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11+ registration season: the key jobs for parents as applications open

14 September 2026 · The ElevenReady Team

With no new school-specific admissions change to report today, the most useful update for families is a practical one: 11+ registration season is starting, and the early admin matters more than many parents expect.

For many grammar schools and partially selective schools, the registration window opens well before the test itself. Missing a form, misunderstanding a school’s process or assuming all schools use the same timetable can create unnecessary stress later on.

What parents should do now

1. Check each school’s own registration window. Do not assume nearby schools share the same opening or closing dates. If your child may sit for more than one school or consortium, list each deadline separately.
2. Confirm the test format for your child’s entry year. Schools can change provider or format for future cohorts, so make sure you are looking at the correct entry year rather than an older page or a previous sibling’s experience.
3. Read the admissions and test arrangements carefully. Look for registration steps, supplementary forms, test dates, eligibility rules and any residency or catchment requirements that could affect an application.
4. Prepare the practical details early. Keep login details, key documents and a simple calendar of deadlines in one place so nothing is left to the final week.
5. Check whether special arrangements need to be requested. If a school requires evidence or advance notice for access arrangements, it is far better to find that out at the start of the registration period.

Why this matters

At this stage, the biggest gains often come from clarity rather than extra pressure. Families do not need to rush into panic revision, but they do need an accurate picture of where they plan to apply, how each school tests and when action is required.

A calm approach now can make the autumn much easier: know the schools, know the dates and keep a written checklist. Registration season is the point where 11+ plans become real, and careful admin is one of the simplest ways to stay in control.