When is 11 Plus Exam 2026? Full Guide on Exam Date & Registration

For many parents in the UK, knowing when is the 11 plus exam in 2026 and the steps leading up to it is an essential part of planning grammar school preparation. The 11 Plus determines admission to selective state grammar schools and knowing key dates helps families stay organised, reduce stress, and support their child effectively.

In this guide, we will explain the timetable for 2026 entry, when you should apply, and how preparation fits in across the primary school years.

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Key 11 Plus Exam Dates 2026

Most grammar schools in England hold their 11 Plus tests in September 2026, usually in the first two weeks of the month.

Some authorities and consortia have slight variations:

• In Redbridge, the test is usually scheduled on the last Friday of the 3rd week of September

• In Buckinghamshire, practice and transfer tests are held in early September, with the main test being scheduled from the end of the 1st week of September.

Because the 11 Plus is administered locally, always check your specific grammar school’s admissions information for the exact 11 Plus exam dates 2026.

When to Apply for 11 Plus Exam 2026

Most of the grammar schools open their registration for 11 Plus long before the test date. The typical timeline looks something like this:

• April to June 2026 - Most schools will open applications for the September 2026 11 Plus.

• May to June 2026 - Registration windows are universal across all local councils like Birmingham or Buckinghamshire.

• Mid-Summer 2026 - Registration closing date for most grammar schools.

Missing the registration window can mean your child is unable to sit the test, so checking individual school deadlines early is important. 

For families who feel they are starting later than planned, structured support such as our focused intensive courses can help students strengthen key skills and build confidence ahead of the exam.

Typical 11 Plus Exam Timeline

Here is a broad overview of key steps you should expect when planning for the 11 plus exam 2026:

1. Registration and Preparation

• Spring to early Summer 2026 - Apply for tests as they open.

• Summer holidays - Finalise preparation and familiarise your child with test formats.

2. Test Week

• Early to mid-September 2026 - Most schools hold their entrance tests.

3. Results and Offers

• October 2026 - Results are usually released.

• March 2027 - National Offer Day, when parents find out secondary school places.

This timeline gives families a clear sequence of events and helps them plan reading, practice, and mock testing in good time.

How to Prepare Before the 2026 Test

Ideally, structured preparation should begin well before Year 6 so your child is familiar with question styles.

Instead of rushing everything in Year 6, many parents begin building skills earlier.

• Early Years / Year 3: Focus on strong reading habits and basic reasoning. Our 11 Plus preparation Year 3 helps build foundation skills.

• Year 4: Start introducing structured practice and familiarity with verbal reasoning. Our 11 Plus preparation Year 4 focuses on these early skills.

• Year 5: Increase exam-specific work with practice papers and confidence-building guidance. Our 11 Plus preparation Year 5 is designed for this stage.

This progressive method reduces last-minute pressure and ensures children develop both skills and confidence before Year 6.

What If Your Grammar School Has Different Dates?

Not all grammar schools follow the exact same calendar. Some local authorities or consortia organise tests on slightly different dates. For instance:

• Some London consortia hold assessments late November or early December in the year before the mainstream September tests.

• Others, like in some counties, have practice tests or companion assessments early in the school year.

Always check your chosen grammar school’s official admissions page or local council information to ensure you have the correct dates.

Check Local Authority and School Guidelines Carefully

While most 11 Plus exams take place in September, exact arrangements depend on your local authority or grammar school consortium. Some areas operate shared testing systems, while others set their own entrance papers and registration timelines. It is therefore important to review each school’s official admissions guidance carefully and make a note of registration windows, test formats, and result release dates. Staying organised early helps avoid last-minute confusion and ensures your child has the time and space to prepare properly.

Preparing Your Child for the 11 Plus Exam

This examination is a very crucial turning point in the life of your child, and it has to be faced with utmost caution and also with a lot of preparation.

However, understanding when is the 11 Plus Exam is helpful for planning, while it is the preparation that actually builds confidence. Closer to September, when the test is held, structured practice under realistic conditions is far more productive than last-minute revision.

Among these, one of the best ways to reduce uncertainty is well-structured 11 plus mocks. Our mock tests are designed to be as similar as possible to real test conditions. They will help students to feel more comfortable with timing, understand the format of the questions, and know how to cope in an exam environment. Alongside, guidance from our experienced tutors will ensure that preparation is sound and focused so that children can approach the exam in a calm manner rather than being overwhelmed.

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