How to Apply for the 11 Plus Exam

Unsure where to begin? Assuming that you believe a grammar school is the right fit for your child, here is what it looks like going through the application process. Now bear in mind, not all consortia and schools will follow the same process. Each will choose their own exam dates, registration deadlines and admission criteria. With that in mind, here is the general timeline for 2026 to 2027.

• April and May 2026: This is when the majority of grammar schools will open their registration for the 11 Plus and they will set a deadline anywhere from the start of June to the end of August. Sometimes it is not as simple as that. For instance, Buckinghamshire will automatically enter their primary school children into the 11 Plus exam pool and expect parents to opt out if they decide against a grammar school. This is why it is so important to check with your chosen school what their exact guidelines are.
• September 2026: This is when the 11 Plus will likely take place, usually during the first two weeks of September. Please check with your school first.
• October 2026: Mid October you can expect your child’s 11 Plus results, but not always.
• March 2027: Allocations of schools are confirmed on 1 March 2027. This is known as National Offer Day.
• September 2027: The start of Year 7.

As you can see, the process is lengthy and you will need to be considering your child’s options long before they start Year 6, but as always the takeaway should be: check with your school.

Hold on, why would I choose a grammar school?

For parents on the fence, the question should not be why but rather why not. The simple answer is that applying to grammar schools can be stressful, not only for your child but also for you as a parent or guardian. This is where we come in. Pass 11 Plus is here to streamline the process and provide you with all the resources your child needs to walk into that exam hall with confidence, knowing they have made themselves proud.

As for why, grammar schools are designed to provide your child with an academically stretching but supportive environment. The teaching standards are high, the lessons are well planned and the pace suits children who benefit from a challenge. Before considering grammar schools, you should ask yourself: “Do I see these qualities in my child?” If you have found yourself reading this blog, the answer is most likely yes.

Many families value the fact that grammar schools are state funded, making academically focused education much more accessible without the fees associated with independent schooling. Beyond that, grammar schools tend to offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, languages and enrichment subjects, all helping to give your child a well-rounded set of skills.

Grammar schools may not be the right fit for every child, but they are an excellent choice for those wanting a challenge. Once you have decided that, we can continue.

Which school is the right fit?

Most likely the choice of school seems easy, whichever is closest. But let us assume you have multiple choices right on your doorstep, which is likely the case if you live in a large county or borough. How do you decide which school is right? The answer is simple on paper but requires preparation.

Do your research:

• Order prospectuses from your schools. They are available throughout the year.
• Check the stats: How do they perform relative to their neighbours? How is the pastoral care? What is the commute like and can you fit in after school activities? Your best resource is the school website and the latest Ofsted report.
• Check whether the school has a catchment area, as this may affect admissions.
• Attend as many open days as you can with your child. See how they connect with the environment and ask them directly what they think.

Got my school, but I need to know how to apply for the 11 Plus exam

Simply put, there are several steps to registering.

• School’s 11 Plus application
• 11 Plus preparation
• Common Application Form (CAF)
• Supplementary Information Form (SIF) for faith schools only

1. School’s 11 Plus application: You have found the right fit for your child (or a handful of them) and you now understand everything you need to know about those schools. You will need to apply directly to the grammar schools themselves. You will first need to check all your deadlines outlined in the introduction to this post, then register for each school. If you are applying to multiple schools that are part of one consortium, you will likely need to complete just one registration form. If they are not in a consortium together, you will need to register for each school individually. Bear in mind you might need different details for each school, for example a birth certificate, a photograph or information about the current school.

2. 11 Plus preparation: Once you know how to apply for the 11 Plus exam, it is time to prepare your child. We have plenty of resources available for you to use during this time. Try not to stress or put pressure on your child. Use the time wisely and good things will come.

3. Common Application Form (CAF): If you have made it this far, congratulations. Your child has passed the 11 Plus exam and you can now apply for your preferred schools. This is done via a CAF, which you can get through your local authority. Here you list your preferred schools, grammar and state. On National Offer Day you will hopefully receive an offer from your top choice. If you do not, do not worry. Contact the school and ask about their waiting list, and make sure to follow up regularly.

4. Make sure your school does not require any additional forms: Faith schools may require a SIF to confirm commitment to that faith. For example, Catholic schools may require written confirmation from a priest stating that the child attends church regularly.

I get the gist, but what now?

Now that you have a clearer picture of the 11 Plus journey, the next step is to move forward with confidence. Whether you are choosing a school, completing applications or beginning preparation, remember that you do not need to do everything at once. Take each stage step by step, stay informed and support your child with calm, steady preparation. Pass 11 Plus is here to make the process easier, offering clear guidance and resources that help your child feel ready for the challenge ahead. When you are ready, explore our resources and start putting a plan in place that works for your family.

Written by

Pass Eleven Plus Team

We help thousands of students each year with revision, courses and online exams.