The 11+ Exam: Your Guide to 2025 Dates, Formats & Key Schedules
The 11+ is a selective entrance exam for UK grammar schools. Here, we explain the test and help you navigate the exam calendar, registration deadlines, and regional schedules to ensure you never miss a milestone.
Start Your 11+ Prep JourneyStay informed and prepared for all crucial 11+ deadlines.
The 11+ exam assesses skills in Maths, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, with formats set by providers like GL Assessment or local consortia. Understanding the test structure is the first step. The next is mastering the timeline for registration, testing, and results, which follows a similar pattern each year.
11+ Exam Timelines & Formats by Region
The 11+ exam is not one-size-fits-all. The schedule, subjects, and test provider are all determined locally. This also means the format, such as those from GL Assessment or a school's own test, can vary.
London Boroughs
Many London boroughs run their own 11+ tests. Dates are clustered in September. Test formats vary, so check with specific schools like Tiffin, Henrietta Barnett, or grammar schools in Bexley and Sutton.
Kent
The Kent Test, provided by GL Assessment, is held in early September. It covers English, Maths, and Reasoning. Registration is via the Kent County Council website, usually opening in June.
Essex
The Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE) sets its own exam, also held in September. The test focuses on English and Maths. Check the CSSE website for specific registration and test dates.
Buckinghamshire
Buckinghamshire's Transfer Test is also a GL Assessment exam, held in early September. It covers Verbal, Mathematical and Non-Verbal skills. The Bucks Council website provides the definitive timeline.
Exam Formats (GL vs. Others)
Most tests are from GL Assessment, covering Maths, English, and Reasoning. Some regions (like Essex) create their own papers. Always confirm the test provider for your target school to guide your preparation.
Check Official Sources
The key to finding exact dates is the local authority or grammar school consortium website. They provide the definitive calendar for registration, testing, and results. Always verify dates with the official source.
General 11+ Timeline: Key Milestones for 2025 Entry
While specific dates vary, these are the typical months for important 11+ milestones. This timeline connects your preparation journey to the official deadlines.
| Milestone | Typical Timeframe | Action for Parents |
|---|---|---|
| Familiarisation & Practice | Throughout Year 5 | Use practice papers (e.g., from GL Assessment or CGP) to familiarise your child with the exam format. |
| Exam Registration Opens | April - June (Year 5) | Check school/consortium websites for exact opening dates and register promptly online. |
| Exam Registration Closes | June - July (Year 5) | Ensure all registrations are completed well before the deadline. This is a hard deadline. |
| 11 Plus Exam Day(s) | Early September (Year 6) | Confirm specific dates, times, and locations. Ensure your child is well-rested and prepared. |
| Exam Results Released | Mid-October (Year 6) | Results are typically sent out before the national secondary school application deadline. |
| Secondary School Application Deadline | 31st October (Year 6) | Submit your child's Common Application Form (CAF) with school preferences to your local council. |
| National Offer Day | 1st March (Year 6) | You will receive your child's secondary school place offer on this day. |
Parent Insights on Managing the 11+ Calendar
Hear from other families who successfully navigated the 11+ process and managed their exam dates.
"Keeping track of all the different 11+ dates for London schools was a challenge, but knowing the typical pattern really helped us plan our applications and preparation schedule effectively."
"We marked the Kent Test date in bold as soon as it was announced. It gave us a clear target for our preparation, and we used Spiral Learning to keep us on track towards that date."
"The advice to check official school websites regularly was invaluable. Dates can sometimes shift slightly, and staying updated meant we avoided any last-minute surprises."
The 11+ Exam Explained: Frequently Asked Questions
Your most common questions about the 11+ exam, subjects, and schedules, answered.
The 11 Plus (11+) is a selective entrance examination taken by some pupils in their last year of primary school (Year 6) for admission to a state-funded grammar school or a fee-paying private school. It is designed to identify academic ability and potential.
The 11+ exam typically assesses four main subjects: Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning (VR), and Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR). However, the specific combination of subjects varies significantly by region and school. Some tests, like the Kent Test, include all four, while others may only focus on two or three.
The two principal exam boards for the 11+ are GL Assessment and CEM (which is no longer providing tests from 2023 but whose style may still influence schools). GL Assessment tests are more straightforward, covering the four main subjects which can be mixed and matched. Some regions, like Essex (CSSE), write their own papers. Always check which provider your target school uses.
The majority of 11 Plus exams take place in early to mid-September, at the very beginning of Year 6. Always check the specific dates for your chosen schools, as they are set by the local grammar school consortium or authority.
Registration periods for the 11 Plus usually open in April, May, or June of Year 5 and close in June or July of Year 5, before the summer holidays. Missing the registration deadline will mean your child cannot sit the exam, so it is a critical date to watch.
There is no universal 'pass mark' for the 11+. Raw scores are converted into a Standardised Age Score (SAS) to ensure fairness, meaning younger children in the year group are not disadvantaged. A score of 100 is the average, and a score of 120 or above is generally considered very strong, but the qualifying score varies each year depending on the cohort's performance and the number of places available.
The most reliable source for precise 11 Plus exam dates is the official website of the grammar school, the regional consortium (e.g., CSSE for Essex), or the local council (e.g., Kent County Council). Dates are typically announced a year in advance.
Ready to Start Your Child's 11+ Preparation?
Don't let exam dates catch you off guard. Start a structured, personalized preparation journey with our AI-driven app, designed to optimize learning and build confidence for any 11+ exam schedule.
Try Our Free 11+ App Today