When are the 11 Plus exam dates in my area?

Understanding the 11 Plus Exam

The 11 Plus exam determines Year 7 entry to over 160 UK grammar schools, testing children aged 10-11 in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths, and English. Across England, 163 grammar schools accept 11+ results for selective entry. More than 20,000 children sit the exam annually to compete for places in these schools.

In regions like Kent and Birmingham, the 11 Plus serves as the main route to grammar school entry. Most other areas use it for comprehensive school selection or independent school tests. Parents check local 11 plus dates through county councils or school websites to align with the application process.

Pass marks vary by exam board. GL Assessment typically requires scores from 80-90%, while CEM tests use a scaled score of 100-110 for entry. Knowing your area's 11+ schedule helps with timely registration and preparation.

Factors like catchment area, sibling priority, and distance criteria influence offers after results release. National offer day aligns with secondary school entry in September. Early awareness of 11 plus 2024 dates or 2025 schedules ensures smooth planning for year 6 pupils.

What is the 11 Plus?

The 11+ tests four core skills: Verbal Reasoning (synonyms, analogies), Non-Verbal Reasoning (patterns, sequences), Maths (age 10-11 curriculum), and English (comprehension, grammar). It assesses readiness for grammar school entry or selective places. Parents seek 11+ practice papers to familiarise children with the format.

GL Assessment exams use multiple choice questions, while CEM tests follow a standard format without options. Syllabus topics include 20 types of VR like code-breaking and word pairs, 12 NVR types such as matrices and rotations, Maths on fractions and geometry, and English SPaG elements. Check official GL or CEM syllabi for details.

Practice with 11+ mock exams at test centres mirrors real conditions. Regions like Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Kent, and Hertfordshire set unique eleven plus exam dates. Registration deadlines often fall in spring for autumn tests.

Regional Exam Variations in the UK

Exam formats vary significantly by county: Buckinghamshire uses GL multiple choice, Kent uses both GL and CEM, Birmingham uses CEM standard format. Parents need to check their local 11 plus dates early for the 11+ exam or eleven plus exam. This helps with 11 plus preparation and aligning 11+ practice.

In Buckinghamshire, the GL test happens in September, focusing on verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and maths. Kent schedules GL or CEM tests in September or October, often at local test centres. Birmingham runs its CEM 11+ test in September, with papers in English and maths.

Trafford uses GL in October, while Barnet offers multiple tests starting in September. Redbridge sticks to GL in September, and Berkshire follows a consortium GL format in October. Hertfordshire consortium tests also fall in October, so note your county 11+ specifics for the 11 plus schedule.

Registration deadlines vary, often closing months before the exam dates. Check your local authority exam website for 11+ 2024 dates or 11 plus 2025 updates. Attend school open days to learn about catchment areas and grammar school exams.

Key Areas with Selective Schools

163 grammar schools exist across England, with highest concentrations in Kent (38 schools), Birmingham (22), and Trafford (6). These areas host popular selective school tests for year 6 exam entry into year 7. Families prepare using 11+ mock exams and practice papers tailored to local formats.

Use this table to compare 11 plus venues and exam timetables in your area 11+ exam. For instance, Kent families target high pass marks with GL multiple choice tests. Birmingham parents focus on CEM maths test and English practice.

After tests, expect 11 plus results dates in autumn, leading to national offer day in March. Apply via online registration or paper forms, noting registration deadlines. Experts recommend 11+ courses or a tutor 11 plus for GL 11+ or CEM 11+ success.

Typical 11 Plus Exam Timeline

Standard timeline: Registration opens May-June 2024, closes July-August, exams September-October, results October-December, National Offer Day March 2025.

Parents preparing for the 11 plus exam should note this common 11+ schedule across many UK areas. Registration often starts in May with local authorities announcing dates for the eleven plus exam. Check your county's grammar school admissions page early to avoid missing the window.

Visual timeline: May (registration opens) marks the start, followed by June-July (deadlines) for applications. Tests run in September-October, with results from October-December, leading to offers on March 1st. This pattern helps with 11 plus preparation, including mocks and practice papers.

County variations affect your local 11 plus dates. For example, Kent (38 schools test 21 Sept), Buckinghamshire (6 Oct), and Birmingham (21 Sept) follow slightly different calendars. Always verify with your local authority exam for the exact 11+ dates in your area.

Registration Deadlines

Most counties close registration July 31st: Buckinghamshire (31 Jul), Kent (12 Jul), Birmingham (19 Jul 2024). These 11 plus registration deadlines set the pace for grammar school exam entry. Apply online or by paper through your local council to secure a test centre spot.

Key 2024 deadlines for major areas include:

• Bucks: 31 Jul
• Kent: 12 Jul
• Birmingham: 19 Jul
• Barnet: 28 Jun
• Trafford: 31 Jul
• Redbridge: 5 Jul
• Berkshire: 31 Jul
• Hertfordshire: 28 Jun
• Essex (Southend): 31 Jul

Late entries may incur fees of £50-£100, depending on the council. Contact your county council dates team promptly if you miss the cut-off. This ensures eligibility for the selective school test and year 7 entry.

Prepare documents like proof of address for the application process. Some areas prioritise looked after children or offer access arrangements for special needs. Start 11+ practice early to build confidence before deadlines pass.

Standard Test Dates

2024 test dates confirmed: Buckinghamshire (6 Oct), Kent (21 Sept), Birmingham (21 Sept), Barnet (20 Sept), Trafford (5 Oct). These 11 plus test dates align with the autumn term for secondary school entry. Expect GL assessment or CEM test formats at designated 11 plus venues.

2025 predictions follow patterns, with most in early September based on prior years. Official LA announcements confirm exact entrance exam dates. Parents should check for exam locations and any catchment area rules.

Tests cover verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths test, and English test in the 11 plus syllabus. Use 11+ mock exams and practice papers from Bond or CGP to prepare. Results come weeks later, guiding school open days visits.

Finding Dates for Your Specific Area

Use postcode lookup tools on council websites or 11plusexams.co.uk area finder for exact dates by location. These tools help pinpoint 11 plus exam dates for your nearby grammar schools and selective entry tests.

Start with a simple Google search using your postcode, like 'SW1A 1AA 11+ exam 2024'. This often leads to local council pages or school sites with the latest 11+ timetable and registration details.

Next, visit your county council admissions page for official schedules. Then check GL/CEM school lists to match providers with your area schools. Finally, join Atom Learning area selector for tailored 11 plus dates and preparation tips.

Here are five example searches with typical results. For Buckinghamshire (HP11 postcode), results show September tests via buckscc.gov.uk. Kent (ME1) points to kent.gov.uk with early autumn dates. Birmingham (B1) links to CEM tests in October. Barnet (NW11) reveals GL multiple choice exams. Essex (CM1) lists CEM schedules on essex.gov.uk.

Official Local Authority Websites

Primary sources include Buckinghamshire Council (buckscc.gov.uk), Kent CC (kent.gov.uk), Birmingham CC (birmingham.gov.uk/schools). These sites list 11+ exam dates, registration deadlines, and grammar school entry processes for year 7 places.

Navigate buckscc.gov.uk/schooladmissions > Secondary Admissions > Grammar Schools for Buckinghamshire 11+ schedules. On kent.gov.uk/education > School Admissions > Selective Schools, find Kent 11+ test dates and venues.

Check birmingham.gov.uk/grammar > 11+ Information for Birmingham CEM tests. Barnet uses barnet.gov.uk/admissions > Secondary > Grammar Schools. For south west London, swlondoner.co.uk covers GL consortium details.

• Trafford: trafford.gov.uk > Education > Admissions > Grammar
• Essex: essex.gov.uk > Schools > Secondary Admissions
• Hertfordshire: hertscc.gov.uk > Admissions > Grammar Tests
• Berkshire: reading.gov.uk > Schools > Selective Entry
• Wirral: wirral.gov.uk > Education > Grammar Schools
• King Edward VI Birmingham: kingedwardsschool.cloud > Admissions
• Wilson's School: wilsonschool.sutton.sch.uk > Year 7 Entry
• Watford Grammar: watfordgrammarschool.org > Admissions
• Colchester Royal Grammar: crgs.colchester.sch.uk > 11+

GL Assessment and CEM Portals

GL Assessment covers many areas (gl-assessment.co.uk), CEM covers numerous regions (cem.org.uk). Check both for your schools to confirm 11+ test format and exam dates.

GL uses multiple choice tests in places like Bucks and Barnet. CEM offers standard format in Birmingham and Essex. Both provide practice portals with sample papers at £10-£20 per pack.

Schools like Dr Challoner's in Bucks use GL. Colchester Royal Grammar in Essex follows CEM. Use these portals for 11+ practice and to track local 11 plus schedules.

Preparation Steps After Dates

Post-registration: 10-12 weeks prep recommended using Bond papers (Week 1-4), CGP guides (Week 5-8), Atom Learning mocks (Week 9-12). Once you know the 11 plus exam dates in your area, start a structured plan to build confidence for the grammar school exam or selective school test. This timeline aligns with typical 11+ schedules leading to September intake.

Aim for 8 hours per week of focused practice, balancing verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, maths, and English. Incorporate 11+ mock exams to simulate real test conditions at your local test centre. Adjust based on your child's needs after the registration deadline.

Key resources include Atom Learning at £59 per month for online mocks, PreTest at £99 for targeted drills, and Bond 15 papers at £72 for extensive practice. Use these alongside GL assessment or CEM test formats common in counties like Buckinghamshire or Kent. Track progress to target pass marks for top grammar schools.

Combine self-study with tutor sessions twice weekly at around £30 per hour. Parents on 11+ forums like Mumsnet often share tips for 11 plus preparation tailored to regional eleven plus exam variations. Stay mindful of access arrangements like extra time if needed.

12-Week Preparation Plan

1. 1Run a baseline mock using Bond Pack 1 to assess strengths in verbal reasoning and maths test areas.
2. 2Practice VR/NVR daily for 20 minutes, focusing on multiple choice questions typical in GL 11+ papers.
3. 3Review the full maths curriculum with CGP guides, covering topics like fractions and geometry for the 11+ syllabus.
4. 4Complete weekly mocks under timed conditions to mimic the exam format at your 11 plus venues.
5. 5Book a tutor 2x per week at £30 per hour for personalised feedback on non-verbal reasoning puzzles.
6. 6Finish with final mocks from Atom Learning, analysing errors to refine strategies before 11+ 2024 dates or 2025.

This numbered plan provides a clear path after confirming local 11 plus test dates. Dedicate weekends to full practice papers, ensuring coverage of English test comprehension. Experts recommend consistent review to handle county 11+ specifics like those in Hertfordshire or Essex.

Monitor time commitment closely, scaling up for independent school tests if applying broadly. Integrate school open days visits to understand catchment area priorities alongside prep.

Common Exam Formats by Region

Buckinghamshire uses 2 GL papers (60 minutes each), Kent features a GL+CEM combo, and Birmingham requires 2 CEM papers (50 minutes each). These variations affect how families prepare for the 11 plus exam in their area. Knowing the local 11 plus format helps target practice effectively.

Regions differ in exam providers like GL Assessment or CEM, which set the question styles and timing for the eleven plus exam. Parents should check their county 11+ details early to align 11+ preparation with specific papers. This includes subjects like maths, English, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning.

A regional format comparison table outlines key differences across eight areas, covering papers, time, subjects, and pass marks. Use it to understand your 11+ schedule and exam timetable. Always confirm with local authorities for 11 plus dates in 2024 or 2025.

Formats influence registration deadlines and test centres, so review your area 11+ exam specifics. Practice with relevant GL 11+ papers or CEM test mocks builds confidence for grammar school entry.

This table aids planning for 11+ entry and secondary school entry. Match your 11 plus preparation to the exam format, using practice papers from the right provider.