Almost any child in Year 6, usually aged 10 to 11, is eligible to sit the 11+, as long as a parent applies to a participating grammar or independent school. For most schools there is no national restriction based on where you live, though some give priority to local families. Children with special educational needs can sit too, with access arrangements available. Most children get one attempt, in Year 6, so it is worth knowing the rules early.
- Any Year 6 child can sit the 11+ if a parent applies to a participating school.
- Most schools have no national location limit, though some prioritise local families.
- Children with SEN can sit, with access arrangements like extra time available.
- Most children get one attempt in Year 6; some areas offer a later 12+ or 13+ route.
Who can sit the 11+?
Eligibility is broad. If your child is in Year 6 and you apply to a school that uses the 11+, they can sit it. There is no need for a teacher's nomination or a minimum school grade.
For most grammar schools there is no national rule about where you live, so families can apply across areas. Some schools do prioritise local applicants when allocating places, which is a separate question covered in our guide to catchment areas.
The right age and year group
The 11+ is taken in Year 6, the final year of primary school, when children are typically 10 or 11. The exam itself usually falls in the autumn term of that year.
If you are new to all this, our overview of what the 11+ is sets out where the exam sits in the school calendar and what it leads to.
Can a child with SEN sit the 11+?
Yes. Children with special educational needs are eligible, and schools can put access arrangements in place, such as extra time or a reader, depending on the need.
These are not automatic, so contact the school's admissions team well in advance with any supporting evidence. Arranging this early gives the school time to approve the right support before exam day.
If your child may need extra time or other support, raise it with admissions months ahead, not weeks. Approvals can take time and often need documentation, so early contact protects your child's fair chance.
Can my child resit the 11+?
For most children, the 11+ is a one-time exam taken in Year 6. There is usually no resit in the same admissions round.
Some areas do offer a later route through a 12+ or 13+ transfer test, which can give children another opportunity if they did not qualify at 11+. Availability varies by area, so check with the schools you are interested in.
How to put your child forward
Eligibility only counts once you register. You apply directly to the school or admissions authority, and there is a window each year for doing so.
Missing the window is the most common avoidable mistake, so it pays to know when registration opens and closes. If you are considering several schools, you can often sit for more than one. Meanwhile, steady daily practice with Pip keeps your child ready whatever you decide.