Everything Parents Need to Know About the Buckinghamshire 11+ in 2026 and 2027
If your child is in Year 3, 4 or Year 5, now is the time to start thinking seriously about the 11+ exam. With grammar school places in Buckinghamshire highly competitive, preparation and planning ahead can make all the difference.
Here’s everything you need to know for 2026 and 2027 entry.
Key Dates for 2026 Entry
- Registration is now closed
- Exam date:
- 8 September 2026 – Children sit the Practice Test.
- 10 September 2026 – Children sit the Secondary Transfer Test.
- Results released: 9 October 2026
Key Dates for 2027 Entry
- Registration opens: Early May 2027
- Registration closes: EARLY June 2027
- Exam date: Early September 2027
- Results released: Mid-October 2027
Important: Missing the registration deadline means your child cannot sit the exam that year. Put these dates in your calendar now.
What Does the Buckinghamshire 11+ Test?
The Buckinghamshire 11+ is set by GL Assessment and tests four areas:
- English — comprehension, vocabulary, grammar and punctuation
- Maths — problem solving, arithmetic and reasoning
- Verbal Reasoning — word patterns, codes, analogies and sequences
- Non-Verbal Reasoning — shape patterns, spatial awareness and logical deduction
The verbal and non-verbal reasoning sections in particular require consistent practice over many months to build the skills needed to perform confidently under timed conditions.
When Should Preparation Start?
The earlier, the better — but it’s never too late.
- Year 3: Build strong foundations in English and Maths. This is the ideal time to start, as it allows children to develop at a relaxed pace without pressure.
- Year 4: Begin structured 11+ preparation covering the full range of topics. Children who start here have plenty of time to become comfortable with all four subject areas.
- Year 5: The most intensive year of preparation. By September of Year 5, children should be covering advanced-level content and practising regularly under timed conditions.
5 Tips to Support Your Child at Home
1. Little and often beats cramming Short, regular sessions of 20–30 minutes are far more effective than occasional long sessions. Consistency builds confidence.
2. Focus on weak areas, not just strengths It’s tempting to practise what your child already finds easy. The exam rewards breadth — make sure no area is neglected.
3. Practise under timed conditions The 11+ is not just about knowing the right answer — it’s about finding it quickly. Timed practice should begin well before the exam.
4. Keep it calm and positive Children pick up on parental anxiety. Try to frame preparation as interesting and achievable rather than high-stakes. Confidence on exam day matters enormously.
5. Use mock exams Sitting a full mock exam in exam conditions — with an invigilator, a timer, and no parental support in the room — is one of the best ways to prepare. It removes the fear of the unknown.
How We Can Help
At The 11+ Institute, we offer small group tuition (maximum 5-6 students per class) across our Milton Keynes and Buckingham study centres. All sessions are delivered by a qualified, specialist teacher using a curriculum developed specifically for the Buckinghamshire GL Assessment exam.
We currently offer courses for Year 4 and Year 5, as well as mock exams and a free initial assessment.
If you’d like to find out more email us at the11plusinstitute@gmail.com or call 07984061553.
Posted June 2026 | The 11+ Institute