Eleven Plus Test Dates 2026: 11+ Exam Dates, Registration & Key Deadlines
Knowing the eleven plus test dates is an important part of planning a successful 11+ preparation journey. Registration deadlines, exam dates and results timelines vary between grammar schools, independent schools and local authorities, so understanding when each stage takes place helps families avoid missing key deadlines and gives children enough time to prepare with confidence.
This guide explains the typical 11+ exam timeline, including when registrations usually open, when most children sit the 11+ exam and what happens after the test. You’ll also learn how to prepare at each stage using 11 Plus Test Papers, 11 Plus Online Tests and 11 Plus Mock Tests to build confidence before exam day.
Page Contents
When is the eleven plus test?
When do 11+ registrations usually open?
Most 11+ registrations open during Year 5, with many grammar schools and local authorities accepting applications between late spring and early summer. The exact timing varies depending on the school or region, so parents should check admissions websites well in advance to avoid missing important deadlines.
Registering early gives families plenty of time to confirm eligibility, understand the admissions process and organise their child’s preparation before the exam. It also provides an opportunity to research each school’s testing arrangements, as some areas use shared exams while others run their own entrance assessments.
Once registration is complete, focus on building confidence through regular practice. Using 11 Plus Test Papers and 11 Plus Online Tests helps children become familiar with different question types before progressing to a full 11 Plus Mock Test closer to exam day.
When do registration deadlines close?
Registration deadlines for the 11+ exam usually fall in the first few weeks of Year 6, with many grammar schools closing applications during late August or early September. However, deadlines vary between schools and local authorities, so it’s essential to check the admissions information for every school your child is applying to.
Missing the registration deadline can mean your child is unable to sit the entrance exam for that school, so it’s a good idea to make a note of key dates as soon as applications open. Completing the registration process early also gives you more time to focus on preparation rather than paperwork.
After registering, encourage your child to build confidence through consistent practice. Working through 11 Plus Test Papers, 11 Plus Online Tests and realistic 11 Plus Mock Tests will help them feel fully prepared when exam day arrives.
When are most 11+ exams held?
Most 11+ exams are held during September of Year 6, although the exact eleven plus test dates depend on the grammar school, independent school or local authority. Some regions use a shared testing system where several schools hold the exam on the same day, while others schedule their own assessments over several weeks.
The timing is designed to allow schools to process results before families submit their secondary school preferences. Because every admissions authority sets its own timetable, parents should always confirm the exact exam date with each school rather than relying on general timelines.
In the months leading up to the exam, children should focus on building confidence and improving exam technique. Regular practice with 11 Plus Test Papers, 11 Plus Online Tests and 11 Plus Mock Tests helps children become familiar with timed conditions and prepares them for the pace of the real 11+ assessment.
Typical eleven plus test dates timeline
Year 5 preparation
Year 5 is the most important year for 11+ preparation. This is when children move beyond learning individual topics and begin applying their knowledge under timed conditions. Starting early in Year 5 allows plenty of time to strengthen weaker areas, develop exam technique and build confidence without unnecessary pressure.
A balanced preparation plan should include regular practice in Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning (where required), alongside opportunities to review mistakes and improve problem-solving skills. As the exam approaches, children should gradually increase the amount of timed practice they complete.
A typical Year 5 preparation plan includes:
- Autumn Term: Build strong foundations in key Maths and English topics while introducing reasoning question types.
- Spring Term: Increase the difficulty of questions and begin completing short timed exercises to improve speed and accuracy.
- Summer Term: Work through full 11 Plus Test Papers, complete 11 Plus Online Tests and sit realistic 11 Plus Mock Tests to prepare for exam conditions.
By following a structured Year 5 study plan, children can steadily build the knowledge, confidence and exam skills they need before sitting the 11+ in Year 6.
Summer before Year 6
The summer holiday before Year 6 is one of the most valuable periods for 11+ preparation. With fewer school commitments, children have the opportunity to consolidate everything they have learned during Year 5, strengthen weaker topics and develop the stamina needed for the real exam.
Rather than introducing lots of new content, focus on reinforcing existing knowledge through consistent practice. Completing full-length papers under timed conditions helps children improve speed, accuracy and confidence while highlighting any areas that still need attention before the September exams.
A productive summer preparation plan should include:
- Complete full 11 Plus Test Papers each week under exam conditions.
- Use 11 Plus Online Tests to practise a wide range of question types and receive instant feedback.
- Sit at least one 11 Plus Mock Test to experience a realistic exam environment.
- Review mistakes carefully and revisit any topics that need further improvement.
- Maintain a balanced routine with regular breaks to keep motivation and confidence high.
A structured approach over the summer can make a significant difference, helping children begin Year 6 feeling prepared, confident and ready for the 11+ exam.
Autumn term - Eleven Plus Test Dates
The autumn term of Year 6 is when most children sit the 11+ exam. While the exact eleven plus test dates vary between grammar schools, independent schools and local authorities, the majority of exams take place throughout September, with some schools holding assessments in early October.
In the weeks leading up to the exam, the focus should shift away from learning new topics and towards refining exam technique. Children benefit most from completing timed papers, reviewing common mistakes and maintaining a consistent study routine without becoming overwhelmed.
As exam day approaches, it is helpful to:
- Complete full 11 Plus Test Papers under realistic timed conditions.
- Use 11 Plus Online Tests to reinforce key skills and build confidence.
- Sit a final 11 Plus Mock Test to simulate the real exam experience.
- Prioritise good sleep, healthy routines and a calm approach in the final days before the test.
Preparing consistently throughout Year 5 and the summer holidays means children can approach their autumn exam dates feeling confident, well-practised and ready to perform at their best.
Results and school applications
After the 11+ exam, schools and local authorities begin marking papers and processing results. In many areas, families receive their child’s results during autumn of Year 6, before the secondary school application deadline, allowing parents to make informed choices when completing their school preferences. However, the exact timetable varies depending on the admissions authority and the schools applied to.
Receiving a qualifying score does not automatically guarantee a place at a grammar school. Admissions decisions may also depend on factors such as school catchment areas, oversubscription criteria and the number of places available. Parents should carefully review each school’s admissions policy before submitting their application.
While waiting for results, continue supporting your child positively and keep expectations realistic. The 11+ is only one part of the secondary school admissions process, and many children thrive in a wide range of excellent schools. If your child does not achieve the result you hoped for, some schools offer appeals or alternative admissions routes, so it is worth checking the guidance provided by the relevant school or local authority.
Why eleven plus test dates vary between schools
Grammar schools
Most grammar schools hold their 11+ entrance exams during September of Year 6, although the exact dates depend on the school or local authority. Some regions operate a shared testing system, allowing one exam to be used for multiple grammar schools, while others require children to sit separate assessments for different schools.
Registration usually opens during Year 5 and closes shortly before the exams take place, so it’s important to keep track of each school’s admissions timetable. Missing a registration deadline could mean your child is unable to sit the test for that particular grammar school.
Because every grammar school has its own admissions process, parents should always check the official admissions information for each school they are considering. Confirming registration dates, exam dates and results timelines early allows families to prepare with confidence and avoid unnecessary stress during the application process.
Independent schools
Independent schools often have different 11+ entrance exam timetables from grammar schools. While many assessments take place during the autumn term of Year 6, some schools hold exams earlier or spread their admissions process across several stages. Registration deadlines, assessment dates and interview schedules can therefore vary significantly between schools.
Many independent schools also include additional assessments alongside written exams, such as interviews, group activities or school-specific tasks. Parents should review each school’s admissions process carefully, as there is no single timetable followed by all independent schools.
If your child is applying to both grammar and independent schools, create a clear calendar of registration deadlines, exam dates and interview invitations. Staying organised will help you avoid clashes and ensure your child has enough time to prepare for each assessment while balancing schoolwork and revision.
Different exam providers
Not all schools use the same 11+ exam. Across the UK, grammar schools and independent schools choose different exam providers, which means the format, question styles and subjects tested can vary. Understanding which provider your chosen school uses is an important part of preparing effectively.
The two most common providers are GL Assessment and FSCE (Future Stories Community Enterprise), although some independent schools create their own entrance papers. While many exams assess Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, the balance of these subjects and the question formats can differ between providers.
Before beginning focused preparation, check which exam your target schools use. This allows your child to practise the most relevant question types using appropriate 11 Plus Test Papers, 11 Plus Online Tests and 11 Plus Mock Tests, helping them become familiar with the style and pace of the assessment they are most likely to face.
How to prepare before your eleven plus test date
Six months before the exam
Around six months before the 11+ exam, your child should move from building core knowledge to developing strong exam technique. By this stage, they should be confident with the main Maths and English topics and begin completing more timed practice to improve speed, accuracy and confidence.
This is also the ideal time to identify weaker areas and address them before the final months of preparation. Rather than simply completing more questions, encourage your child to review mistakes carefully and understand why an answer was incorrect. Consistent practice is far more effective than occasional intensive revision sessions.
A six-month preparation plan should include:
- Completing regular 11 Plus Test Papers to build familiarity with exam-style questions.
- Using 11 Plus Online Tests to improve speed and receive immediate feedback.
- Introducing timed practice sessions each week to develop exam stamina.
- Revisiting weaker topics and tracking progress over time.
- Sitting a 11 Plus Mock Test once your child is comfortable working under timed conditions.
Following a structured routine during the final six months helps children feel confident and well prepared, reducing last-minute stress as the exam date approaches.
Final month preparation
The final month before the 11+ exam should focus on refining exam technique rather than learning large amounts of new content. By this stage, your child should already have a solid understanding of the topics being tested. The priority is to build confidence, improve time management and become comfortable working under realistic exam conditions.
Aim to complete a small number of high-quality practice papers each week, reviewing every mistake carefully and revisiting any remaining weak areas. Avoid overloading your child with excessive revision in the final weeks, as staying motivated, well-rested and confident is just as important as academic preparation.
In the last month, your child should:
- Complete full 11 Plus Test Papers under timed conditions.
- Take at least one final 11 Plus Mock Test to experience the pressure of a real exam.
- Use 11 Plus Online Tests to reinforce weaker topics and improve accuracy.
- Review mistakes instead of simply completing more questions.
- Maintain healthy routines, including regular sleep, balanced meals and time to relax before exam day.
- A calm, structured approach during the final month allows children to enter the exam feeling prepared, focused and confident in their abilities.
The week before the test
On exam day
On the day of the 11+ exam, the goal is to help your child arrive feeling calm, confident and ready to perform at their best. Avoid last-minute cramming, as this can increase anxiety without providing any real benefit. Instead, focus on maintaining a relaxed routine and reminding your child to trust the preparation they have already completed.
Make sure you know the exam venue, arrival time and any instructions provided by the school or exam centre. Leaving plenty of time for travel helps avoid unnecessary stress and allows your child to settle before the assessment begins.
To help the day run smoothly:
- Arrive at the exam venue at least 15–30 minutes early.
- Check that your child has everything required by the school or test centre.
- Encourage them to eat a balanced breakfast and stay hydrated.
- Remind them to read each question carefully and manage their time throughout the paper.
- Reassure them that they do not need to answer every question perfectly to achieve a strong result.
Once the exam is over, avoid analysing every question or dwelling on mistakes. Instead, recognise your child’s hard work and effort, and look ahead to the next stage of the admissions process while waiting for the results.
What happens after the 11+ exam?
Receiving results
After the 11+ exam, families typically receive their child’s results during the autumn term of Year 6, although the exact timing varies between grammar schools, independent schools and local authorities. Some schools release results before the secondary school application deadline, while others publish them later as part of their own admissions process.
Your child’s results may include a standardised score, ranking or an indication of whether they achieved the qualifying mark for that school’s admissions criteria. It’s important to remember that a qualifying score does not always guarantee a place, as admissions can also depend on factors such as catchment areas, oversubscription rules and the number of places available.
Once you receive the results:
- Compare your child’s score with the admissions guidance provided by each school.
- Submit your secondary school preferences by the published application deadline.
- Review each school’s oversubscription and allocation criteria, not just the qualifying score.
- If your child does not achieve the expected result, check whether the school offers an appeals process or alternative admissions route.
Whatever the outcome, celebrate the effort your child has put into preparing for the 11+ exam. The results are an important milestone, but they are only one part of finding the right secondary school for your child’s future.
School preference deadlines - Eleven Plus Test Dates
After receiving your child’s 11+ results, the next important step is submitting your secondary school preferences. In England, parents usually need to complete their secondary school application during the autumn term of Year 6, with the national application deadline typically falling at the end of October. However, always check your local authority’s admissions timetable, as specific dates and processes may vary.
When completing your application, list schools in your genuine order of preference rather than trying to guess where your child is most likely to receive an offer. The admissions system is designed to consider your preferences alongside each school’s admissions criteria, so ranking schools honestly gives your child the best opportunity to secure a place at their preferred school.
Before submitting your application, make sure you:
- Confirm the application deadline with your local authority.
- Check that every preferred school has been added to your application.
- Review each school’s admissions and oversubscription criteria.
- Submit your application before the deadline and keep a copy of the confirmation.
Meeting the school preference deadline is just as important as registering for the 11+ exam. Missing it could significantly limit your child’s secondary school options, even if they achieve an excellent test result.
Offer day
Offer Day is when families find out which secondary school their child has been allocated. In England, secondary school offers are typically released on National Offer Day, which takes place on 1 March (or the next working day if 1 March falls on a weekend). Parents usually receive their offer by email from their local authority or can view it through the online admissions portal.
If your child receives an offer from one of your preferred schools, you will normally need to accept the place by following the instructions provided by your local authority or the school. If your child is not offered their first-choice school, they may be placed on a waiting list or have the option to submit an appeal, depending on the school’s admissions policy.
After receiving your offer:
- Read the offer details and any deadlines carefully.
- Accept the school place by the required date.
- Join a waiting list if a higher-preference school is available.
- Consider an appeal if you believe there are valid grounds and the school allows one.
- Begin preparing your child for the transition to secondary school.
While Offer Day is an important milestone, it is only the final stage of the admissions process. Whatever the outcome, supporting your child through the transition will help them begin secondary school with confidence.
Eleven Plus Test Dates FAQs
When is the eleven plus test?
Most eleven plus test dates fall during the autumn term of Year 6, with many grammar schools holding their exams in September. Registration usually opens during Year 5, often in the summer term, and closes in the weeks before the exams take place. Because every school and local authority sets its own timetable, it’s important to check the admissions pages for your chosen schools to confirm the exact dates.
What happens if my child misses the test date?
If your child misses their scheduled 11+ exam, contact the school or local authority as soon as possible. Some schools may offer an alternative test date if there are exceptional circumstances, such as illness supported by medical evidence, while others may not be able to arrange another sitting. Always notify the admissions team immediately and follow the school’s published procedures.
Are 11+ test dates the same across the UK?
No. Eleven plus test dates vary between regions, grammar schools and independent schools. Some areas use shared testing arrangements where several schools sit the same exam on the same day, while others organise their own assessments over different dates. Registration deadlines, test timings and results dates can therefore differ depending on where your child is applying.
How early should my child start preparing?
Most children benefit from beginning 11+ preparation during Year 4 or the start of Year 5. Starting early allows plenty of time to build confidence, strengthen core Maths and English skills and gradually introduce timed practice without feeling rushed. Using 11 Plus Test Papers, 11 Plus Online Tests and 11 Plus Mock Tests as the exam approaches helps children prepare effectively for the pace and pressure of the real 11+ assessment.
