When is the 11 Plus exam?

The typical timeline

Dates vary by region and change each year, but the shape is usually similar:

• Spring to summer of Year 5: registration opens with your local authority or consortium
• Early summer of Year 5: registration deadline, often in June or July
• September of Year 6: the exam is sat
• October of Year 6: results are released
• 31 October of Year 6: the secondary school application deadline

Do not miss the registration deadline

The registration deadline is the date families overlook most often. It usually falls before the summer holidays of Year 5, long before the exam itself. Missing it can mean missing the chance to sit the test that year.

Always confirm the exact dates with your target schools or consortium, as each area runs its own timetable.

Planning preparation backwards

Work back from the September test date. Many families begin focused practice in Year 5, building from short regular sessions to full timed papers in the final few months. Regular mock exams in the run up help your child get used to timing and exam conditions.