11 Plus 2026–2027 Exam Dates: UK Key Dates In Your Area
8 May 2026
Key Dates Guide · 2027 Entry
For children currently in Year 5 sitting the 11+ in autumn 2026, to start Year 7 in September 2027. Every UK grammar-school registration deadline, exam date and result release — collected, verified and ready to add to your calendar.
Regions Covered
Exam Window
Sep 2026
CAF Deadline
31 Oct 2026
Year 7 Starts
Sep 2027
2027 Entry Edition
Verified
May 2026
The Most Important Rule
Registering for the 11+ test is not the same as applying for a school place. After your child sits the test, you must also submit a Common Application Form (CAF) to your home local authority by Saturday 31 October 2026. Both steps are required.
Essex · Consortium
Essex — CSSE Consortium
The Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex (CSSE) runs a single 11+ test for 10 grammar schools across Chelmsford, Colchester and Southend. Your child sits one paper and can be considered for any CSSE school.
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration opens | 9:00 AM, Tuesday 12 May 2026 |
| Registration closes | 5:00 PM, Friday 19 June 2026 |
| Exam date (English & Maths) | Saturday 19 September 2026 |
| Results emailed | Mid-October 2026 |
| CAF deadline | Saturday 31 October 2026 |
| National Offer Day | Monday 1 March 2027 |
Test Format
Two papers — English (60 mins + 10 mins reading) and Maths (60 mins). No verbal or non-verbal reasoning.
Schools Covered
King Edward VI Grammar (KEGS), Colchester Royal Grammar, Colchester County High for Girls, Southend High Boys, Southend High Girls, Westcliff High Boys, Westcliff High Girls, St Bernards High, St Thomas More High.
Register at csse.org.uk
Essex · Independent Test
Chelmsford County High for Girls (FSCE)
CCHS is not a member of CSSE — it runs its own admissions test through Future Stories Community Enterprise (FSCE). Girls applying to both CCHS and a CSSE school sit two separate tests.
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration opens | 9:00 AM, Monday 13 April 2026 |
| Registration closes | 4:00 PM, Wednesday 3 June 2026 |
| Open Evening | Thursday 30 April 2026 (passed) |
| Exam date | Thursday 3 September 2026 |
| Results | Mid-October 2026 |
| CAF deadline | Saturday 31 October 2026 |
Important: Late registrations will not be accepted under any circumstances. The school states no teacher, tutor or parent has access to information that others don't.
Test Format
FSCE-style multi-subject papers covering English, Maths and other KS2 subjects (Science, Geography, History, Computing, etc.) up to and including the Year 5 programme of study.
Register at cchs.co.uk/admissions
London · Borough Test
Redbridge — Ilford County & Woodford County
The two Redbridge grammar schools — Ilford County High School (boys) and Woodford County High School for Girls — share a single test administered by the London Borough of Redbridge.
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration opens | Friday 1 May 2026 |
| Registration closes | 5:00 PM, Monday 15 June 2026 |
| Open evenings (both schools) | Thursday 30 April 2026 (passed) |
| Exam date | Friday 18 September 2026 |
| Results | Mid-October 2026 |
| CAF deadline | Saturday 31 October 2026 |
Test Format
Two GL Assessment papers covering English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Pass mark currently 104 (standardised). Common catchment area applies.
Register at redbridge.gov.uk
Field Note
Calendar everything. Twice.
Most regional tests fall in the first two weeks of September 2026. Most registration windows close in May or June. Late registrations are almost never accepted — and there is no appeal process for missing the deadline itself. Add the dates to your calendar today, then add a reminder two weeks before each one.
London · Two-Stage Tests
Barnet Grammar Schools
The two state grammars in Barnet run their own bespoke 11+ exams (not standard GL Assessment). Among the most competitive in England — around 11 applicants per place.
The Henrietta Barnett School (girls)
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration deadline | 5:00 PM, Wednesday 1 July 2026 |
| Round 1 exam | 2–4 September 2026 |
| Round 1 results / Round 2 invitations | Late September 2026 |
| Round 2 exam (top ~300 candidates) | Early October 2026 |
Queen Elizabeth's School Barnet (boys)
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration opens | May 2026 (expected) |
| Registration deadline | Mid-July 2026 (expected) |
| Stage 1 exam | September 2026 |
| Results | Early October 2026 |
St Michael's Catholic Grammar School (girls, Catholic) also has its own September 11+ exam — registration usually closes early July. Check the school's website directly.
London · Consortium · Two Stages
Sutton Consortium (SET)
Five Sutton grammar schools share a Stage 1 test called the Selective Eligibility Test (SET). Children who pass are invited to Stage 2 papers run by individual schools.
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| SET registration opens | Early May 2026 (expected) |
| SET registration closes | August 2026 (verify with portal) |
| SET (Stage 1) exam | Tuesday 15 September 2026 |
| Stage 2 — Nonsuch + Wallington Girls | Saturday 26 September 2026 |
| Stage 2 — Wilson's, Wallington Co., Sutton | Saturday 3 October 2026 |
| Wilson's Aptitude Test (shortlisted boys) | Saturday 10 October 2026 |
| Results | Mid-October 2026 |
Schools
Sutton Grammar, Wilson's School, Nonsuch HS for Girls, Wallington County Grammar, Wallington HS for Girls, plus Greenshaw HS (selective band).
Format
Two-stage selection. Stage 1 identifies eligibility; Stage 2 ranks candidates per school.
South-East · Largest Cohort
Kent Test (32 grammar schools)
One test covers all 32 Kent grammar schools. Note: Medway, Bexley and Bromley grammar schools are NOT in the Kent Test — they run separate selection processes.
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration opens | 1 June 2026 (expected) |
| Registration closes | Midnight, Wed 1 July 2026 (expected) |
| Test (Kent primary children) | Thursday 10 September 2026 (own school) |
| Test (out-of-county / home-ed) | Sat 12 / Sun 13 September 2026 |
| Results | 16–22 October 2026 |
| CAF deadline | Saturday 31 October 2026 |
Test Format
GL Assessment papers covering English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Identifies top 25% of year group.
Register at kent.gov.uk/kenttest
South-East · Independent of Kent
Medway Test
The Medway Test is administered by Medway Council and is separate from the Kent Test, despite the geographical overlap.
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration opens | Mid-May 2026 (expected) |
| Registration closes | Mid-June 2026 (expected) |
| Test (Medway primary children) | Mid-September 2026 (in school) |
| Test (out-of-area) | Mid-September (weekend centres) |
| Results | Mid-October 2026 |
Test Format
Three components — English (comprehension, vocabulary, SPaG), Maths and Verbal Reasoning. From 2024 the English component is multiple-choice. Pass mark set at 26th percentile for 2026 entry onwards.
London · Earliest Closure
Bexley Selection Test
The four Bexley grammar schools use their own selection test — separate from Kent and Medway. Bexley closes registration earlier than other regions.
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration deadline (2027 entry) | Already closed (31 March 2026) |
| Next cycle (2028 entry) opens | February 2027 (expected) |
If you missed the Bexley deadline: there is no appeal process. Set a calendar reminder for February 2027 if applying for 2028 entry.
Status
2027 entry registration window has already closed. The next opportunity is the 2028 entry cycle, opening in early 2027.
Home Counties · 13 Schools
Buckinghamshire (TBGS)
The Buckinghamshire Secondary Transfer Test is run by The Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools (TBGS) consortium. Children at Bucks state primary schools are auto-registered — only out-of-county and partner-school children need to register manually.
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration opens (out-of-county) | 10:00 AM, Friday 1 May 2026 |
| Registration closes | 3:00 PM, Tuesday 2 June 2026 |
| Practice Test | Tuesday 8 September 2026 |
| Secondary Transfer Test | Thursday 10 September 2026 |
| Results | Friday 9 October 2026 |
| CAF deadline | Friday 30 October 2026 |
Pass Mark
Standardised score of 121 or above qualifies for a Bucks grammar school place.
Test Format
Two GL Assessment multiple-choice papers (~1 hour each on the same day) covering Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Maths and English.
Register at buckinghamshire.gov.uk
Berkshire · Co-Educational
Slough Consortium
Four co-educational grammar schools — Herschel, Langley, St Bernard's Catholic, Upton Court — share one test. One registration covers all four.
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration opens | 10:00 AM, Friday 1 May 2026 (expected) |
| Registration closes | 10:00 AM, Thursday 5 June 2026 (expected) |
| Exam date | Saturday in mid-September 2026 |
| Results | Mid-October 2026 |
Slough no longer shares scores with Kendrick or Buckinghamshire. If applying to Slough plus Bucks plus Kendrick, your child sits three separate exams.
Pass Mark
Standardised score of 111 (top ~35% of cohort).
Schools
Herschel Grammar, Langley Grammar, St Bernard's Catholic Grammar, Upton Court Grammar.
Berkshire · Two Independent Schools
Reading — Kendrick & Reading School
Reading's two grammar schools each run their own independent admissions tests.
Kendrick School (girls)
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration opens | Friday 1 May 2026 |
| Registration closes | Midnight, Wed 1 July 2026 |
| Exam date | Friday 18 September 2026 |
Reading School (boys)
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| SEN applicants exam | Wednesday 15 July 2026 |
| Day & boarding applicants exam | Thursday 16 July 2026 |
| Out-of-catchment day applicants | Friday 25 September 2026 |
| Results | Mid-October 2026 (expected) |
West Midlands · 19 Schools
Birmingham & West Midlands
Nineteen grammar schools across Birmingham, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Shropshire and Warwickshire share one entrance test through the West Midlands Grammar Schools partnership.
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration opens | Tuesday 5 May 2026 |
| Registration closes | 4:00 PM, Friday 26 June 2026 |
| Reasonable adjustments deadline | 4:00 PM, Friday 26 June 2026 |
| Entrance test (AM & PM sessions) | Saturday 12 September 2026 |
| Results emailed | Friday 16 October 2026 |
| CAF deadline | Saturday 31 October 2026 |
Schools Include
King Edward VI Aston, Camp Hill (Boys & Girls), Five Ways, Handsworth (Boys & Girls), Sutton Coldfield Grammar, plus partner schools across the wider West Midlands.
Register at westmidlandsgrammarschools.co.uk
North-West · Consortium
Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium
Five grammar schools (Altrincham Boys, Altrincham Girls, Sale, Stretford, Urmston) share one entrance test. Loreto Grammar and St Ambrose College are NOT in the consortium.
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration opens | 12:00 noon, Thursday 23 April 2026 |
| Registration closes | 12:00 noon, Friday 19 June 2026 |
| Entrance examination | Monday 14 September 2026 |
| Results | Mid-October 2026 |
| CAF deadline | Saturday 31 October 2026 |
Test Format
Two GL Assessment papers (~1 hour each) covering Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning and Maths. Standardised qualifying score 334+.
Schools
Altrincham Grammar Boys, Altrincham Grammar Girls, Sale Grammar, Stretford Grammar, Urmston Grammar.
Section 14 · National Key Dates
Everyone needs these dates.
No matter which region your family applies in, these national milestones apply to every 11+ candidate. Print them, pin them, and add them to your shared calendar.
Apr–May 2026
Most regional registration windows open
May–Jul 2026
Most regional registration windows close
Sep 2026
Most regional 11+ exams (first two weeks)
Mid-Oct 2026
Most regional results released
31 Oct 2026
Common Application Form (CAF) deadline
1 Mar 2027
National Offer Day
Sep 2027
Year 7 starts
Common Questions
Frequently asked.
Q.01
What happens if I miss a registration deadline?
Late registrations are not accepted by any UK grammar school region. There is no appeal process for missing the registration deadline itself. The only options are to wait for the next admissions cycle (i.e. apply for 2028 entry) or, in some cases, apply for in-year admission later — which depends entirely on whether places become available.
Q.02
Can my child sit 11+ tests for more than one region?
Yes — and many families do. For example, a Bucks-based child might also sit the Slough Consortium and Kendrick tests. You'll need to register and pay for each separately, and watch for date clashes (most regional tests fall in the first two weeks of September, so logistics matter).
Q.03
Is registering for the 11+ test the same as applying for a place?
No. Registration only allows your child to sit the test. To actually apply for a school place, you must also list your preferred schools on the Common Application Form (CAF) and submit it to your home local authority by 31 October 2026. Both steps are separately required.
Q.04
My child has SEND or needs special arrangements — what should I do?
Contact each school's admissions office before registering, and upload supporting evidence with the registration form. Most regions have a separate (often earlier) deadline for reasonable adjustments. The West Midlands deadline, for example, is the same as the registration deadline (4pm, 26 June 2026) — but supporting documentation must be in by then.
Q.05
Are these dates official and final?
Confirmed dates are taken directly from official council, consortium or school websites as of May 2026. Expected dates are based on historical patterns and consortium intentions. Always verify directly with the official source before relying on any date. Eleven Ace accepts no liability for changes made after publication.
Sources & Provenance
Verified against official council, consortium & school websites.
csse.org.uk · cchs.co.uk · redbridge.gov.uk · kent.gov.uk · buckinghamshire.gov.uk · kingedwardvifoundation.co.uk · hbschool.org.uk · suttongrammar.sutton.sch.uk · herschel.slough.sch.uk · marieredmond.co.uk · thebucksgrammarschools.org Last reviewed: May 2026.