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11+ questions parents ask

By ExamKind Editorial TeamFacts checked 19 October 2026Last reviewed 19 October 2026

In short

These are short answers to the questions parents ask most about the 11+. Each answer is short and links to the page that covers the topic in full. Rules differ between areas, so always check your own area's page before you act.

Facts used on this pagesources in each row
FactDetailSource
Which schools may select every pupil by abilityonly designated grammar schools may select all their pupils by ability, and they can leave places emptySource: Department for Education (GOV.UK), checked
SEAG (Northern Ireland): Paper1Saturday 14 November 2026Source: SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group), checked
SEAG (Northern Ireland): Paper2Saturday 21 November 2026Source: SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group), checked
Tests must be accessible to children with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities)tests must be accessible to children with SEN and disabilities, with reasonable adjustmentsSource: Department for Education (GOV.UK), checked
Buckinghamshire: Qualifying score121Source: The Bucks Grammar Schools (TBGS), checked
Test results before the application deadlineadmission authorities must take all reasonable steps to tell you the test outcome before 31 October, and must make clear that the outcome does not by itself mean a selective placeSource: Department for Education (GOV.UK), checked
SEAG (Northern Ireland): OutcomesSaturday 23 January 2027Source: SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group), checked
Who you apply throughyou apply through your own local council, even for schools in another council areaSource: GOV.UK, checked
School place applications close (common application form, CAF)31 OctoberSource: GOV.UK, checked
Schools you can name on the application (at least)at least threeSource: Department for Education (GOV.UK), checked
No extra priority for naming a school firstschools must not give extra priority because of the order in which you rank themSource: Department for Education (GOV.UK), checked
You can apply to schools in any council areaa parent can apply for any state-funded school in any areaSource: Department for Education (GOV.UK), checked

What is the 11+?

The 11+ is a test some children sit in Year 6 for a place at a grammar school, or at some other selective schools, from Year 7. It is not a national exam: each area or school chooses its own test, dates and way of using the score. Read what is the 11+? for the full picture.

Is the 11+ compulsory?

No. Sitting the 11+ is a choice, and many children never sit it. If you are unsure whether it is right for your family, see is the 11+ worth it?.

What is a grammar school?

Grammar schools are free state schools that select pupils by ability. By law, only designated grammar schools may select all their pupils by ability, and they can leave places emptyWhich schools may select every pupil by abilityChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Department for Education (GOV.UK).The source says: Only designated grammar schools are permitted to select their entire ... intake on the basis of high academic ability . They do not have to fill all of their places if applicants have not reached the required standard.View the official source. See what is a grammar school?.

Which 11+ test will my child sit?

That depends on the schools you apply to, not on where you live. Find each school's test with which test does each school use, then read the area's guide on find your 11+ area.

When is the 11+ exam?

Most tests are early in Year 6, but each area sets its own date. Northern Ireland's SEAG papers for September 2027 entry are on Saturday 14 November 2026SEAG (Northern Ireland): Paper1Checked 9 Oct 2026 against SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group).The source says: Saturday, 14th November 2026View the official source and Saturday 21 November 2026SEAG (Northern Ireland): Paper2Checked 9 Oct 2026 against SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group).The source says: Saturday, 21st November 2026View the official source. See 11+ dates by area.

When do I register for the 11+?

Usually in Year 5, months before the test, and each area runs its own window. Registration for the test is separate from applying for a school place. See 11+ registration.

What if my child needs extra time or other support in the test?

The law says tests must be accessible to children with SEN and disabilities, with reasonable adjustmentsTests must be accessible to children with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Department for Education (GOV.UK).The source says: ensure that tests are accessible to children with special educational needs and disabilities, having regard to the reasonable adjustments for disabled pupils required under equalities legislation; andView the official source. You usually need to ask for access arrangements with evidence, often before registration closes. See 11+ access arrangements.

What is the 11+ pass mark?

There is no national pass mark. Each area or school sets its own standard on its own scale; in Buckinghamshire, for example, the qualifying score is 121Buckinghamshire: Qualifying scoreChecked 9 Oct 2026 against The Bucks Grammar Schools (TBGS).The source says: The qualifying score for Buckinghamshire grammar schools is a Secondary Transfer Test Score (STTS) of 121 or above.View the official source. See 11+ pass marks by area.

What is a standardised score?

It is your child's raw marks converted onto a fixed scale that allows for age and for how everyone else did, so scores mean roughly the same thing from year to year. Scales differ between tests, so scores cannot be compared across areas. See 11+ scores explained.

When do 11+ results come out?

In England, the School Admissions Code says admission authorities must take all reasonable steps to tell you the test outcome before 31 October, and must make clear that the outcome does not by itself mean a selective placeTest results before the application deadlineChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Department for Education (GOV.UK).The source says: take all reasonable steps to inform parents of the outcome of ... selection tests before the closing date for secondary applications on 31 October so as to allow parents time to make an informed choice of school - while making clear that this does not equate to a guarantee of a selective place.View the official source, so most results arrive in October. Northern Ireland's SEAG results come out on Saturday 23 January 2027SEAG (Northern Ireland): OutcomesChecked 9 Oct 2026 against SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group).The source says: It is planned that SEAG results will be released on Saturday 23rd January 2027.View the official source. See 11+ results day.

Does passing the 11+ mean my child gets a place?

Not always. Passing usually makes your child eligible; places then go by each school's admission rules, such as distance, catchment or siblings. You must also name the school on your application. See what is the 11+?.

How do I apply for a grammar school place?

On the same application as any other state secondary school: you apply through your own local council, even for schools in another council areaWho you apply throughChecked 9 Oct 2026 against GOV.UK.The source says: You apply through your local council even if you’re applying for schools in another council area or you’ve just moved to England.View the official source. The deadline is 31 OctoberSchool place applications close (common application form, CAF)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against GOV.UK.The source says: You must apply for a secondary school place by 31 October.View the official source, and you can name at least threeSchools you can name on the application (at least)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Department for Education (GOV.UK).The source says: Parents are able to express a preference for at least three schools.View the official source schools (some councils allow more). See secondary school applications explained.

Should I put the grammar school first?

Put schools in your genuine order of preference. The School Admissions Code says schools must not give extra priority because of the order in which you rank themNo extra priority for naming a school firstChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Department for Education (GOV.UK).The source says: give extra priority to children whose parents rank preferred schools in a particular order, including ‘first preference first’ arrangements;View the official source, so ranking honestly does not cost you a place. See how to rank school preferences.

Can I apply to a grammar school in another area?

Yes: a parent can apply for any state-funded school in any areaYou can apply to schools in any council areaChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Department for Education (GOV.UK).The source says: a parent can apply for a place for their child at any state-funded school in any area.View the official source, and children must not be treated less favourably simply because they live outside the council area where the school is (the "Greenwich judgment")Fair treatment for children from other areasChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Department for Education (GOV.UK).The source says: held that pupils should not be discriminated against in relation to ... admission to the school simply because they reside outside the local authority area in which the ... school is situated.View the official source. Distance or catchment rules can still make a place less likely. See out-of-area applications.

When do I find out which school my child has been offered?

On National Offer Day: 1 March (or the next working day if 1 March is a weekend or bank holiday)National Offer DayChecked 9 Oct 2026 against GOV.UK.The source says: If either date falls on a weekend or a bank holiday, offers are sent the next working day.View the official source. Your home council sends the offer. See 11+ results day for what happens between results and offers.

What if my child does not pass?

Look after your child first; then check whether your area has a review, whether any school gives pupil premium priority, and your other choices. See what if my child doesn't pass?.

Can I appeal?

Yes: you can appeal each refusal, separately, onceYour right to appealChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Department for Education (GOV.UK).The source says: You must appeal against each rejection separately. You can only appeal once against each rejection.View the official source. You have at least 20 school daysTime to lodge an appeal (at least, in school days)Checked 9 Oct 2026 against Department for Education (GOV.UK).The source says: includes a deadline for lodging appeals which allows appellants at least 20 school days from the date of notification that their application was unsuccessful to prepare and lodge their written appeal;View the official source after you are told of a refusal to lodge an appeal. See reviews and appeals. This is general information, not legal advice.

Can I join a waiting list?

Yes. Schools keep waiting lists until at least 31 December of the year of admissionWaiting lists are kept until at leastChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Department for Education (GOV.UK).The source says: Each admission authority must maintain a clear, fair, and objective waiting list until at least 31 December of each school year of admission,View the official source. See grammar school waiting lists.

Do grammar schools give priority to disadvantaged children?

Some do. Under the School Admissions Code, schools may (but do not have to) prioritise children eligible for the pupil premium or service premiumPriority for children eligible for the pupil premiumChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Department for Education (GOV.UK).The source says: Admission authorities may give priority in their oversubscription criteria to ... children eligible for the early years pupil premium , the pupil premium and also ... children eligible for the service premium .View the official source. See pupil premium and the 11+.

When should we start preparing, and do we need a tutor?

Strong reading, vocabulary and number skills matter most, and many families prepare without a tutor. Free familiarisation material is available from some test providers; GL Assessment, for example, offers free familiarisation papers to print; practice papers cost moneyGL Assessment: free practice materialChecked 9 Oct 2026 against Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School.The source says: While familiarisation papers are freely available for download, practice papers are only accessible for purchase.View the official source. See when to start 11+ preparation and preparing without a tutor.

How does the Northern Ireland transfer test work?

Children in P7 can sit the SEAG transfer test, and each school decides how to use the resultsSEAG (Northern Ireland): Schools decide useChecked 9 Oct 2026 against SEAG (Schools' Entrance Assessment Group).The source says: Decisions relating to the Year 8 Admissions Criteria such as whether to use Total Standardised Age Score, Band, a combination of both or by some other method are entirely a matter for the Board of Governors of each SEAG school.View the official source. SEAG does not set a pass mark. See the Northern Ireland transfer test.

What do 11+ words like SAS, PAN and CAF mean?

Our 11+ glossary explains the terms you will meet in plain English.

Sources

Facts on this page come from archived official sources checked on 9 October 2026: GOV.UK school admissions guidance, the School Admissions Code 2021, the School Admission Appeals Code 2022, GL Assessment, SEAG (frequently asked questions and key dates) and our verified Buckinghamshire records.

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