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When to Apply for 11 Plus Exam in 2024

The 11 Plus exam is a critical assessment for students seeking admission to grammar and selective independent schools in the UK. Therefore, understanding the application process, key dates, and preparation strategies is essential for parents and students aiming to navigate this competitive exam successfully. Consequently, here’s a comprehensive guide to applying for the 11 Plus exam in 2024.

Overview of the 11 Plus Exam

The 11 Plus exam is designed to identify academically able students for admission to selective schools. It typically assesses English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning skills. Each school or consortium of schools may have its own format and emphasis, so it’s important to check the specific requirements of your target schools.

Key Dates and Deadlines for 2024

The application timeline for the 11 Plus exam varies by region and school, but here are some general guidelines:

  • Registration Opens: Typically between April and July 2024, depending on the school or consortium.
  • Registration Closes: Often closes around June to August 2024. It’s crucial to verify exact deadlines on the specific school’s website.
  • Exam Dates: Most exams are conducted in September 2024 for grammar schools, with independent schools possibly testing later in the year.
  • Results Announcement: Usually released in October or November 2024.
  • National Offer Day: School placements are typically confirmed by 1st March 2025.

UKs Top 10 schools For 11+ Registration

Wilson’s School

Queen Elizabeth’s School

The Henrietta Barnett School

Pate’s Grammar School

St. Olave’s Grammar School

Colchester Royal Grammar School

The Tiffin Girls’ School

Reading School

King Edward VI Grammar School, Chelmsford

Altrincham Grammar School for Girls

Deadlines By Regions For Applying 11+

When to Apply for 11 Plus Exams 2024 in Birmingham

  • Registration opens: 7 May 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 28 June 2024
  • Test date: 14-16 September 2024

When to Apply for 11 Plus Exams 2024 in Dorset

  • Registration opens: 15 April 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 6 September 2024
  • Test date: 21 September 2024

When to Apply for 11 Plus Exams 2024 in Cumbria

  • Registration opens: 1 May 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 12 July 2024
  • Test date: 14 September 2024

When to Apply for 11 Plus Exams 2024 in Buckinghamshire

  • Registration opens: 3 May 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 14 June 2024
  • Test date: 12 September 2024

When to Apply in Essex

Consortium of Selective Schools in Essex:

  • Registration opens: 14 May 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 28 June 2024
  • Test date: 21 September 2024

Chelmsford County High School for Girls:

  • Registration opens: 24 April 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 21 June 2024
  • Test date: 13 September 2024

When to Apply in Gloucestershire

  • Registration opens: 20 May 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 28 June 2024
  • Test date: 14 September 2024

When to Apply in Greater Manchester

Trafford Grammar Schools Consortium:

  • Registration opens: 25 April 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 21 June 2024
  • Test date: 16 September 2024

Saint Ambrose College:

  • Registration opens: 18 April 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 14 July 2024
  • Test date: 22 September 2024

Loreto Grammar School:

  • Registration opens: 29 June 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 31 July 2024
  • Test date: 20 September 2024

When to Apply for 11 Plus Exams 2024 in Berkshire

Reading School:

  • Registration opens: 1 April 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 14 June 2024
  • Test date: 4 September 2024

Kendrick School:

  • Registration opens: 1 May 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 1 July 2024
  • Test date: 20 September 2024

Slough Consortium of Grammar Schools:

  • Registration opens: 1 May 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 12 June 2024
  • Test date: 21 September 2024

When to Apply in Hertfordshire

  • Registration opens: 8 April 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 14 June 2024
  • Test date: 7 September 2024

When to Apply in Kent

  • Registration opens: 3 June 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 1 July 2024
  • Test date: 12 September 2024

When to apply in Lancashire

Clitheroe Royal Grammar School:

  • Registration opens: 3 June 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 13 September 2024
  • Test date: 28 September 2024

Lancaster Royal Grammar School:

  • Registration opens: April 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 9 September 2024
  • Test date: 28 September 2024

When to Apply in Lincolnshire

  • Registration opens: 5 January 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 21 March 2024
  • Test date: 14-21 September 2024

Caistor Grammar School:

  • Registration opens: 1 March 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 16 August 2024
  • Test date: 21-28 September 2024

When to Apply for 11 Plus Exams 2024 in Devon

Torquay Grammar Schools:

  • Registration opens: March 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 5 September 2024
  • Test date: 14 September 2024

For Devonport High School for Boys and Plymouth Girls’ Grammar Schools:

  • Registration opens: 22 April
  • Final registration deadline: 31 August 2024
  • Test date: 14-21 September 2024

Colyton Grammar School:

  • Registration opens: 1 April 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 6 September 2024
  • Test date: 21 September 2024

When to Apply in London

There are 19 Grammar Schools in London. Here are the key deadlines for each.

Barnet

Queen Elizabeth’s School:

  • Registration opens: 1 May 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 12 July 2024
  • Test date: 18-19 September 2024

St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School:

  • Registration opens: 15 April 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 2 July 2024
  • Test date: 13 September 2024

Henrietta Barnett School:

  • Registration opens: 15 April 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 12 July 2024
  • Test date: First Round 3-4 September, Second Round 1 October 2024.

Bexley

  • Registration opens: 1 May 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 31 May 2024
  • Test date: 9-12 September 2024

Bromley

Newstead Wood School:

  • Registration opens: 1 May 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 30 June 2024
  • Test date: 27-28 September 2024

St Olave’s Grammar School:

  • Registration opens: 10 June 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 1 July 2024
  • Test date: Stage 1 Test, 20 September 2024. Stage 2 Test, 15 November 2024.

Enfield

  • Registration opens: 16 March 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 14 June 2024
  • Test date: 1st, 7th and 8th September 2024

Kingston-upon-Thames

Tiffin School:

  • Registration opens: 3 June 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 2 September 2024
  • Test date: Stage 1 Test, 15 October 2024. Stage 2 Test, November 2024 (date TBC).

The Tiffin Girls’ School:

  • Registration opens: June 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 2 September 2024
  • Test date: Stage 1 Test, 3-4 October 2024. State 2 Test, November 2024 (date TBC).

Redbridge

  • Registration opens: 1 May 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 31 May 2024
  • Test date: 20 September 2024

Sutton

Sutton Selective Eligibility Test:

  • Registration opens: 1 May 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 2 August 2024
  • Test date: 17 September 2024

When to Apply in Medway

  • Registration opens: 20 May 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 14 June 2024
  • Test date: 17-22 September 2024

When to Apply in the West Midlands

  • Registration opens: 7 May 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 28 June 2024
  • Test date: 14-16 September 2024

When to Apply in Merseyside

Wirral Admissions Test Schools:

  • Dates for 2024 will be published soon.

St Anselm’s College:

  • Final registration deadline: 13 September 2024
  • Test date: 20 September 2024

Upton Hall School:

  • Final registration deadline: 12 July 2024
  • Test date: 14 September 2024

When to Apply in Yorkshire

Crossley Heath School and North Halifax Grammar School:

  • Registration opens: 22 March 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 28 June 2024
  • Test date: 21 September 2024

Ermysted’s Grammar School:

  • Registration opens: 8 April 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 2 September 2024
  • Test date: 28 September 2024

Heckmondwike Grammar School:

  • Registration opens: 15 May 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 24 June 2024
  • Test date: 13 September 2024

Ripon Grammar School:

  • Registration opens: April 2024
  • Final registration deadline: June 2024
  • Test date: Early September 2024

Skipton Girls’ High School:

  • Registration opens: 1 May 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 28 August 2024
  • Test date: 28 September 2024

When to Apply in Wiltshire

Bishop Wordsworth’s School:

  • Registration opens: 15 April 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 13 September 2024
  • Test date: 28 September 2024

South Wiltshire Grammar School:

  • Registration opens: 1 June 2024
  • Final registration deadline: 1 September 2024
  • Test date: 21 September 2024

How to Apply for the 11 Plus Exam

  1. Research Schools: To start, begin by identifying the schools you are interested in. Since each school may have its own admission criteria and testing format, it is important to visit the schools’ websites or contact them directly for detailed information.
  2. Complete Registration Forms: Depending on the school, you may need to complete specific registration forms. This process could include either online applications or paper forms. Therefore, ensure all details are correct and submitted by the deadline.
  3. Local Education Authority Forms: In addition to school-specific applications, you may need to submit a Common Application Form (CAF) to your local authority, listing your school preferences. This is typically done in October, after the exam results are known.
  4. Supplementary Information Forms: Some schools, particularly faith schools, may require additional forms to be completed. Check with each school to ensure all necessary documentation is provided.

Types of Schools Using the 11 Plus Exam

Grammar Schools: These state-funded schools are known for their academic selectivity and therefore utilise the 11 Plus exam to determine which students are admitted. Moreover, the exam usually covers subjects like English, maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning.

Independent Schools: Many private schools incorporate the 11 Plus exam or similar assessments as part of their admissions process. Additionally, they often set their own criteria and may include further testing to evaluate a student’s academic potential.

Partially Selective Schools: Also referred to as bilateral schools, these institutions have both selective and non-selective streams. The 11 Plus exam is used to admit students into the selective stream, allowing them access to more advanced educational opportunities.

Preparation Tips for the 11 Plus Exam

  • Start Early: Begin preparing at least a year in advance to build the skills needed for the exam.
  • Use Practice Papers: Familiarise your child with the exam format using practice papers and sample questions available from various educational resources.
  • Attend Open Days: Visiting prospective schools can provide valuable insights into their environments and expectations.
  • Consider Tutoring: Professional tutoring can provide tailored guidance and improve a student’s confidence and performance.
Main Subjects in 11 Plus Exams

Understanding the 11 Plus Exam

The 11 Plus exam is a crucial milestone for many students aiming to enter grammar and selective independent schools in the UK. As a competitive assessment, it evaluates a range of skills including English, mathematics, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning.

In our detailed guide, 11 Plus Exams: Everything You Need to Know, we delve into the essential components of the exam, providing insights into the application process, key dates, and effective preparation strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do all schools have the same registration dates?

No, registration dates and procedures can vary significantly between schools and regions. Always check the specific details for each school you are interested in.

What happens if my child does not pass the 11 Plus exam?

Even though not passing the 11 Plus does not preclude students from achieving academic success in other educational settings, it is essential to consider comprehensive schools or other educational opportunities that best match your child’s abilities and interests. Therefore, exploring these alternatives can ensure that your child continues to thrive academically.

By understanding the application process and preparing effectively, you can help your child approach the 11 Plus exam with confidence, thereby increasing their chances of success. Furthermore, always check with the individual schools and local authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the 2024 application cycle.

what is good grade for 11 plus?

The definition of a “good” grade on the 11 Plus exam varies based on the requirements of individual schools and the level of competition among applicants. Here are some key points:

  1. Standardised Scores: The 11 Plus exam often uses standardised scoring, where a score of 100 is considered average. Achieving a score above 100 is generally viewed positively, as it indicates performance above the typical level for a student’s age.
  2. Competitive Areas: In regions where there is high demand for selective school places, students may need to achieve significantly higher scores, often in the range of 110 to 120 or more, to be competitive
  3. School-Specific Criteria: Different schools or groups of schools may have unique scoring criteria. A score deemed good for one school might not be sufficient for another. Therefore, it’s essential for parents to understand the specific score requirements of the schools they are interested in

How Many Questions are on 11+ Exams?

Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning

  • These sections typically contain around 40 to 80 questions each. The number of questions and the time allocated can vary by the specific test provider, such as GL Assessment or CEM​

Mathematics

  • The maths section usually includes around 40 to 50 questions, focusing on various topics such as arithmetic, geometry, and algebra​

Timing

  • The exam is generally designed to be completed within two to three hours, with each section lasting between 45 and 60 minutes

English:

  • This section often contains 40 to 50 questions, covering comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar

Conclusion

Preparing for the 11 Plus exam in 2024 requires not only a comprehensive understanding of the application process but also effective preparation strategies and a supportive environment. By incorporating these unique insights and tips, you can help your child approach the exam with confidence and poise, thereby enhancing their chances of success.

Furthermore, remember to stay informed about specific school requirements and deadlines by visiting individual school websites and consulting local authorities.

Simillar Blogs

1.Comprehensive Guide to 11 Plus Preparation
2.11 Plus Exam Papers – General Discovery
3.Mastering 11 Plus Reading Comprehension: A Parent’s Guide


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