How to register my child for the 11 Plus?

What is the 11 Plus Exam?

The 11 Plus exam is a selective entrance test for Year 7 places at approximately 163 UK grammar schools, testing children on verbal reasoning (30-40%), numerical reasoning (25-35%), non-verbal reasoning (20-30%), and English/maths (10-20%) via 45-60 minute multiple-choice papers. Around 30,000 children take it annually. It helps determine entry to these grammar schools in selective areas.

The exam breaks into four main sections with specific timings and focuses. Verbal reasoning lasts 25 minutes and covers synonyms and analogies. Numerical reasoning, also 25 minutes, involves maths sequences and problems.

Non-verbal reasoning tests shapes and patterns in a 20-minute paper. The shorter 15-minute English/maths section rounds out the multiple choice test. Formats vary by region, often using GL Assessment or CEM Durham styles.

Success typically requires top national performance, like stanine 8-9 scores. Parents should check local grammar school criteria. Preparation with practice papers from Bond or CGP builds familiarity for this timed test.

Determine Eligibility and Key Dates

Eligibility hinges on birth dates (1st September 2013 - 31st August 2014 for 2025 entry) with registration windows typically October-November across 36 selective local authorities.

Parents must check residency requirements in the catchment area of their chosen grammar school. Looked-after children receive priority under DfE admissions rules, and SEN provisions allow special arrangements like extra time. Always review the specific local authority website for exact criteria.

Key dates include exam centres opening bookings and results day, often in early October. For 2025, Buckinghamshire runs registration from October 1-18, Kent from June 2-July 2, and Trafford in May-June. Use an interactive calendar on LA sites to track deadlines and avoid late fees.

Prepare documents like proof of address, birth certificate, and passport photo for online registration. Reference the DfE School Admissions Code for fair processes, including sibling priority and distance ties. Start early to confirm your child's fit for the 11 Plus test.

Age Requirements

Children must be born between September 1st 2013 and August 31st 2014 for 2025 11+ entry, with no early or late entry allowances in most authorities.

Use this simple eligibility formula: if your child turns 11 between those dates in Year 6 of primary school, they qualify for the grammar school entrance exam. Exceptions exist, such as Kent's flexible cutoff or Barnet's early entry options for gifted pupils.

Looked-after children get priority per DfE School Admissions Code 2.16. SEN provisions support needs like dyslexia with access arrangements, backed by medical evidence. Contact your LA early for headteacher recommendation or school report if needed.

For example, a child born in late August 2014 fits 2025 entry perfectly. Check county council sites like Buckinghamshire or Berkshire for precise rules before starting 11+ preparation with practice papers and mock exams.

Registration Deadlines

Registration periods vary by authority: Buckinghamshire (Oct 1-18), Kent (Jun 2-Jul 2), most LAs (Oct-Nov), with late fees £20-50 after deadlines.

Plan around these county-specific windows to secure your spot at the exam centre. Late registration risks penalties or exclusion, while withdrawal is allowed up to four weeks before the test date. AuthorityRegistration Window BuckinghamshireOct 1-18 BerkshireOct 1-15 KentJun 2 - Jul 2 TraffordMay - Jun BarnetSep 23 - Oct 11 Special arrangements cutoff is six weeks prior, needing proof for extra time or scribe support. Complete the online portal with parent account login for confirmation email. Free school meals qualify for bursaries waiving exam fees in some areas.

Track via LA admissions portals for Buckinghamshire 11+, Kent 11+, or Trafford 11+. Parents often join forums like 11PlusExams for tips on documents and avoiding common pitfalls in the registration process.

Research Local Grammar Schools

Use the DfE grammar school finder listing 163 schools across 36 local authorities, prioritising by 2023 pass marks ranging from 109 to 121 stanine and oversubscription criteria like distance and sibling priority. This tool helps parents identify selective schools suitable for their child's 11 Plus preparation. Start by entering your postcode to find nearby options.

Focus on grammar school lists in areas like Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Kent, and Trafford, where the eleven plus exam determines entry. Check each school's admissions criteria, including catchment areas and pass marks, to match your child's strengths in verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. Experts recommend reviewing recent results to gauge competitiveness.

Attend open days or virtual tours listed on platforms like TheSchoolRun to see facilities and meet staff. Prepare questions about CEM exam or GL Assessment formats used locally. This step ensures your 11+ registration targets the best fit.

Visualise catchment areas by searching school names on Google Maps and overlaying boundaries from school websites. Combine this with open day calendars from TheSchoolRun for timely visits. Practical research like this builds confidence in your grammar school choices.

Top 20 Grammar Schools by 2023 Stanine Scores

This table highlights top grammar schools based on 2023 stanine scores, helping with child registration decisions. Use it to compare super selective options in your area. Scores reflect aggregate performance in the 11 Plus test.

Admissions Criteria Breakdown

Grammar schools prioritise distance from 1.2 to 4.5 miles typically, followed by sibling priority and catchment rules. Random allocation applies when ties occur after exam scores. Review each school's policy on the LA website.

• Distance priority: Measures straight-line from home to school gate.
• Sibling priority: Often for children with brothers or sisters already enrolled.
• Catchment area: Defines eligible postcodes, viewable via school prospectus.
• Random allocation: Used in oversubscribed cases post-qualifying score.
• Looked after children: Highest priority, then pupil premium status.

Check for SEN provision and access arrangements like extra time. Submit proof of address and birth certificate with your application form. This ensures eligibility for secondary school places.

Prepare for oversubscribed schools by listing first and second choices on the preference form. Equal preference systems rank by criteria, not order. Contact schools for clarification on appeal process or waiting lists.

Choose Exam Board and Format

Select between GL Assessment, which handles a large share of UK 11 Plus tests with multiple choice formats across 4 papers, CEM Durham with its focus on longer maths and numerical sections in 2 papers, or ISEB for independent schools using adaptive digital testing.

Each board sets a distinct 11 Plus test structure. GL uses four 25-minute papers covering English, maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. CEM opts for two 50-minute papers with extended maths content and no heavy reliance on multiple choice practice.

ISEB delivers a fully digital adaptive exam lasting about 2 hours, adjusting question difficulty based on your child's responses. Check your target grammar schools or selective schools to match the board, as counties often specify one.

Practice implications differ sharply. For GL, use CGP books or Bond papers for multiple choice drills. CEM demands broader skills in verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning without as much advantage from repetitive practice.

Common Boards (GL, CEM, ISEB)

GL Assessment leads in many areas like Bucks, Barnet, and Trafford with four 25-minute multiple choice papers; CEM serves places like Kent and Birmingham with two 50-minute timed tests.

GL typically features around 100 questions per paper using stanine scoring. CEM includes 80-100 questions with emphasis on longer maths tests and numerical reasoning. ISEB's digital format adapts in real time across English, maths, verbal, and non-verbal sections.

• Bucks: GL
• Kent: CEM
• Birmingham: CEM + GL
• Trafford: GL
• Barnet: GL
• Warwickshire: CEM
• Lincolnshire: GL
• Berkshire: GL
• Reading: CEM
• Slough: GL

Pass marks vary by year and school. GL often requires scores around 80-85% in some areas, while CEM uses raw scores of about 67-70%. Always confirm with the local authority or school for your 11+ registration.

For preparation, GL suits CGP 11+ practice and Bond 11+ books. CEM needs focus on RVE and NVR through varied mocks. ISEB practice involves online platforms simulating adaptive tests to build exam confidence.

Gather Required Documents

Prepare 6 core documents for your 11 Plus registration: birth certificate, proof of address (2 items), passport photo (35x45mm), headteacher reference, Year 5 report, LA residence declaration. These form the foundation of your child registration process with the local authority or consortium. Start collecting them early to avoid delays near the registration deadline.

Always check your county council or grammar school website for specific rules, as requirements vary by area like Buckinghamshire 11+ or Kent 11+. Some counties demand certified copies instead of originals for the birth certificate. Contact your primary school promptly for the headteacher reference to ensure timely submission.

If your child qualifies for free school meals or has SEN needs, include supporting evidence to access bursaries or access arrangements. Use a folder to organise documents for the online portal upload. Scan items clearly to match passport photo specs, such as 35x45mm white background.

This checklist table ensures you cover all items for smooth 11+ registration. Double-check against your area's official website, such as for Trafford 11+ or Berkshire 11+. Keep originals safe after scanning for the application form.

Complete the Registration Process

Follow 7-step process: create LA parent account → select preferences → upload 6 documents → select exam boards → confirm fees → receive booking → track status. This 11 Plus registration guide takes about 45 minutes total. Parents often complete it in one sitting for Year 5 children aiming for grammar schools.

First, create LA parent account in 5 minutes using your email and a secure password. Verify via the link sent to your inbox. This grants access to the online portal for your local authority or consortium.

Next, select 3 school preferences like first choice grammar school, second selective school, and a fallback comprehensive. Rank them by priority, considering catchment area and distance. Use the preference form to list Buckinghamshire 11+ or Kent Test options.

Upload birth certificate, proof of address, passport photo, and three others like school report within the 10MB limit per file. Choose the exam board such as CEM exam or GL Assessment. Enter child details including UPN number from primary school.

Review and confirm fees, often covering the 11 Plus test entry. Expect a confirmation email within 48 hours. Track everything via the parent portal for exam date and venue updates.

1. 1Create LA parent account (5 mins)
2. 2Select 3 school preferences
3. 3Upload birth cert/address proof/photo (10MB limit)
4. 4Choose exam board/format
5. 5Enter child details (UPN number)
6. 6Review/confirm fees
7. 7Receive confirmation email (48hrs)
8. 8Track via parent portal

Avoid common errors: use photo specs like plain background and 3x4cm size, provide recent utility bill for address proof, and meet registration deadline to avoid late fees or missing the 11+ exam.

Online vs. Paper Forms

95% LAs require online registration via parent portals (faster, trackable) vs paper forms (Birmingham, some Kent schools - slower, postal risks). Online suits most families for 11+ registration, offering instant steps. Paper remains for specific areas like certain Trafford or Barnet cases.

Online provides instant confirmation and document upload for birth certificate or proof of address. Platforms include Bucks CC Portal, Kent Test Provider, and Trafford Connect. Processing takes 48 hours, with progress tracking in real time.

Paper forms need £2.50 postage via Royal Mail tracked service to LA addresses. Expect 2-week processing or 10-14 days total. No tracking means risks like delays before registration deadline.

Experts recommend online registration for grammar school applications to reduce errors in child registration. Download paper forms from LA website if needed, but post early with tracking for peace of mind.

Pay Fees and Confirm Submission

Fees range £0-£80: Kent (£12 CEM test), Bucks (£72 full package), most LAs free; FSM eligible get full waivers across 100% authorities. Parents registering for the 11 Plus exam must check their local authority's fee structure before finalising the online registration. Payment secures the child's place in the grammar school entrance exam.

Use card payments or Direct Debit on the official LA portal for quick processing. For example, in Bucks, the £72 covers the full package including verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning tests. Always note the transaction reference for your records during 11+ registration.

Free school meals (FSM) waivers apply automatically; enter your postcode to trigger detection. Independent grammars offer bursaries for low-income families, so apply separately via their prospectus. In 2024, some counties like Barnet raised fees slightly to cover exam centre costs.

Refunds are full if requested pre-deadline, but post-deadline policies vary by local authority. After payment, expect a confirmation email; review it promptly to avoid issues on results day.

Understanding FSM Waivers and Bursaries

FSM eligibility waives fees in all authorities during child registration for the 11+. The system auto-detects via postcode linked to your primary school's records. This supports families applying to selective schools without financial barriers.

For independent grammars, submit a bursary application with proof of income alongside the 11 Plus test entry. For instance, some schools prioritise looked after children or those with SEN provision. Check the prospectus for deadlines separate from LA registration deadlines.

Experts recommend gathering documents like bank statements early. If denied, appeal with additional evidence. This ensures access to high performing schools in oversubscribed areas.

Payment Methods and 2024 Updates

Most portals accept debit or credit cards and Direct Debit for 11+ fees. Trafford's £55 fee, for example, processes instantly online. Avoid cheques unless specified by your county council.

In 2024, fees increased in areas like Barnet to £80 due to rising costs for mock exams and test venues. Bucks held at £72 for the full package covering maths test and English test. Always confirm on the official LA website before online registration.

Keep login details safe for your parent account. Payments confirm eligibility for exam dates, so complete this step before the deadline.

Confirmation Email Checklist

Scan your confirmation email right away after paying for 11 Plus registration. It holds key details for the entrance exam process. Missing checks can lead to withdrawal issues.

• Child's full name and date of birth match birth certificate.
• Correct primary school and year 6 details.
• Exam centre and test venue address.
• Registration number or reference ID.
• Exam date and timed test schedule.
• Parent contact email and phone.
• Fee payment confirmation and amount.
• Next steps like practice papers advice.
• Withdrawal policy and refund note.

If anything mismatches, contact the LA immediately. Print and store the email for results day and appeal process if needed. This step-by-step check secures your place in the grammar school list.

Prepare for the Exam Day

Arrive 30 minutes early with Admit Card, 2 pens, water, snacks. Know venue logistics across over 1,200 centres UK-wide. Confirm special arrangements in advance for your child's 11 Plus test.

Check the exam day checklist to avoid last-minute stress. Parents often forget small items that invigilators require under GL Assessment or CEM guidelines. Pack everything the night before.

Follow a typical timing schedule: arrive by 8:30, register at 9:00, tests from 9:30 to 12:00. Use your local authority postcode to find the exact test venue. This ensures smooth entry on the day.

Review prohibited items and confirm any special access like extra time. Contact the exam board early if your child needs support. Proper preparation builds confidence for the eleven plus exam.

Exam Day Checklist

Prepare a complete checklist for the 11 Plus exam day. Invigilators follow strict GL Assessment and CEM rules, so double-check items. This keeps your child focused on verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning sections.

• Admit Card: Print or show email confirmation from online registration.
• 2 black pens: Only black ballpoint pens allowed, no gels or pencils.
• Ruler: Straight edge for any diagram work in maths test or non-verbal reasoning.
• Water: Clear bottle, no label, to stay hydrated during timed test.
• Snacks: Small items like fruit or biscuits for break, check venue rules.
• Photo ID: Passport or birth certificate if required by some local authorities.
• Watch: Simple analogue for timekeeping, no smartwatches or calculators.
• Layered clothing: Adjust for venue temperature without leaving the room.
• Tissues: For comfort during the multiple choice test.
• Spare pencils: If practice papers used pencils, confirm with GL/CEM guidelines.
• Headphones: Only if pre-approved for special access arrangements.
• Medical items: Inhaler or glasses with case, declared in advance.

Use this list to pack a clear bag. Test your child's watch beforehand to manage exam anxiety.

Timing Schedule and Venue Finder

Stick to the standard 11+ timing schedule: arrive at 8:30, registration by 9:00, tests from 9:30 to 12:00. Late arrival risks missing the English test or maths test start. Plan travel around traffic in selective areas like Buckinghamshire or Kent.

Find your exam centre via local authority postcode search on their website. Search for grammar school test venues or consortium sites. Print directions for backup.

Over 1,200 centres operate UK-wide for 11 Plus registration. Confirm details from your confirmation email after online portal submission. Arriving early helps with parking and settling nerves.

Prohibited Items and Special Access

Avoid prohibited items like calculators, mobile phones, or correction fluid. GL/CEM invigilator guidelines ban these to ensure fair testing in entrance exam conditions. Secure them in a bag outside the room.

• Electronic devices of any kind.
• Food wrappers that make noise.
• Highlighters or tippex.
• Smart clothing with tech.

For special access arrangements, confirm extra 25% time, reader, or scribe via medical evidence like for dyslexia or ADHD. Submit requests during 11+ registration with local authority or exam board. Get headteacher recommendation early.

Contact CEM Durham or GL Assessment weeks ahead. Parents report smoother days with pre-approval. This supports children needing SEN provision in the selective school process.