Planning ahead is crucial when preparing for the 11+ test in Gloucestershire. With strict deadlines and limited testing opportunities, knowing the key dates for grammar school admissions can make a significant difference in how prepared your child feels when the day comes.
Here’s a breakdown of important dates and what each stage means for families considering the 11+ route for the 2025/26 academic year.
When Does Registration Open?
Registration for the 11+ test in Gloucestershire typically opens in mid-May of your child’s Year 5. You must complete the registration process online via the Gloucestershire County Council website or through individual grammar school websites, depending on how each school manages their application process.
- Expected Opening: Mid-May 2025
- Expected Deadline: Late June 2025
If you miss this window, your child may not be eligible to take the test in September.
How to Register
You’ll need to provide basic information about your child, such as their date of birth, current primary school, and contact details. Some grammar schools may also request additional documentation or preference information.
Top Tip: Sign up for updates on your preferred school’s website and subscribe to newsletters. Many schools will notify you of registration deadlines and provide timely reminders.
Test Day: When Will the Exam Take Place?
The Gloucestershire 11+ test is usually scheduled for mid-September, typically on a Saturday morning. For the 2025/26 cohort, the expected date is:
- Test Date: Mid-September 2025 (Exact date TBC)
Testing usually takes place on-site at the grammar school. Parents and students will receive information about arrival times, what to bring, and what to expect on the day.
Results and School Applications
Test results are normally released in October, often within three to four weeks of the test date. You’ll receive your child’s standardised score along with a ranking that helps you understand how they performed relative to other candidates.
Key dates include:
- Results Released: Early to mid-October 2025
- Secondary School Application Deadline: 31st October 2025
You will then use the results to decide which schools to include in your child’s local authority school application form, which determines final placements for Year 7.
Important Tips for Parents
- Don’t wait until Year 6 to start preparing. Begin lightly in Year 4, build up in Year 5.
- Use a calendar or planner to track deadlines.
- Visit schools on open days (usually in June or July), allowing your child to get a feel for each environment.
Consider tutoring or mock exams to simulate the experience and reduce test-day nerves.
If you need advice about your year 4 child’s suitability for 11+?
Book a free 11+ consultation with Nicki Moodie to plan your child’s preparation.
Click Here for the link to book a convenient time to talk to Nicki
