Key Dates

11+ Exam Dates 2026/27

11+ exam dates vary by region and exam board. This page covers key dates for the 2026/27 admissions cycle across major grammar school areas in England.

How the timeline works

The 11+ admissions cycle follows four key stages. Exact dates vary by region.

1

Registration

May–July

Varies by area

2

Exam

Sep–Nov

Region-specific dates

3

Results

Oct–Jan

Sent to parents

4

National Offer Day

1 Mar 2027

Places confirmed

Dates by region

Select a region to see registration deadlines, exam dates, and results dates for the 2026/27 cycle.

KentGL Assessment · 32 grammar schools
  • Registration opens June 2026.
  • Registration deadline: 1 July 2026.
  • Exam: September 2026.
  • Results: October 2026.
Read the Kent guide
Sutton & KingstonGL Assessment (consortium) · 5 grammar schools
  • 5 super-selective grammar schools.
  • Registration via individual school websites.
  • Exam: September 2026.
Read the Sutton & Kingston guide
BuckinghamshireGL Assessment · 13 grammar schools
  • Registration opens May 2026.
  • Exam: September 2026.
Read the Buckinghamshire guide
Essex (CSSE)CSSE consortium
  • Exam: September 2026.
  • Detailed dates to be confirmed — check the CSSE website.
BirminghamGL Assessment · 8 grammar schools
  • Exam: September 2026.
  • Dates for the 2026/27 cycle have not yet been confirmed. Check your target school’s website.
LincolnshireGL Assessment · 15 grammar schools
  • Exam: September 2026.
  • Dates for the 2026/27 cycle have not yet been confirmed. Check your target school’s website.
DevonGL Assessment · 3 grammar schools
  • Exam: September 2026.
  • Dates for the 2026/27 cycle have not yet been confirmed. Check your target school’s website.
TraffordGL Assessment · 7 grammar schools
  • Exam: September 2026.
  • Dates for the 2026/27 cycle have not yet been confirmed. Check your target school’s website.
WirralGL Assessment · 4 grammar schools
  • Exam: September 2026.
  • Dates for the 2026/27 cycle have not yet been confirmed. Check your target school’s website.
YorkshireVarious exam boards
  • Multiple grammar schools across the region.
  • Dates for the 2026/27 cycle have not yet been confirmed. Check your target school’s website.

Planning backwards from your exam date

Once you know your exam date, count back 12 months. That's a comfortable starting point for most families. If you're starting later, focus on the areas your child finds most challenging rather than trying to cover everything.

Read our timing guide

Frequently asked questions

When is the 11+ exam?
The 11+ exam typically takes place between September and November, depending on your region and exam board. Some areas hold exams in early September, while others schedule them later in the autumn term.
Are all 11+ exams on the same date?
No. Each region or consortium sets its own exam dates independently. For example, Kent and Buckinghamshire may hold their exams on different weekends in September. Always check the dates for your specific area.
When do 11+ results come out?
Results are usually released between October and January, depending on the area. Kent typically releases results in October, while some other regions may take longer.
Can my child sit the 11+ in more than one area?
In some cases, yes — provided the exam dates do not clash. Each area has its own registration process and eligibility rules, so check each area individually before making plans.
What happens after the 11+ exam?
Results are sent to parents. If your child qualifies, you list grammar schools on your local authority application by the deadline (usually 31 October). National Offer Day is 1 March, when school places are confirmed.
When should preparation start?
Most families start around 12 months before the exam, typically in Year 4 or early Year 5. Starting earlier allows for steady, low-pressure practice rather than intensive last-minute revision. See our timing guide for more detail.

Dates shown are based on publicly available information for the 2026/27 admissions cycle. Always confirm dates directly with your target school or local authority. Last updated: March 2026.

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