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How 11+ registration works

Updated 2026-11-04

Registering for the 11+ is a separate step from applying for a secondary school place, and it often happens much earlier than parents expect. This guide explains the usual pattern in general terms. Every area does things differently, so always check your own council's and schools' pages for the details that apply to you.

Registration and application are separate

One of the most common surprises is that registering for the test does not apply for a school place. In most areas there are two separate steps. First, you register your child to sit the 11+ test. Later, you apply for secondary school places through your council's admissions process, listing the schools you would like in order of preference.

Missing either step can cause problems. A child who sits the test but whose family does not name a grammar school on the application may not be offered a place there. A child who is not registered in time may not be able to sit the test at all.

Who you register with

Who handles registration depends on where you live and which schools you are interested in. In some areas the council runs the test and you register through its website. In others a group of grammar schools works together, and you register with that group or with one of the schools on behalf of all of them. Some grammar schools run their own test and have their own registration form.

If you are interested in schools in more than one area, you may need to register separately for each test. Living outside an area does not always stop you applying, but rules on who can sit the test and how places are allocated vary. Read each school's admission arrangements carefully.

Your council's 11+ or secondary transfer page.
Each grammar school's admissions page.
Any consortium or test group website the schools point to.
Your child's primary school, which may share reminders but is not usually responsible for registration.

Typical registration dates

In many areas, registration opens in the spring or early summer of Year 5 and closes some time in the summer, often before the end of the summer term. Some areas open earlier in the year, especially where the test itself is held earlier. Late registrations may not be accepted, or may only be accepted in limited circumstances.

Because these dates change from year to year, set a reminder early in Year 5 to look up the exact dates for your area. If your child has a medical condition or special educational needs, registration is usually also the time to ask about access arrangements, and you may need to provide supporting evidence by a deadline.

When the test happens

In many areas the test is sat in September of Year 6, often on a weekend or during the school day at a primary or grammar school. Some areas have moved their test earlier, into the summer term of Year 5, and others may follow. A few schools have a second stage later in the autumn. Your registration confirmation or a later letter should tell you the date, time and place.

If your child is ill on the day, contact the council or school straight away. Many have arrangements for children who miss the test for a good reason, but these differ and usually have their own deadlines.

Results and the 31 October deadline

Results are commonly sent out in October, usually by email or letter, so that families know the outcome before they complete their secondary school application. The result will usually say whether your child has reached the standard required for grammar school consideration, and may include a score.

In England, the national closing date for secondary school applications is normally 31 October in Year 6, and applications go to the council where you live, even if the schools are in another area. You can usually list several schools in order of preference. Reaching the required standard in the 11+ does not guarantee a place, because schools are often oversubscribed and then use their admission rules, so it is wise to include schools you would be happy with whatever the result.

National offer day for secondary places is usually around the start of March. If you are not offered the school you hoped for, you will normally be able to go on waiting lists and to appeal. Your council's admissions team can explain the options.

A simple checklist

Early in Year 5: find your council's and schools' 11+ pages and note the key dates.
Spring to summer of Year 5: register for each test your child will sit, and request any access arrangements.
Summer: keep your registration confirmation and check for letters about the test.
Test day: arrive on time with anything you have been asked to bring.
October: read the results carefully and complete your secondary application by the deadline.
Spring of Year 6: receive your offer, and ask about waiting lists or appeals if needed.

Every area is different, so treat this as a general outline. Our area pages and revision handbooks gather the details we have found for each test, but your council and school pages are always the final word.

Questions parents ask

Does registering for the 11+ apply for a school place?

No. Registration only lets your child sit the test. You also need to apply for secondary places through your council, usually by 31 October in Year 6.

Can I register after the deadline?

Sometimes, but late registrations may not be accepted or may only be allowed in limited circumstances. Check with your council or school as early as possible.

Do I register with the council or the school?

It depends on the area. Some councils run registration, some groups of schools share it, and some schools have their own form. Your council's 11+ page is a good starting point.

Will passing the 11+ guarantee a grammar school place?

No. Reaching the standard makes a child eligible, but places then depend on each school's admission rules and how many children apply.

Want to see what a paper set out like your child's test looks like? Every pack and handbook has a free sample. Find your test area or try the free flash cards.