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Brainhub guide

11+ results are out: what to do next

A clear, calm plan for the weeks after 11+ results, whatever the score.

Written by the Brainhub Editorial Team Cites published research Updated 13 Oct 2026 6 min read

Key takeaways

1. Understanding the score

Most 11+ tests report a standardised score, which adjusts for things like your child’s age on test day. Grammar schools set a qualifying or pass score, but in many areas more children qualify than there are places. Places are then given using each school’s published admissions criteria, such as score ranking or distance.

Check each school’s admissions policy on its website or your council’s website to see how qualifying children are ranked.

2. The application deadline

In England, you apply for a secondary school place through your local council, usually online. The deadline is 31 October in the year before your child starts secondary school.[1]

You can usually list several schools. Under the School Admissions Code, councils use an equal-preference system, so putting a grammar school first doesn’t harm your chances at the schools you list after it. List schools in the order you genuinely prefer.[2]

Rank schools in the order you really want them. The system is designed for honest preferences.

3. Offer day, waiting lists and appeals

Offers are sent on National Offer Day, 1 March (or the next working day). If you don’t get your preferred school, you can ask to stay on its waiting list, which schools must keep until at least 31 December of the year of entry.[2]

You also have the right to appeal. Your offer letter explains how, and you must be given at least 20 school days to lodge an appeal.[3]

4. Whatever the result

If your child qualified

Celebrate, then check admissions criteria and list schools in genuine order of preference.

If they didn’t

Remind them it’s one test on one day. Many excellent schools don’t select by test.

Either way

Keep reading and maths habits going: secondary school starts in September.

Need a sounding board?: Our teachers can talk through your options and next steps in a free call.

Try it now

Test yourself on this page

Answer in your head first, then check.

  1. 1. When is the secondary school application deadline in England?

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

  3. 3. When are secondary school offers sent?

Your next steps

  • Read each school’s admissions policy.
  • Submit your application before 31 October.
  • Put 1 March in your calendar.

Sources

  1. GOV.UK. Apply for a secondary school place. gov.uk/apply-for-secondary-school-place
  2. Department for Education (2021). School Admissions Code. gov.uk/government/publications/school-admissions-code--2
  3. GOV.UK. School admissions: appealing a school’s decision. gov.uk/schools-admissions/appealing-a-schools-decision

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