How Do You Apply For The 11+?

Wanting your child to get the best education possible is natural for any parent - and, to this end, you may want to consider entering them for the 11+.

This is a selective entrance exam that forms part of the admissions process for state-funded secondary schools with an emphasis on academic achievement, as well as some fee-paying independent schools.

The exam content itself does vary region by region, but it typically covers English, maths and both verbal and non-verbal reasoning, with students sitting two exams that last between 45 minutes and an hour.

How to apply for the Bucks 11+

In Buckinghamshire, the 11+ is now known as the secondary transfer test and children with a score of at least 121 will qualify for a place at a local grammar school.

For the 2026 intake, you can register your child between May 2nd and June 13th. If your child attends a Bucks state primary school in the county, you won’t need to register as they’ll be entered automatically. Children attending a Berkshire school will need to apply through their local council.

In Buckinghamshire, children sit two test papers, each approximately one hour long with a break in between. A shorter practice test is also held, typically two days before the main exam so that children have a better idea of what to expect.

The practice test will be held on September 9th 2025 and the actual test on September 11th. Results will be published in October 2025 and school allocations will be made in February 2026.

For children in Bucks, the test will be held at school during the day if your child goes to a state-funded primary school or partner school.

This may not be an option for children in other areas, however, as some primary state and private schools in Berks offer this, but not all of them. In this instance, your child will be invited to sit the test at a grammar school or other central venue.

If you’d like to find out more about the 11+ and to enquire about tutoring, get in touch with WSB Tutoring today.