11 Plus Registration 2026: Dates, Deadlines and How to Apply

11 plus registration 2026 opens at most grammar schools in April or May 2026, with deadlines typically falling between June and August. The exam itself takes place in September 2026, results arrive in mid-October, and the Common Application Form (CAF) must be submitted to your local authority by 31st October 2026. School places are confirmed on National Offer Day, 1st March 2027. 

If your child is aiming for a grammar school place in September 2027, the 11 plus registration process starts sooner than most parents expect. This guide covers every date, deadline, form and step you need to know. 

What is the 11 plus and who is it for?

The 11 plus is a selective entrance exam that children sit in Year 6 to earn a place at a grammar school. Grammar schools are state-funded secondary schools that select their pupils based on academic ability. They are free to attend, which makes them hugely popular with families across England.

The exam typically tests four areas: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Some schools also include a Creative Writing component. Depending on where you live, the exam may be set by GL Assessment or CEM.

There are around 163 grammar schools in England, concentrated in areas like Birmingham and the West Midlands, Kent, Buckinghamshire, Essex, Hertfordshire and parts of London. If you are in Birmingham, schools like King Edward VI, Queen Mary's Grammar, Bishop Vesey's and Camp Hill are among the most sought-after destinations.

11 plus registration 2026: Key dates and timeline

Below is the full timeline for the 11 plus registration 2026 process, from the first registration window through to school offers. Exact dates vary between schools and local authorities, so always confirm with each school directly.

How to register for the 11 plus exam: Step by step

The 11 plus registration process can feel daunting at first, but broken down into steps, it is very manageable. Here is exactly what you need to do.

1. Research your preferred schools

Before anything else, draw up a list of grammar schools you would like your child to apply to. Look at each school's Ofsted report, exam results, facilities, catchment area, and commute from your home. Attend open days whenever possible, as they give you and your child a genuine feel for the school environment and culture.

Check the catchment rules carefully. Most grammar schools give priority to children who live closest to the school. Even if your child passes the 11 plus, a place is not guaranteed if the school is heavily oversubscribed and you live some distance away.

2. Attend school open days

Most grammar schools hold open days in the spring and summer terms of Year 5. These are your chance to ask questions, see the facilities, and get a feel for the culture of the school. Many schools also allow children to attend, which can be very motivating for those in the middle of their preparation.

Note that some schools hold separate open evenings for parents only. Check the school website for confirmed dates, as popular open days tend to fill up.

3. Complete the school’s 11 Plus Application Form

When registration opens, usually in April or May, you will need to complete and submit the school's own 11 Plus Application Form directly to that school. This is separate from the Common Application Form submitted to your local authority (more on that below).

If you are applying to more than one grammar school, you will generally need to complete a separate application form for each school, unless those schools are part of a joint consortium. In Birmingham, a single registration covers multiple King Edward VI consortium schools, but always verify this with the specific schools you are targeting.

4. Check for a Supplementary Information Form (SIF)

Some grammar schools require a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) alongside the main application. This is more common at faith schools, which may require evidence of religious commitment, such as a letter from a priest confirming regular attendance at church.

Check each school's admissions information carefully to see if a SIF is required. Missing this step could affect your child's chances of a place even if they pass the exam.

5. Sit the 11 plus exam in September 2026

The 11 plus exam for most grammar schools takes place in the first two weeks of September 2026. Your child will be given the date and location once their registration has been confirmed.

In the weeks before the exam, make sure your child is well rested, practising regularly under timed conditions, and feeling confident. Our 11 plus mock exams are designed to replicate the real exam experience as closely as possible, so your child walks in knowing exactly what to expect.

6. Submit the Common Application Form (CAF) by 31st October 2026

Once results are released in mid-October, you will need to complete and submit the Common Application Form (CAF) to your local authority by 31st October 2026. This is the form that formally applies for a secondary school place and applies to both grammar schools and comprehensive schools.

List your school choices in order of preference. The local authority works down this list when allocating places, so put your most preferred school first. Always include at least one local comprehensive school as a backup in case your child does not receive a grammar school offer.

What is the Common Application Form (CAF)?

The CAF is the official form through which you apply for a state secondary school place in England. It is submitted to your local authority, not to individual schools, and it must be received by 31st October 2026.

On the CAF, you can list multiple school preferences in order. Your local authority uses these preferences, alongside each school's admissions criteria, to allocate a place. The golden rule is to list schools in genuine order of preference, with your first choice first.

• List grammar schools you have applied to alongside a local comprehensive as a safety option

• Do not put a school you do not actually want to attend near the top just because you think it increases your chances

• Private and independent schools do not appear on the CAF at all

• Your local authority will confirm school allocations on National Offer Day, 1st March 2027

What happens after the 11 plus exam?

Once your child has sat the exam in September 2026, results are published in mid-October. Here is what happens next depending on the outcome.

If your child passes the 11 plus

Passing the exam means your child has met the academic threshold for grammar school entry. However, passing does not guarantee a place. If the school is oversubscribed, places are allocated based on additional criteria, most commonly distance from the school to your home address. This is why catchment area research before applying is so important.

If your child does not pass the 11 plus

If your child does not reach the required score, grammar school places will not be available to them through this route. You will then select your preferences from local non-selective secondary schools on the CAF. Many of these are excellent schools, and your child can still have a fantastic secondary school experience.

If results arrive after the CAF deadline

In some regions, results may arrive very close to or after the CAF deadline. In this case, list your school preferences to cover both outcomes: include grammar schools in case your child has passed, alongside comprehensive alternatives in case they have not.

How to prepare your child alongside 11 plus registration

Registration is an administrative process. Preparation is where the real work happens. While you are working through forms and deadlines, your child needs to be building the skills and confidence that will carry them through the exam in September.

At Pass 11 Plus Grammar, we have been helping Birmingham children pass their 11 plus exams for over 30 years. Here is how our programmes can support your child at every stage.

Start with expert tuition as early as possible

Our 11 plus tutor programmes are available from Year 3 upwards. Starting early means your child builds skills gradually, without pressure, and arrives in Year 6 with strong foundations across all subjects. Our tutors cover English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning and Creative Writing in structured, engaging sessions available in-person at our Edgbaston centre or online.

Download free practice papers

Familiarity with the question types and exam format is one of the most effective ways to prepare. Our free 11+ practice papers are available to download right now and cover all the key subject areas. Regular practice at home, alongside tuition, builds both speed and accuracy.

Book an intensive course

If your child needs a focused burst of preparation, our 11 plus intensive courses are a brilliant option. Designed to accelerate progress and build exam confidence in a short period of time, these are particularly popular in the months leading up to the September exam.

Sit a mock exam before the real thing

Nothing prepares a child for an exam like sitting one. Our 11 plus mock exams are run under realistic exam conditions and come with detailed feedback on performance by subject and question type. They build familiarity, reduce anxiety, and give both you and your child an honest picture of where they stand ahead of the real exam.

Registration and preparation checklist

• Research grammar schools in your area and check catchment rules 

• Attend open days at your preferred schools 

• Register with each grammar school when the window opens (April to May 2026) 

• Check whether any schools require a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) 

• Begin or continue structured tuition with our expert tutors 

• Download and practise with our free practice papers regularly 

• Book a mock exam to simulate real exam conditions 

• Sit the 11 plus exam in September 2026 

• Receive results in mid-October 2026 

• Submit the CAF to your local authority by 31st October 2026 

• Wait for National Offer Day on 1st March 2027

Final thoughts

The 11 plus registration 2026 process has more moving parts than most parents expect, but with a clear plan it is very manageable. The most important things are to register early, know your deadlines, and make sure your child is genuinely prepared for the exam in September. 

Registration opens the door. Preparation is what gets your child through it. At Pass 11 Plus Grammar, we combine expert tuition, free practice papers, realistic mock exams and intensive courses so that your child is ready for every part of this process.

If you are not sure where to start, get in touch with our team today. We will assess your child's current level, build a personalised preparation plan, and support you every step of the way through the 11 plus registration 2026 process and beyond.