When to Apply For 11+ Exam 2026: Application Deadlines, & Requirements

Missing a single deadline can end your child's grammar school hopes before they even take the test – here's exactly when and how to apply across all major UK regions for 2026 entry.

Applying for the 11+ exam in 2026 requires navigating a complex patchwork of regional systems with different deadlines, test formats, and requirements. Getting these details wrong could mean your child misses their chance at selective education, even if they're academically brilliant. This comprehensive guide breaks down exactly what you need to know for Manchester, Buckinghamshire, Kent, Essex, Birmingham, Sutton, and other key locations across England.

National 11+ Application Timeline: Critical Dates for 2026

While specific dates vary by region, the national timeline for 11+ exams follows this general pattern:

Year 5 (2026) – Preparation Phase

• January-May 2026: Research schools, attend open days, begin gentle preparation

• April-June 2026: Most registration portals open for 2026 entry

• Summer 2026: Intensive preparation begins for September tests

Year 6 (2026) – Application & Testing Phase

• June-August 2026: Finalize school choices, complete registrations

• Early September 2026: Majority of 11+ exams take place

• Mid-October 2026: Results released to parents

• October 31, 2026: National deadline for secondary school applications

• March 1, 2026: National Offer Day for secondary school places

Pro Tip: Mark these dates in your calendar immediately—11+ registration typically closes BEFORE the summer holidays of Year 5, catching many unprepared families off guard.

Region-by-Region 11+ Requirements & Deadlines

1. Buckinghamshire (GL Assessment Tests)

Buckinghamshire operates the largest remaining fully selective system in England, testing ALL children in state primary schools unless parents specifically opt out.

• Test Date: September 11, 2026 (expected)

• Registration Deadline: July 2026 (exact date TBC, typically mid-month)

• Test Format: GL Assessment papers in:

• Verbal reasoning (50 minutes)

• Non-verbal reasoning (50 minutes)

• English (40 minutes)

• Mathematics (40 minutes)

• Unique Feature: Automatic registration for Buckinghamshire residents in state primary schools. Private school pupils and those outside Buckinghamshire must register manually.

• Pass Mark: Standardised scores of 121 or above qualify for grammar school consideration.

• Special Circumstances: Pupil Premium applicants may qualify for a lower qualifying score.

• Website: https://www.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools-index/

2. Kent (Kent Test)

Kent has 33 grammar schools—more than any other county—making the Kent Test one of the most significant 11+ exams.

• Test Date: September 9-13, 2026 (expected)

• Registration Deadline: July 4, 2026 (expected - historically early July)

• Test Format: Two one-hour papers plus writing exercise:

• Paper 1: English & maths (60 minutes)

• Paper 2: Reasoning (verbal, non-verbal & spatial) (60 minutes)

• Writing exercise (40 minutes, not marked but sent to oversubscribed schools)

• Scoring: Requires total score of 320+ with no single score below 108.

• Headteacher Assessment: For borderline cases (scores 301-319), headteachers can recommend grammar school suitability.

• Website: https://www.kent.gov.uk/education-and-children/schools

3. Essex (Essex CC & Consortium Schools)

Essex has multiple test providers. The Essex County Council test covers most schools, while the CSSE (Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex) and FSCE (Foundations of Selective Schools in Essex) have their own tests.

• Test Date (County): September 20, 2026 (expected)

• Registration Deadline: June/July 2026 (varies by provider)

• Test Format (County):

• English (comprehension & technical English) - 60 minutes

• Mathematics (two sections) - two 30-minute papers

• Key Schools: Colchester Royal Grammar School, King Edward VI Grammar School (Chelmsford), Chelmsford County High School for Girls

• Important: Some schools require supplementary forms in addition to test registration.

• Website: essex.gov.uk/admissions

4. Birmingham & Warwickshire (Grammar Schools in Birmingham)

Birmingham's grammar schools (like King Edward VI schools) use a shared test provided by the Grammar Schools in Birmingham consortium.

• Test Date: September 13, 2026 (expected)

• Registration Deadline: June 30, 2026 (expected)

• Test Format: CEM (Centre for Evaluation & Monitoring) style:

• Two one-hour papers testing verbal, non-verbal and numerical reasoning in shorter sections

• Emphasis on vocabulary, comprehension, and problem-solving

• Practice Materials: Limited official materials available due to CEM's philosophy.

• Website: birmingham grammar schools

5. Trafford & Manchester (Trafford & Manchester Grammar Schools)

The Manchester area has selective schools in both the state and private sectors, with Trafford maintaining a grammar school system.

• Test Date (Trafford): September 13, 2026 (expected)

• Registration Deadline: July 4, 2026 (expected)

• Test Format (Trafford): GL Assessment papers similar to Buckinghamshire.

• Key Schools: Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Sale Grammar School, Stretford Grammar School, Urmston Grammar School.

• Manchester Grammar School (Private): Separate registration and testing earlier in the year (typically January of Year 6).

• Website: https://www.trafford.gov.uk/schools-and-learning 

6. Sutton (London Borough of Sutton)

Sutton is home to four highly competitive grammar schools, including the renowned Wilson's School and Sutton Grammar School.

• Test Date: September 13, 2026 (expected)

• Registration Deadline: June 2026 (typically mid-June)

• Test Format: Two 45-minute papers covering English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning.

• Special Consideration: Eligibility criteria based on home address—priority to those living in certain catchment areas.

• Key Schools: Wallington County Grammar, Wilson's School, Sutton Grammar School, Nonsuch High School for Girls.

• Website: https://www.sutton.gov.uk/w/selection-tests-aptitude-assessments-and-supplementary-forms

7. Other Key Locations

Lincolnshire (Lincolnshire County Council):

• Test Date: September 2026

• Registration Deadline: June 2026

• Unique Feature: Tests all children in Lincolnshire schools automatically

• Website: lincolnshire.gov.uk/schooladmissions

Wirral & Liverpool (Wirral Grammar Schools):

• Test Date: September 2026

• Registration Deadline: July 2026

• Format: CEM-style test

• Website: https://www.wirral.gov.uk/schools-and-learning

Reading & Berkshire:

• Test Date: September 2026

• Registration Deadline: Varies by school

• Note: Reading School and Kendrick School have separate application processes

Comprehensive 11+ Exam Requirements

Academic Requirements

While there are no formal prerequisites, successful candidates typically:

• Perform at or above Level 5 in Year 5 SATs (particularly in reading and maths)

• Have strong vocabulary and comprehension skills

• Demonstrate logical thinking and pattern recognition

• Show resilience in completing challenging tasks under time pressure

Eligibility & Residency Requirements

Most grammar schools prioritize children who:

1. Live within the local authority boundaries or specific catchment areas

2. Have sibling connections already at the school

3. Are in state primary education within the authority (for automatic testing areas)

4. Meet Pupil Premium criteria (some schools have lower pass marks for disadvantaged pupils)

Registration Requirements

You'll typically need to provide:

• Child's full name, date of birth, and address

• Current school details

• Parent/guardian contact information

• Proof of address (utility bills, council tax statements)

• Any relevant SEN or medical information

• Supplementary forms for specific schools (e.g., Sutton schools)

Strategic Application Timeline for 2026

January-April 2026 (Year 5)

• Research target schools and their specific requirements

• Attend open days (usually held in spring/summer of Year 5)

• Begin baseline assessment to identify strengths/weaknesses

• Start gentle, regular preparation (30 minutes daily)

May-July 2026 (Critical Registration Period)

• Monitor registration opening dates—they vary by region!

• Complete all registration forms accurately

• Submit any supplementary forms required by individual schools

• Confirm receipt of registration with test providers

• Intensify preparation with past papers (if available)

August-September 2026 (Pre-Test Final Preparation)

• Finalise test-taking strategies

• Practice under timed conditions

• Ensure your child knows what to expect on test day

• Plan logistics for test day (location, travel, materials needed)

September 2026 (Test Month)

• Ensure good sleep and nutrition in the week before the test

• Keep the morning of the test calm and positive

• Have all required materials ready (pencils, water, registration details)

• Avoid post-test questioning—let your child decompress

Special Circumstances & Adjustments

Access Arrangements

Children with specific needs may qualify for adjustments including:

• Extra time (typically 25%)

• Rest breaks during the test

• Large print or modified test papers

• Scribe or reader support

• Separate testing room

To apply for access arrangements:

1. Register for the test first

2. Submit evidence (educational psychologist report, medical evidence)

3. Deadline: Typically 4-6 weeks before the test date

4. School involvement: Your child's current school usually coordinates this

Late Applications & In-Year Transfers

• Late registration: Some authorities accept late applications with a penalty fee

• Illness on test day: Medical evidence required for consideration of special testing

• Moving into area after tests: Contact the local authority for assessment options

• Appeals process: Available if your child narrowly misses the pass mark

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Missing registration deadlines—the most common and devastating error

2. Assuming automatic registration—always verify, even in automatic testing areas

3. Underestimating different test formats—GL, CEM, and school-written tests vary significantly

4. Over-preparation—burnout is real; balance is crucial

5. Neglecting exam technique—time management and question approach matter as much as knowledge

6. Ignoring catchment areas—applying to schools where you have little chance of admission

7. Forgetting supplementary forms—some schools require these in addition to test registration

Post-Test Timeline & Next Steps

October 2026: Results & School Application

• Results released: Mid-October typically

• Interpret scores carefully: Understand standardisation and what scores mean for each school

• Finalize school preferences: Based on results and realistic chances

• Submit CAF (Common Application Form): By October 31, 2026

March 2026: Offers & Appeals

• National Offer Day: March 1, 2026

• Accepting/declining offers: Usually within 2-3 weeks

• Waiting lists: Automatically placed for higher preference schools if eligible

• Appeals process: Begins after offers are released for those who didn't get preferred schools

Essential Resources for 2026 Applications

Official Registration Portals

• National: gov.uk/schools-admissions

• Multiple regions: theschoolrun.com/11-plus

• Practice materials: bond11plus.co.uk

Regional Authority Contacts

• Manchester: 0161 234 5000

• Buckinghamshire: 01296 383250

• Kent: 03000 41 21 21

• Essex: 0345 603 2200

• Birmingham: 0121 303 1888

• Sutton: 020 8770 5000

Pro Tips for 2026 Success

1. Create a master calendar with all deadlines for your target regions

2. Set reminders for registration windows opening and closing

3. Contact target schools directly if you have specific questions

4. Attend multiple open days to get a genuine feel for schools

5. Prepare practically: Ensure your child can use an answer sheet correctly

6. Consider tutoring carefully—it helps some children but isn't essential for all

7. Maintain perspective: The 11+ is important but not definitive of your child's worth or future

The 11+ exam process for 2026 entry requires careful planning, attention to detail, and timely action. By following this region-specific guide, you can navigate the complex landscape of selective school admissions with confidence. Remember that while dates are projections based on historical patterns, you should verify all information with the relevant authorities as official 2026 dates are released.