How Independent Schools Announce Their 11 Plus Exam Results
For many families across the UK, the day 11 Plus Exam Results are announced feels like the longest day of the year. It’s not just a test result, it’s a milestone that can shape a child’s academic path for years to come. Whether your child sat for the independent schools 11 plus results or took part in the state grammar school tests like Bexley, Kent, Warwickshire, or Redbridge, understanding how and when schools announce their results can ease the stress and help you plan the next steps smartly.
Let’s break down the entire process , from how schools release 11+ results, what happens on the announcement day, and what to do after you receive them.
Understanding the 11 Plus Exam System
Before diving into how 11+ results day, independent schools announce their 11 Plus Exam Results, it’s important to understand what these exams represent.
The 11 Plus Exam (often written as 11+) is an entrance exam taken by students in Year 6, around the age of 10 or 11. The results determine admission into selective secondary schools , either grammar schools (state-funded) or independent schools (private institutions).
While grammar schools often use standardized tests like GL Assessment or CEM, independent schools conduct their own entrance exams, tailored to their academic standards. That’s why the announcement dates, result formats, and next steps can vary significantly from one school to another.
When Are 11 Plus Exam Results Announced?
One of the most frequently asked questions by parents is:
“When are 11 Plus Exam Results released?”
Typically:
Grammar school 11+ results are announced between mid-October and early November each year.
Independent school 11+ results often come earlier, around January to February, depending on the exam date.
Here’s a quick snapshot of timelines for different regions:
| Region | 2025 11+ Exam Date | Expected Results Release |
| Bexley | September 2025 | Early October 2025 |
| Kent | September 2025 | Mid-October 2025 |
| Warwickshire | September 2025 | Early October 2025 |
| Redbridge | September 2025 | Late October 2025 |
| Berkshire/Slough | September 2025 | Early November 2025 |
| Independent Schools | January 2025 | January-February 2025 |
Parents should note that exact dates vary each year, and schools post official announcements on their websites, newsletters, or parent portals.
How Independent Schools Announce Their 11 Plus Exam Results
Unlike grammar schools, independent schools often manage the 11 Plus Exam Results announcement process directly, without involving local councils. Here’s what typically happens:
1. Email Notifications
Most independent schools email parents with results on a pre-announced date. The message may include:
- The child’s exam performance
- Interview invitation (if applicable)
- Or a formal offer of a place
2. Online Portals
Many schools now have secure parent portals. You log in using the same credentials used during registration to view your child’s:
- Exam scores
- Merit or waiting list status
- Offer decision
3. Postal Letters
Some traditional independent schools still send results via postal mail for a personal touch. These letters typically arrive within 2-3 days after the official release date.
4. Combined Notifications
A few schools announce results both online and by post, ensuring all families receive them on time, regardless of technical issues.
Independent Schools vs Grammar Schools
Here’s a quick breakdown of how independent school entrance exam results differ from grammar school results:
| Aspect | Independent Schools | Grammar Schools |
| Exam Format | English, Maths, Reasoning, sometimes Interview | GL or CEM standardized tests |
| Result Announcement | Directly by the school | Through local authority portal |
| Results Format | Detailed score or percentage | Pass/Fail or ranked position |
| Offer Letter | Sent by school | Managed through local council |
| Appeal Process | Contact school directly | Formal appeal to local authority |
The biggest difference?
Independent schools handle everything in-house, ensuring more personalized communication.
What Happens on 11+ Results Day for Independent Schools
For both parents and students, 11+ results day is full of emotions, excitement, relief, and sometimes disappointment. It’s the moment when months of effort finally come to light.
Here’s what usually happens on that day:
Step 1: Results Are Released
Around midday or early afternoon, schools begin sending out the results. These might come through an email or be available on the parent portal of the school’s website.
Step 2: Checking for Offers
If your child has passed or earned a high rank, the school might:
- Offer a confirmed place
- Put them on a waiting list
- Or invite them for an interview before making the final decision.
It’s a day that brings answers, decisions, and sometimes new beginnings for both children and parents.
Step 3: Accepting Offers
Parents are usually given a deadline (often 1–2 weeks) to accept or decline an offer. Missing this window may result in losing the place.
Step 4: Scholarship Announcements
If your child performed exceptionally, you may receive additional communication about academic or music scholarships.
Step 5: Decision Time
Families then decide whether to accept the independent school offer or wait for grammar school placements (which come later in March).
Understanding the 2025 11 Plus Exam Results
The 11 Plus Exam Results 2025 season is expected to follow a similar pattern as previous years, though many independent schools are enhancing transparency through digital result systems and interview scheduling tools.
Some key regions to watch in 2025:
Kent 11 Plus Exam Results 2025
Kent has one of the biggest 11+ systems in the UK. Students get a total score out of 423, and those who meet the set standard are considered “selective.” Parents usually receive the results by email and can also check them on the Kent portal.
Bexley 11 Plus Exam Results 2025
In Bexley, results are shared both online and through email. Students are placed into scoring bands that help decide if they qualify for selective schools in the area.
11 plus exam results Birmingham
Birmingham uses one shared exam for several grammar schools. Parents can log in to the official online portal to view their child’s scores and see the cut-off marks for each school.
11 plus exam results warwickshire
Warwickshire uses a standardized scoring system. Results are emailed to parents, and the scores decide if a child qualifies for a grammar school place.
Redbridge 11 Plus Exam Results 2025
Redbridge releases results online, and many parents also receive detailed feedback showing how their child performed in English and Maths.
11 plus exam results berkshire
The Slough Consortium handles exams for several grammar schools in Berkshire. Parents receive results via email, which show whether their child’s score falls within the eligibility range for selective schools.
What to Do If You’re Unhappy With the Results
Sometimes, results don’t align with expectations , and that’s perfectly normal. Remember, one exam doesn’t define your child’s potential.
1. Review the Breakdown
Request a performance report if available. Some schools share a detailed analysis of section-wise results to identify areas for improvement.
2. Contact the School
If you believe there has been a marking error or your child’s performance was affected by special circumstances, contact the admissions office immediately. Many schools have clear procedures for reviewing results.
3. Consider the Appeals Process
If your child narrowly missed the mark, you may consider an appeal.
For example, you can appeal Bucks 11 Plus Exam Results by submitting supporting documents , such as teacher recommendations or academic reports , through the Buckinghamshire Council’s official appeals system.
4. Prepare for Alternatives
Many children flourish in non-selective schools or other independent schools with rolling admissions. Keep your options open.
How to Support Your Child After Results Day
The emotional impact of 11 Plus Exam Results can be significant , whether your child passed or didn’t achieve the expected outcome.
Here’s how you can help them process the experience positively:
Acknowledge the effort, not just the result.
Praise their consistency and hard work rather than focusing only on the outcome.
Keep communication open.
Encourage them to talk about how they feel , relief, disappointment, pride , all emotions are valid.
Focus on learning, not labels.
Remind them that academic success comes in many forms. One test cannot define their intelligence or potential.
Look ahead confidently.
Every result , good or bad , is a stepping stone toward discovering your child’s strengths.
Common Mistakes Parents Make on 11+ Results Day
Comparing Scores with Other Children
Every child sits a different paper or faces unique challenges. Comparisons often lead to unnecessary pressure.
Panic Buying Tutoring Services
If your child didn’t get the desired result, don’t rush into intensive re-preparation without reflection.
Missing Acceptance Deadlines
Keep an eye on all offer deadlines, especially for independent school entrance exam results. Missing them can mean losing the spot.
Ignoring Feedback
The data in your child’s result report can highlight key academic strengths and areas to focus on , valuable even beyond the 11+.
How Quest for Exams Can Help You Prepare for 11 Plus Success
At Quest for Exams, we understand that the 11 Plus Exam Results don’t just represent scores; they represent months of effort, practice, and dreams. Our platform is designed to support parents and students before, during, and after the exam season.
Here’s how we help:
Smart Analytics & Progress Tracking:
Our tools show where your child stands and which topics need more focus.
Real Exam Simulations:
Practice with 11+ mock tests that mirror real exam patterns, for Bexley, Kent, Warwickshire, and Redbridge regions.
Tailored Learning Plans:
Topic-wise Maths, English, Verbal, and Non-Verbal Reasoning papers that adapt to your child’s pace.
Expert Tutor Support:
Learn from teachers who specialize in independent schools 11 plus results preparation and have helped hundreds of students secure top placements.
Stress-Free Confidence Building:
We emphasize not just performance , but confidence, mindset, and exam readiness.
Whether you’re waiting for the 11+ results day or just beginning the preparation journey, Quest for Exams gives you the clarity, structure, and confidence to help your child succeed , one paper at a time.
FAQs
- When are the 11 Plus Exam Results usually announced?
Most grammar school results are released between October and November, while independent schools release results around January to February each year.
- How do independent schools release their 11 Plus Exam Results?
Independent schools release results via email, postal letter, or online portals directly to parents, often with detailed score feedback or interview invitations.
- What if my child doesn’t pass the 11+ exam?
Don’t worry, there are many excellent schools and second-chance entry options. You can also appeal or reapply the next year, depending on school policy.
- Can I appeal my child’s 11+ results?
Yes. Each region has its own appeals process; for instance, parents can appeal Bucks 11 Plus Exam Results through the local council.
- When will the 11 plus exam 2025 results be released?
Most councils and independent schools will announce 2025 results between October 2025 (for grammar schools) and February 2025 (for independent schools).
- Do all independent schools follow the same results system?
No, each independent school manages its own results process, though many align with the ISEB Common Pre-Test structure for consistency.