?
The 11 plus exam results are typically released in mid-October, although exact dates vary depending on the local authority or grammar school.
When is 11 plus exam results?
Most areas release 11 plus exam results in October, shortly after the exams take place in September, giving parents time to complete school applications.
When are 11 plus exams results announced?
11 plus exam results are announced between early and mid-October, depending on the region, with most areas releasing results before the 31 October application deadline.
How to appeal Buckinghamshire 11 plus exam results?
To appeal Buckinghamshire 11 plus results, parents must submit an appeal after school offers are released in March, providing academic evidence and supporting information to an independent panel.
When are 11 plus exam results Crossley Heath?
For Crossley Heath and other schools in Calderdale, 11 plus exam results are usually released in October, but exact dates are set by the individual school or local authority.
