11 Plus Exam Timetable 2026: Every Key Date You Need
Key Takeaways
- Registration for the 2026 11 plus opens between April and June, verify your area’s exact dates.
- Exams take place September–October 2026; GL areas tend to test earlier than CEM areas.
- The national secondary school application deadline is 31 October 2026.
- National Offer Day is 1 March 2027, appeals begin shortly after if needed.
Keeping track of 11 plus deadlines is one of the most stressful parts of the admissions process. Miss a registration date and your child cannot sit the exam. Forget the application deadline and a strong exam score counts for nothing. This timetable brings together the key milestones for 2026 so you can plan with confidence.
The 2026 11 plus exam timetable runs from registration in April–June, through exams in September–October, results in October, the application deadline of 31 October 2026, and National Offer Day on 1 March 2027.
Spring 2026: Registration Opens
Most grammar school and consortium areas open 11 plus registration between April and June 2026. Some areas require you to register directly with the school; others use a central testing authority.
Key areas and their typical registration windows include: Buckinghamshire (May-June), Kent (early June), Birmingham (May), Essex (May-June), and Lincolnshire (May). Always verify dates on your local authority's website as they can shift slightly year to year.
Summer 2026: Final Preparation Phase
With registration confirmed, the summer term and summer holidays are your final preparation window. By this point, your child should have covered all the core content and be focusing on timed practice, exam technique, and building confidence.
EdifyPod Nexus makes this phase easier by providing realistic timed practice sessions and detailed progress tracking. Eddy highlights exactly which areas still need work, so you can use every remaining week efficiently rather than revising blindly.
September-October 2026: Exam Season
The 11 plus exams are typically held in September and early October 2026. GL Assessment areas tend to test in September, while CEM areas may test in September or October. Independent school entrance exams, including the ISEB Common Pre-Test, may take place from October onwards.
On exam day, ensure your child has had a good night's sleep and a proper breakfast. Arrive early, stay calm, and offer encouragement without pressure. The preparation is done, now it is about performing on the day.
October 2026 Onwards: Results, Applications, and Offers
Results are typically released in October 2026. You then submit your secondary school preferences via your local authority's common application form. The national deadline is October 31.
National Offer Day for secondary school places is March 1, 2027. If your child is not offered a place, the appeals process begins shortly after. Keep copies of all correspondence and meet every deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the 11 plus exam in 2026?
Most 11 plus exams in England take place in September or early October 2026. The exact date depends on your region and testing authority. Check your local authority's admissions website for confirmed dates.
When are 11 plus results released in 2026?
Results are typically released in October 2026, though exact dates vary by region. You will usually receive results by post or email before you need to submit your common application form.
What is the deadline for secondary school applications in 2026?
The national deadline for secondary school applications in England is October 31, 2026. You must submit your school preferences via your local authority by this date, regardless of whether you have received your 11 plus results.