If you are a parent with a child gearing up for Year 7 grammar or independent school entry, you probably already know that September is the big month. Pinning down the exact 11 plus exam dates 2026 is easily one of the most stressful parts of the whole process especially with tests happening all over London, Essex, and nearby areas.
We speak to parents every single day who are worried about missing a crucial deadline. So, to make your life a little easier, we’ve put together a clear, straightforward guide to the key test dates this coming autumn. Grab your diary, and let’s get these penciled in so you can focus on what really matters: supporting your child!
The Complete Calendar for the 11 Plus Exam Dates 2026
Here is the rundown of the main exams happening this September. Just a quick reminder: different schools use slightly different test formats (like GL, CEM, or their own bespoke papers). Getting familiar with these 11 plus exam dates 2026 timelines right now means you can plan out a sensible revision schedule for the summer holidays without any last-minute cramming.
- The Henrietta Barnett School: 2nd – 4th September (GL Board)
- Latymer Test: 3rd – 5th September (GL-style)
- Bexley Selection Test: 7th – 10th September (Quest)
- Kent Test (PESE): 10th September (GL Board)
- Selective Eligibility Test (SET): Tuesday, 15th September (GL Board)
- QE (Queen Elizabeth’s) Stage 1: 16th & 17th September (GL Board)
- Redbridge 11+: Friday, 18th September (GL Board)
- St Olave’s / Newstead: Friday, 18th September (School Own Board)
- CSSE 11+: Saturday, 19th September (CEM Board)
(Quick parent tip: Most portal registrations actually open around April or May 2026 and close tightly by June or July. If you miss that summer window, your child usually won’t be able to sit the exam at all. Please don’t leave it to the last minute!)
A Closer Look at the Regional Tests
Looking at all these dates at once can feel a bit overwhelming, but here is a quick breakdown of how the month actually flows.
Henrietta Barnett & Latymer: These exams kick off right at the start of September. Because they hit literally days after the summer break, your child will need to keep up a steady, light practice routine throughout August so they don’t lose momentum.
Bexley, Kent, and CSSE: The Bexley test stretches over four days, and Kent follows right after on the 10th. These are massive exams with thousands of applicants. Meanwhile, the CSSE (Essex) exam gives you a tiny bit of breathing room since it’s later on the 19th, which is great for squeezing in one final weekend mock test.
How to Handle the September Rush
Because the 11 plus exam dates 2026 are all crammed into a few short weeks, September is going to be incredibly busy. Here is how we tell our parents to handle the final stretch:
- Do full mock runs: Sitting comfortably at the kitchen table is one thing; sitting in a quiet, timed hall is another. Full mock exams are the absolute best way to kill off those exam-day nerves.
- Plug the gaps quickly: Stop revising the topics they are already great at. Spend those final weeks purely on the tricky bits they struggle with—usually the harder Verbal and Non-Verbal reasoning patterns.
- Prioritize sleep: Seriously, a well-rested child will always score better than one who stayed up until 10 PM doing practice papers. Keep the mornings calm and positive.
What Happens After the 11 Plus Exam Dates 2026?
Once September is over, you can finally breathe! For most grammar schools, you will get the results by mid-October. After you see how they did, your next job is to fill out the Common Application Form (CAF) for your local council. The absolute deadline for that is usually October 31, 2026.
Need a Little Extra Support?
If you want to ensure your child goes into exam week feeling totally prepared, professional guidance makes all the difference. Check out our tailored 11+ Tuition Programs to see how our expert tutors at BrightMind Plus can help polish your child’s skills before the big day.
For more official updates on registering, it’s always a good idea to check the standard admissions guidelines on the official UK Government Education Portal.