11+ Exam Dates 2026–2027

Knowing the exact dates for grammar school and independent school 11+ exams is one of the first and most important steps in preparation. Register too late and your child misses their sitting window entirely. The 2026–2027 application cycle is now in full swing, with several schools opening registration in summer 2026 and exams beginning in September. This guide covers confirmed and expected dates for the major grammar school exams, London consortium schools, and key independent schools.

Summary: Key 2026 Exam Dates at a Glance

Dates marked TBC reflect expected windows based on prior years. Always verify directly on individual school websites as dates are confirmed during summer 2026. The QE Boys registration deadline of 8 July 2026 is confirmed.

Queen Elizabeth's School Barnet (QE Boys) — September 2026

QE Boys is one of the most competitive grammar schools in England, with approximately 3,500 applicants competing for around 180 Year 7 places annually. For the 2026 entry cycle:

• Exam dates: 16–17 September 2026
• Registration deadline: 8 July 2026 — this is the earliest hard deadline of the major super-selective grammar school cycle. Do not miss it.
• Exam format: GL Assessment — two papers covering English, maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning
• Designated area: QE Boys does not have a catchment area — it is open to all applicants nationally. Distance does not affect ranking.

With 3,500 applicants for 180 places, QE Boys requires a score in approximately the top 5–6% of the sitting. Thorough preparation starting at least 12 months before the exam is strongly advised. See our QE Boys 11+ preparation guide.

Tiffin Girls' School — October 2026

Tiffin Girls' is consistently ranked among the top grammar schools in the country. Over 1,000 applicants compete for 180 Year 7 places.

• Stage 1 exam dates: 1–2 October 2026
• Stage 2 (shortlisted candidates only): later in October/November 2026
• Exam format: Two-stage GL Assessment process. Stage 1 tests verbal and non-verbal reasoning; Stage 2 tests English and mathematics in depth

Tiffin Girls uses a two-stage process: Stage 1 narrows the field to approximately 500 candidates, who then sit Stage 2. Preparation must cover all four components thoroughly. See our Tiffin Girls' 11+ preparation guide.

The London Consortium — Borough Grammar Schools

The London Consortium includes grammar schools in Barnet, Enfield, Kingston, Richmond, and other boroughs. These schools typically share a single GL Assessment paper administered in September or October each year. Key schools in the consortium include:

• Latymer School (Edmonton)
• Dame Alice Owen's School
• Henrietta Barnett School
• Watford Grammar Schools

Registration for consortium schools opens in spring/summer and typically closes by July or August. Contact your target school's admissions office directly to confirm the 2026 deadline — these dates are set annually.

Essex Grammar Schools (CSSE Exam)

Grammar schools in Essex — including KEGS Chelmsford, Chelmsford County High School for Girls, and others — use the CSSE (Consortium for Selective Schools in Essex) exam. The CSSE exam typically takes place in late September or early October. For 2026:

• Registration through individual schools — typically opens in June/July
• CSSE exam: expected late September / early October 2026
• KEGS Chelmsford entry is based on CSSE results

For KEGS Chelmsford preparation guidance, see our KEGS Chelmsford 11+ guide.

Sutton Grammar Schools — SET Exam

The Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET) is used by a consortium of grammar schools in the Sutton and Croydon area, including Sutton Grammar, Wilson's School, Wallington County Grammar, Wallington High School for Girls, and others. The SET exam typically takes place in September.

Independent School 11+ Dates

Independent school 11+ exams typically take place in January of Year 6, with offers made in early February. Key independent schools with 11+ entry include Highgate, City of London School, North London Collegiate School, and St Paul's Girls'. Most register in November–December of Year 5.

How to Use This Timetable

The golden rule: work backwards from each exam date. Most 11+ preparation experts recommend at least 12 months of structured preparation for super-selective grammar schools like QE Boys and Tiffin Girls. For children in Year 4 reading this in summer 2026, you are on track. For children in Year 5 with exams in September 2026, the preparation window is now very short — prioritise GL Assessment verbal and non-verbal reasoning practice immediately.

For a personalised preparation plan timed around your child's target schools and current academic level, book a free consultation with Leading Tuition. Our tutors can advise on exactly where to focus in the time available.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the QE Boys 11+ exam in 2026?

The Queen Elizabeth's School Barnet (QE Boys) 11+ exam takes place on 16–17 September 2026. The registration deadline is 8 July 2026 — this is confirmed and is the earliest hard deadline among the major super-selective grammar schools. Missing this deadline means your child cannot sit for QE Boys in the 2026 entry cycle.

When is the Tiffin Girls' School 11+ exam in 2026?

Tiffin Girls' School uses a two-stage 11+ process. Stage 1 takes place on 1–2 October 2026 and is open to all registered applicants. Stage 2, for shortlisted candidates only, follows in October/November 2026. Over 1,000 applicants compete for 180 places. Registration typically opens in spring — check the school website for exact deadlines.

What is the GL Assessment and which schools use it?

The GL Assessment is the test provider used by the majority of London and South-East grammar schools, including QE Boys, Tiffin Girls', Henrietta Barnett, Dame Alice Owen's, and the London Consortium schools. It tests verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, English, and mathematics. Understanding the GL Assessment format is essential for preparing effectively — see our GL Assessment preparation guide for a full breakdown.

How can Leading Tuition help with 11+ exam preparation?

Leading Tuition provides specialist 11+ tutoring tailored to your child's target schools. We cover all components of the GL Assessment and CSSE exam, build speed and accuracy under timed conditions, and help families understand what each school's admissions process is looking for. Our tutors have experience with QE Boys, Tiffin Girls', Henrietta Barnett, KEGS Chelmsford, and all the major London grammar schools. Book a free consultation to discuss your child's year group, target schools, and the time available before their exams.