When Are The 7+, 11+ and 13+ Exams?
The 7+, 11+, and 13+ exams are typically scheduled to align with specific school admission cycles. The timing can vary depending on whether the exam is for a grammar school, independent school, or preparatory school, but there are common patterns across the UK. Below is a detailed explanation of the exam timings and the associated processes:
7+ Exam
When Does It Take Place?
- The 7+ exam is usually held in January of Year 2, but the exact date can vary depending on the school.
- Registration for the exam often closes months in advance, typically by September or October of Year 2.
Key Milestones for the 7+ Exam
- Registration: Parents need to register their child with the target school well in advance, often by the autumn term of Year 2.
- Examination Period: Most schools conduct the 7+ exams in early January, though some may hold them in December or February.
- Interviews and Offers: After the written exams, successful candidates are invited for interviews or activity-based assessments. Offers are generally made in February or March.
Why This Timing?
The January timing allows schools to evaluate students early in the calendar year and gives parents ample time to plan for the next academic year starting in September.
11+ Exam
When Does It Take Place?
The timing of the 11+ exam depends on whether it is for grammar schools or independent schools:
Grammar Schools
- September of Year 6: Most grammar schools hold their 11+ exams early in the autumn term of Year 6. This allows results to be finalized before parents submit their school preference forms in October for state secondary school applications.
- Some schools may conduct tests in late summer, such as in July or early September.
Independent Schools
- January of Year 6: Independent schools typically hold their 11+ exams in January, giving students more time to prepare compared to grammar school applicants.
- Registration deadlines for these exams usually close by September or October of Year 6.
Key Milestones for the 11+ Exam
- Registration: Parents need to register their child by late summer or early autumn of Year 5 or Year 6, depending on the school.
- Examination Period: Grammar schools often test in September, while independent schools test later, around January.
- Interviews and Offers: Independent schools may conduct interviews and assessment days following the exams, with offers made in February or March.
Why This Timing?
- Grammar schools align with the state school admission deadlines.
- Independent schools provide more preparation time and often have different admission cycles.
13+ Exam
When Does It Take Place?
The 13+ exam has different timings based on the type of school and the purpose of the exam:
Common Entrance Exam (CEE)
- The main written exams take place in the summer term of Year 8, typically in June.
- Some schools also offer a testing session in the autumn term of Year 7 (known as the pre-test).
Scholarship Exams
- Held in spring or summer of Year 8, often between March and May, depending on the school.
Pre-Tests
- Many senior schools require pre-tests (computerized or written) in Year 6 or Year 7 to shortlist candidates for the full 13+ exam in Year 8.
Key Milestones for the 13+ Exam
- Registration: Registration often occurs as early as Year 5 or Year 6, depending on the school’s requirements.
- Pre-Testing: For schools using pre-tests, these typically take place in Year 6 or 7.
- Examination Period: Full exams are conducted in the summer of Year 8, with scholarship exams earlier in the year.
- Interviews and Offers: Some schools combine interviews with the pre-test or hold them after the written exams.
Why This Timing?
- The summer term timing ensures students complete their current school cycle before transitioning to senior school.
- Pre-tests allow schools to gauge potential candidates earlier and manage admissions effectively.
Comparison of Exam Timings
| Exam | Registration Deadline | Main Exam Period | Additional Assessments (Interviews/Offers) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7+ | September–October (Year 2) | December–February (Year 2) | February–March (Year 2) |
| 11+ | Grammar: July–September (Year 6) Independent: September–October (Year 6) | Grammar: September (Year 6) Independent: January (Year 6) | Grammar: N/A Independent: February–March (Year 6) |
| 13+ | Year 5–Year 6 | Pre-Test: Year 6–Year 7 Full Exam: Summer of Year 8 | Scholarship Interviews: Spring/Summer of Year 8 |
The 7+, 11+, and 13+ exams are strategically scheduled to fit the academic progression and admission processes of UK schools. Families need to stay informed about registration deadlines and plan preparation accordingly to meet the specific requirements of their chosen schools. If you need advice on how to prepare for these exams or want specific details about individual schools’ schedules, feel free to ask!