11 Plus Dates – Your Family’s Timeline to Grammar School Success
Why 11 Plus Dates Matter to Parents
Understanding 11 plus dates helps you plan, reduce stress, and allow your child to focus confidently. Knowing registration deadlines, exam days and results release lets you organise preparation without surprises.
You’ll support your Year 4–6 child — whether you're just starting to explore or deep into prep.
What Year Do You Take Your 11 Plus?
In most areas, the 11+ exam is taken in September of Year 6, when children are 10 or 11. You should register in Year 5, sometimes early Year 6 depending on the local authority.
Region‑by‑Region Key 11 Plus Dates
Buckinghamshire
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Registration opens: 2 May 2025 (auto for Buckinghamshire state primaries; others apply)
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Registration deadline: 13 June 2025
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Practice Test: 9 September 2025
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Secondary Transfer Test: 11 September 2025
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Results released: 10 October 2025
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Common Application Form window: 1–31 October 2025
Kent (Kent Test for Grammar School Entry)
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Registration opens: 2 June 2025
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Registration closes: 1 July 2025
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Test date:
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Thursday 11 September 2025 (Kent primary school children)
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Weekend of 13–14 September 2025 (non‑Kent school children)
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Results day: 16 October 2025
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Common application deadline: 31 October 2025
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National Offer Day: 2 March 2026
Slough Consortium
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Registration opens: 1 May 2025 (info evening 29 April)
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Precise registration deadline not always published—typically by mid‑June
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Exam date: usually September 2025
Other areas follow similar patterns: registration typically between April and July, tests in early September, and results in mid‑October.
Common Questions Answered
When is the 11 Plus exam 2025?
It’s held in early September 2025—e.g. 11 September in Buckinghamshire and Kent for in-LA pupils.
When do results come out?
Expect mid‑October 2025—e.g. Buckinghamshire results arrive around 10 October; Kent results on 16 October.
How many 11+ exams are there?
Most children sit one 11 Plus test per area (e.g. a single Kent Test). Some regions use separate practice sessions plus the actual exam (as in Buckinghamshire).
When to apply for 11 plus exam 2026?
Start looking in April–May 2026, with deadlines in June–July 2026 depending on the area.
When did the 11+ end in England?
It was phased out nationally by around 1976, though areas with grammar schools retained it beyond that.
How to Use This Timeline
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Year 5 (now): Begin gentle familiarity—vocabulary, problem‑solving, test types.
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April–June 2025: Register your child if required (check your local authority or school).
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For example, in Buckinghamshire state primaries registration is automatic; in Kent you must register by 1 July.
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September 2025: Support your child through practice and the actual exam dates.
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October 2025: Results typically arrive—when offers are made.
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October–March 2026: Complete common application forms and appeals if needed.
It helps to mark these on a calendar now—so nothing sneaks up unexpectedly.
How to Feel Confident & Supported
Even if you’re not a teacher, you can help your child:
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Drip‑feed prep from Year 4/5—short, fun activities to build confidence.
👉 Try: 11 Plus Tuition: How to Get Your Child Ready for the Test -
Expand verbal skills—vocabulary and comprehension count towards many test formats.
👉 Learn more: 11 Plus Vocabulary for Children… -
Familiarise with past papers—understand timing and question styles.
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Get expert guidance if needed, especially in specific reasoning formats.
👉 Parent‑focussed tutor support: 11 Plus Tutor UK -
Learn more about the broader format, structure and success tips:
👉 Everything You Need to Know About the 11 Plus Exam
For historical perspective on the 11+—its purpose, structure, and the evolution of selective education in England—see this overview from Britannica on the eleven‑plus exam .
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Stay calm, plan ahead, and let us help—subscribe for free downloadable resources, sample papers, and expert insights tailored to your child's area and timeline.
👉 Subscribe now and start preparing with confidence
You've got this—and with a clear grasp of 11 plus dates, you're already making excellent progress.
