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After the 11+ results: finishing your school list by 31 October

The 11+ result is in. Whatever it says, the next job is the same: finish an honest, full school list and submit it before 31 October.

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

Key takeaways

1. Why this week

Most 11+ results for September 2028 entry are out by now, and the council deadline is 31 October 2027. In 2027 that is a Sunday, so aim to submit in the week before.[1]

In 2026, 96.4% of children in England were offered a school they listed, and 83.6% got their first preference. A full, honest list is what protects your child.[2]

2. Two results, one plan

If your child qualified, put the grammar school where it really sits in your preferences. Councils use an equal-preference system, so listing it first does not harm your chances at the schools below it. A pass is not a place, though: the school’s admissions criteria still decide.[3]

If your child did not qualify this time, lead with plan B. Many excellent schools do not select by test. Either way, fill your list and include at least one school where your child clearly meets the criteria.[4]

One test, many good schools.

3. Submit by 31 October

Apply through your home council, even for schools in another area. Submit a few days early, check every school is listed in the right order, and keep your confirmation email.[1]

4. After you apply

Offers come by email on National Offer Day, 1 March 2028. If you do not get a school you want, you can ask to stay on its waiting list, which schools keep until at least 31 December of the year of entry.[3]

You also have the right to appeal, and you must be given at least 20 school days to lodge it. Your offer email explains how.[5]

When
What
31 October 2027
Council application deadline.
1 March 2028
National Offer Day.
Until at least 31 December 2028
Waiting lists kept.

5. How you can help

Celebrate the effort first, whatever the score. Talk about the schools on the list as good options, not a ranking of your child. Our guide to reading admissions criteria explains how places are given.

Ready for Year 7: Our qualified teachers help children get ready for secondary school, 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. Does listing a grammar school first harm your other choices?

  2. 2. When is the council deadline for September 2028 entry?

  3. 3. How long do you have to lodge an admissions appeal?

Your next steps

  • Finish your list in your real order of preference.
  • Include one school your child clearly qualifies for.
  • Submit a few days before 31 October and keep the confirmation.

Sources

  1. GOV.UK. Apply for a secondary school place. gov.uk/apply-for-secondary-school-place
  2. Department for Education. Primary and secondary school applications and offers, academic year 2026/27 (June 2026). explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/primary-and-secondary-school-applications-and-offers/2026-27
  3. Department for Education (2021). School Admissions Code. gov.uk/government/publications/school-admissions-code--2
  4. Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Secondary admissions hints and tips 2026 (Pan-London eAdmissions dates, up to six schools, admissions criteria). rbkc.gov.uk/sites/default/files/media/documents/RBKC%20-%20Secondary%20Admissions%20Hints%20and%20Tips%202026.pdf
  5. 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.