11+ Exam Dates 2026 — When Is It and How Do You Register?
Missing the registration deadline is one of the most avoidable reasons children don't sit the 11+. Here's what you need to know about timing — and why it varies so much by area.
When do most children sit the 11+?
Most 11+ exams take place in September or October of Year 6. In areas where GL Assessment is used, exams typically fall in early September — which means your child will have been back at school for less than a week before sitting the exam. CEM exams are usually in October. Some independent schools set their own dates, often in January of Year 7 entry.
Why dates vary so much
There is no national 11+ exam day. Each local authority or school consortium sets its own date. Kent, Buckinghamshire, Birmingham, and other selective areas all have different timelines. If your child is applying to multiple schools in different areas, they may need to sit more than one exam on different dates.
When does registration open?
Registration for state grammar school 11+ exams typically opens in the spring or early summer before the exam — usually around April to June of Year 5 or early Year 6. Missing the registration window means your child cannot sit the exam that year. Check your target school's or local authority's website well in advance.
What the timeline means for preparation
If your child's exam is in September of Year 6, the summer holidays before Year 6 are the final preparation window. This is why many families use the summer intensively for mock tests and weak area consolidation. A September exam date with preparation starting in September of Year 5 gives exactly 12 months — which is workable but not generous.
How StageX Academy fits around your exam timeline
Tell StageX Academy your target exam date and it structures preparation accordingly — building in time for each subject, introducing timed papers at the right point, and intensifying focus in the months closest to the exam. Whether you have 18 months or 6 months, StageX Academy builds a plan that fits the time available.
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Frequently asked questions
When is the 11+ exam in 2026?
Most GL Assessment exams are in September 2026 for Year 6 children. CEM exams are typically in October. Independent school dates vary — many use January 2027 for Year 7 entry. Check your specific school or local authority for exact dates.
How do I register for the 11+?
Registration is handled by your local authority or directly by the school, depending on the area. Most areas open registration in spring of the year before the exam. Check your target school's admissions page for exact dates and registration details.
Can my child prepare right up until the exam?
Yes — but the final two weeks before the exam should shift focus from new material to light consolidation, timed practice, and building confidence. Introducing new topics in the final days increases anxiety without meaningfully improving performance.
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