--- type: "Article" title: "What is the 12+ or 13+ transfer test?" description: "The 12+ and 13+ transfer tests let some children join a grammar school after Year 7, a second route if they did not get in at 11+. How they work." resource: https://pip11plus.com/what-is-the-12-plus-or-13-plus-transfer-test tags: ["pip"] timestamp: 2026-10-13T19:50:09Z image: https://pip11plus.com/info-hub-cards/appeals-backups-pip.jpg --- 🎓 After the Exam # What is the 12+ or 13+ transfer test? ![Pip](https://pip11plus.com/media/pip-mark.png) **By the Pip team** Updated October 2026 The 12+ and 13+ transfer tests are exams some grammar schools use to admit children into later year groups, after Year 7 or Year 8. They exist because places sometimes open up once a school year is under way, and they give a second chance to children who did not qualify or apply at 11+. Not every school offers them, and the format and timing vary, so they are a useful option to know about rather than a guaranteed route. **TL;DR** - The 12+ and 13+ are entry tests for later year groups at some grammar schools. - They offer a second route for children who missed out or did not sit the 11+. - Places depend on spaces opening up, and not all schools offer them. - The skills overlap with the 11+, so steady practice is the main preparation. ## What the transfer tests are Where the 11+ is sat in Year 6 for entry into Year 7, the 12+ and 13+ are sat later for entry into Year 8 or Year 9. They fill places that come free when a child leaves a grammar school. They use a similar style of assessment to the 11+, testing the same underlying skills, so the territory will feel familiar to any family that has been through the [11+](https://pip11plus.com/what-is-the-11-plus-exam) already. _11+, 12+ and 13+ at a glance: each is sat a year before entry, in Years 6, 7 and 8 for entry to Years 7, 8 and 9. The later tests fill places that open up._ ## Who they're for These tests suit a few situations. A child who narrowly missed out at 11+, one who did not sit it, or a family that moved into a grammar area later can all use them as a way in. They are also one of the routes worth weighing up in our wider guide to [what happens if your child does not pass](https://pip11plus.com/what-happens-if-my-child-doesnt-pass-the-11-plus), alongside appeals and independent schools. **A second chance, not a sure thing** Transfer places only exist when a seat opens up, so they can be limited and competitive. Treat the 12+ or 13+ as a welcome extra option rather than a guaranteed back door. ## Places depend on availability The big difference from the 11+ is supply. There is no fixed intake at 12+ or 13+, so a school can only admit if a current pupil moves on and frees a place. That makes availability unpredictable from year to year. Some schools run a transfer test routinely; others only when needed, and some not at all. _Transfer-test places only open when a pupil leaves, vary year to year, and aren't offered everywhere. A welcome extra option, not a guaranteed route._ Independent schools use a different exam for 13+ entry: [Common Entrance](https://pip11plus.com/common-entrance-explained). ## How to prepare The good news is that preparation looks much like 11+ preparation, because the skills overlap. Keeping up steady practice in maths, English and reasoning is the bulk of the work. If your child is between the 11+ and a possible transfer test, a light daily habit keeps them sharp. A few minutes with [Pip](https://pip11plus.com/index#get) each day maintains the skills, and our guidance on [steady preparation](https://pip11plus.com/when-should-you-start-preparing-for-the-11-plus) applies just as well here. ## Check with your schools Because everything varies, go straight to the schools you are interested in. Their admissions teams can tell you whether they run a transfer test, when, and in what format. Confirm the details early so you are ready if a place comes up, and keep a secured school place in the meantime, just as you would when considering an [independent school backup](https://pip11plus.com/should-we-consider-private-school-as-a-backup). ![Pip](https://pip11plus.com/media/pip-mark.png) Written by **The Pip team** The Pip team builds Pip, the 11+ and KS2 practice app for children in years three to six. We write these guides from real exam formats and past papers. ## Keep reading [What happens if my child doesn't pass the 11+?](https://pip11plus.com/what-happens-if-my-child-doesnt-pass-the-11-plus): After the Exam Your options, and how to talk about it. 4 min read · After the Exam [Can you appeal an 11+ result?](https://pip11plus.com/can-you-appeal-an-11-plus-result): After the Exam The honest odds and the valid grounds. 4 min read · After the Exam [Should we consider private school as a backup?](https://pip11plus.com/should-we-consider-private-school-as-a-backup): After the Exam Where 11+ and independent prep overlap. 4 min read · After the Exam ## Keep the door open Pip turns 11+ practice into five calm minutes a day across maths, English and reasoning, so your child stays ready for whatever route appears. [Download Pip on the App Store](https://apps.apple.com/app/pip-11-practice/id6775690698) [Get Pip on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pip11plus.app) [Available at Amazon Appstore](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0HKGJ4HTP) [More 11+ guides](https://pip11plus.com/info-hub) Free forever · no sign-up