Potential Changes to 11+ Testing Dates
There has been increasing discussion surrounding a possible change to the timing of some 11+ entrance tests, with suggestions that examinations may move from September to July. Whilst no official confirmation has been made across all areas, there is growing momentum behind this shift, and several grammar school regions have already announced plans to move to summer testing. I would say with some certainty that this is now happening and this will affect your children.
The primary reasoning behind this proposed change is to reduce the amount of revision children undertake during the summer holidays and to ease the pressure of preparing throughout the six-week break.
A number of grammar school areas have already confirmed earlier testing dates. For example, the Gloucestershire Grammar School Consortium — including Pate’s Grammar School, The Crypt School, Sir Thomas Rich’s School, Ribston Hall High School, Stroud High School, Marling School and Denmark Road High School — has announced a move to summer term testing from 2027 (for September 2028 entry). Similarly, Reading School in Berkshire has already brought its examinations forward and will hold testing in July for the 2027 intake.
Whilst we understand the rationale behind a potential move to earlier testing, we also recognise that this may reduce the amount of preparation time available for some children. We know many families value a balanced summer holiday, and we remain committed to providing engaging learning opportunities without creating unnecessary pressure or unrealistic expectations.
With this in mind, and as part of our contingency planning, we will be adapting our provision to ensure children are fully prepared should testing move earlier.
For children currently in Year 4, we will be introducing:
• Weekly workshops alongside the existing 1:1 lessons already available
• Additional Maths crash courses, recognising that this can be a challenging area for many children
• Earlier access to mock examinations to help build familiarity, confidence and exam readiness
In addition, we will be expanding our wider holiday provision to include further support during:
• February half term
• Easter holidays
• May half term
This additional provision will include targeted crash courses and earlier mock testing opportunities, helping children remain well prepared whilst maintaining a balanced and positive approach to learning.
Based on previous changes to testing formats — such as the transition from CEM to GL-style assessments in several areas — it is possible that official confirmation may not be received until February or March 2027. At present, however, no formal announcement has been made, and we will continue to monitor developments closely.
Ultimately, our priority is to ensure children are confidently prepared without unnecessary pressure. As competition continues to increase, with some providers beginning preparation as early as Years 1 and 2, we believe it is important to adapt our offering in a measured, child-centred and positive way.
Further details will be shared in the next few days and updated as more information becomes available.
As always, if you have any questions, please do get in touch. We will continue to share the most up-to-date information as soon as we receive it.
