• February 14, 2026

11+ Exam for Grammar School Entry in Sept 2026: Is Your Child Registered and Preparing?

11+ Exam for Grammar School Entry in Sept 2026: Is Your Child Registered and Preparing?

LONDON Feb 14: The 11+ Exam (often called the 11-plus) is a selective entrance test taken by pupils at the start of Year 6, usually in September, for entry to grammar schools the following academic year.

Key dates for September 2026 entry

  • Registration opens: Spring 2026 (typically March–April). Check with respective school as each school has different dates.

  • Registration deadlines: Most grammar schools set deadlines between June and July 2026. Check with respective school as each school has different dates.

  • Exam dates: Usually held in the first two weeks of September 2026

    • Some schools run their tests later, including October, so it’s important to check with individual schools

  • Results released: Generally mid-October 2026

  • School allocations confirmed: 1 March 2027

  • Start of secondary school: Year 7, September 2027, across 164 grammar schools

Grammar school entrance tests are commonly administered by providers such as GL Assessment, although formats and content can vary by school and region. Independent schools may hold their entrance exams earlier than state grammar schools.

When should your child start preparing for the 11+?

There is no single “right” time to begin preparation. The ideal starting point depends on your child’s current attainment, confidence, and familiarity with the exam format.

  • Some children benefit from short-term preparation, focusing on practice papers, exam technique, and confidence-building in the weeks or months leading up to the test.

  • Many pupils gain more from several months of structured support, often with regular weekly tuition. This approach helps to strengthen core skills, increase academic stretch, and refine exam performance.

Preparation for the 11+ often delivers wider benefits too — improving general schoolwork, resilience, and self-confidence well beyond the exam itself.

If grammar school entry is a possibility for your child, early awareness of registration dates and thoughtful preparation can make a real difference.

What is a grammar school?

Grammar schools are selective, state-funded secondary schools with a strong academic focus. Pupils are selected primarily through performance in the 11+ exam. A small number of grammar schools also offer entry in Year 8 or Year 9, using equivalent 12+ or 13+ exams.

Grammar schools do not charge fees, but competition for places is high. Out of more than 3,000 state-funded secondary schools in England, 164 are grammar schools, educating approximately 167,000 pupils.