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11+ results week: when results arrive and what they mean

Most 11+ results arrive in October, close to the 31 October council deadline. Plan your school list before the email lands, whatever it says.

Written by the Brainhub Editorial Team Cites published research Updated 31 Oct 2026 5 min read

Key takeaways

1. Why this week

11+ results for September 2028 entry arrive through October 2027, close to the council deadline. Dame Alice Owen’s emails its Round 2 results on 22 October, and the council application closes on 31 October.[1]

That leaves little time, so the best moment to plan is before the results come.

2. When results arrive

Buckinghamshire says Transfer Test results come in mid-October 2027.[2]

St Olave’s gives the outcome of its Stage 1 test in mid-October, before half-term. Its Stage 2 test, for children invited back, is on 12 November 2027, after the council deadline, so you list the school before you know the final outcome.[3]

When
What
Mid-October
Buckinghamshire Transfer Test results; St Olave’s Stage 1 outcome.
22 October
Dame Alice Owen’s Round 2 results by email.
31 October
The council application deadline.
1 March 2028
National Offer Day.

3. What the score means

Most 11+ tests report a standardised score, which adjusts for your child’s age on the test day. Schools set a qualifying or pass score, but in many areas more children qualify than there are places.

Grammar schools can give priority to children who pass an entrance test, and then each school’s admissions criteria decide, often by score order or distance. Read the policy for each school you are considering.[4]

A pass is a step, not a place.

4. Before the results

Draft your school list now, in your real order of preference. Councils use an equal-preference system, so listing a grammar school first does not harm your chances at the schools below it. Make a plan A with the grammar school and a plan B without it, so you are ready either way.[5]

Agree what you will say to your child, and say the same kind words whatever the result. Our guide to reading admissions criteria explains how places are given.

Whatever the result: Our qualified teachers help children get ready for Year 7, one-to-one, online or in person. Every family starts with a free 45-minute assessment.

Try it now

Test yourself on this page

Answer in your head first, then check.

  1. 1. When are Dame Alice Owen’s Round 2 results for 2028 entry?

  2. 2. Does passing the 11+ guarantee a place?

  3. 3. Does listing a grammar school first harm your other choices?

Your next steps

  • Draft your school list this week.
  • Read the admissions criteria for each grammar school.
  • Put 31 October in your calendar.

Sources

  1. Dame Alice Owen’s School. Key dates: secondary transfer entry September 2028. damealiceowens.herts.sch.uk/admissions/key-dates
  2. Buckinghamshire Council. Grammar schools and Secondary Transfer Testing (11+): timeline for 2028 entry. buckinghamshire.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/schools-index/school-admissions/grammar-schools-and-transfer-testing-11/timeline-for-following-year
  3. St Olave’s Grammar School. Year 7 key dates (2027 and 2028 entry). saintolaves.net/4205/key-dates-1
  4. GOV.UK. School admissions: admission criteria. gov.uk/schools-admissions/admissions-criteria
  5. Department for Education (2021). School Admissions Code. gov.uk/government/publications/school-admissions-code--2

This guide is general study advice. Every student is different. A teacher can help you work out what fits.