11+ Results Guide 2026: School Choices, CAF Forms and Next Steps

For many families, the 11+ exam itself is only the first stage of the process.

Once the test is over, attention quickly turns to results, school preferences and the secondary school application form. This can be a confusing period for parents, particularly because different grammar school areas release results at different times and use scores in slightly different ways.

By October, many families are asking the same questions:

• What does my child’s 11+ result actually mean?
• Should we include a grammar school on the CAF?
• Does passing the 11+ guarantee a place?
• How should we rank our school preferences?
• What happens if the result is lower than expected?

This guide explains what parents need to know after the 11+ exam, including how to interpret results, how the Common Application Form works, and what to do before the 31 October secondary school application deadline.

What Happens After the 11+ Exam?

Most 11+ exams are sat in September, with results released in October before the national secondary school application deadline.

The exact timing depends on the area. For example, some results are released in early October, while others are released closer to the middle of the month.

This means October is an important decision-making window for parents. You may have only a short period between receiving your child’s result and submitting your final school preferences.

During this time, parents should:

• understand the result
• check each school’s admissions criteria
• consider realistic options
• complete the Common Application Form before the deadline

The 11+ result is important, but it is not the only factor in school allocation.

Understanding Your Child’s 11+ Result

11+ results can be reported in different ways depending on the exam area.

Your child may receive:

• a standardised score
• a total score
• individual subject scores
• a result stating whether they are “selective”, “qualified” or “grammar school suitable”
• information about ranking or eligibility

This can feel confusing at first, especially because 11+ results are not usually presented as simple percentages.

Many grammar school tests use standardised scoring. This means raw marks are adjusted to account for factors such as the child’s age and the performance of the wider cohort.

For a full explanation, see our guide:

What is an SAS Score? Understanding Standardised Scores in the 11+ and ISEB Pre-test

The key point is that parents should read the result carefully and understand what it means in that specific area. A score that looks strong in one region may not have the same meaning elsewhere.

Qualified, Selective or Grammar School Suitable: What Do These Terms Mean?

Different 11+ areas use different language.

You may see terms such as:

• selective
• qualified
• grammar school suitable
• eligible for consideration

These terms usually mean that your child has met the required academic standard for that grammar school system.

However, they do not always mean the same thing.

For example, in some areas, reaching the required score means your child is eligible to be considered for grammar school admission. In other areas, schools may still rank candidates by score, distance, catchment or other oversubscription criteria.

This is why it is essential to check the admissions policy for each school you are considering.

Does Passing the 11+ Guarantee a Grammar School Place?

No. Passing the 11+ does not automatically guarantee a grammar school place.

This is one of the most important points for parents to understand.

A successful 11+ result usually means that your child has met the academic requirement. But if a grammar school receives more applications than it has places available, it will apply its oversubscription criteria.

These may include:

• score
• distance from the school
• catchment area
• sibling priority
• pupil premium priority
• looked-after or previously looked-after child status
• other school-specific rules

In some areas, such as Buckinghamshire, reaching the qualifying score is the key academic requirement, after which admissions criteria become important. In other areas, score may play a larger role in deciding which children are offered places.

Parents should therefore avoid assuming that a “pass” equals a guaranteed offer.

What Is the CAF?

The Common Application Form, often called the CAF, is the official form parents use to apply for state secondary school places.

You submit the CAF to your home local authority, even if you are applying for schools in another area.

This form allows you to list your preferred secondary schools in order of preference.

Depending on your local authority, you may be able to list a set number of schools. In many London boroughs, parents can list up to six preferences, but this varies by area.

The national deadline for secondary school applications is 31 October.

If you miss the deadline, your application may be treated as late, which can reduce your chance of being offered one of your preferred schools.

Should You Include a Grammar School on the CAF?

If your child has qualified for a grammar school and you genuinely want them to attend, you should usually include that school on your CAF.

Sitting and passing the 11+ is not the same as applying for a school place.

To be considered for a grammar school place, you generally still need to list that school on your secondary school application.

However, you should also think carefully about:

• whether your child meets the academic criteria
• whether you live within any catchment area
• whether distance may affect your chances
• whether the school is realistically commutable
• whether your child would be happy there

It is also sensible to include at least one realistic non-selective school option, even if your child has passed the 11+.

This is particularly important in areas where grammar schools are heavily oversubscribed.

How to Rank Your School Preferences

One of the biggest concerns parents have is whether putting a school lower on the CAF will reduce their chances.

In most coordinated admissions systems, schools consider applications against their own published admissions criteria. They do not usually decide whether to offer a place based on whether you listed them first, second or third.

The preference order matters later, when the local authority decides which one offer to make.

If your child qualifies for more than one school, the local authority will offer the school ranked highest on your list.

This means you should normally list schools in your genuine order of preference.

For example:

1. The school you most want your child to attend
2. Your next preferred school
3. Your next preferred school after that

Do not put a school first just because you think it improves your chances if it is not actually your favourite.

Equally, do not leave off a school you genuinely want because you assume the result is not strong enough, unless you have checked the admissions criteria and know it is unrealistic.

What If Your Child Passed the 11+ in More Than One Area?

Some families apply across multiple 11+ areas. For example, a child might sit exams for Kent, Bexley, Buckinghamshire, Redbridge or another consortium.

If your child has qualified in more than one area, you will need to compare the schools carefully.

Consider:

• journey time
• school ethos
• academic environment
• co-curricular opportunities
• admissions likelihood
• catchment rules
• your child’s personality and wellbeing

A school may be academically strong, but that does not automatically make it the right fit.

This is the stage where open events, school visits and honest family discussions are particularly useful.

What If the 11+ Result Is Lower Than Expected?

A disappointing result can be upsetting for both parents and children.

The first step is to pause and read the result carefully. Some areas provide information about review or appeal options, while others may have very specific processes and deadlines.

Depending on the area, you may be able to:

• request a review
• submit an appeal later in the process
• include the grammar school on the CAF anyway
• focus on strong non-selective school options

However, it is important to be realistic. Appeals and reviews can be difficult, and the outcome is not guaranteed.

Parents should avoid framing the result as failure. The 11+ is a competitive exam, and many capable children do not secure a selective result.

A strong all-ability school may be a better fit than a grammar school environment that would feel overly pressured.

What If Your Child Only Just Passed?

If your child has just met the qualifying score, the next step is to check how admissions work in that area.

In some grammar systems, reaching the qualifying score may be enough academically, but distance or catchment may then determine whether a place is offered.

In other areas, higher scores may have an advantage.

Parents should look carefully at:

• previous allocation distances
• score cut-offs where published
• catchment rules
• priority areas
• admissions categories

A borderline result does not necessarily mean your child should not apply. But it does mean you should balance ambition with realistic alternatives.

Should You Still Visit Schools After Results?

Yes. If possible, parents should attend open events, especially if they are choosing between several schools.

Results can sometimes change how families feel about their options. A school that seemed like a backup may begin to feel more appealing after visiting. Equally, a high-performing grammar school may not always feel like the best environment for a particular child.

When visiting schools, consider:

• how pupils interact with teachers
• whether the atmosphere feels calm or pressured
• pastoral support
• travel arrangements
• homework expectations
• extracurricular opportunities
• how your child responds to the environment

The best school is not always the highest-ranking school. It is the school where your child is most likely to thrive.

What Happens After the CAF Is Submitted?

Once the CAF deadline has passed, your local authority coordinates the admissions process.

Schools rank applicants according to their admissions criteria. The local authority then works out the highest preference school that can be offered.

For 2027 entry, National Offer Day is 1 March 2027.

On that day, parents will find out which secondary school place has been offered.

If you receive a school you are happy with, you will usually need to accept it by the deadline given by your local authority.

If you do not receive your preferred school, you may be able to:

• join a waiting list
• appeal
• accept the offered school while pursuing other options

The exact process varies by local authority, so always follow the instructions in your offer letter.

Should Your Child Keep Preparing After the 11+?

For many children, once the 11+ is complete, it is sensible to take a break.

However, some pupils may still have:

• independent school entrance exams
• interviews
• scholarship assessments
• school-specific second stages

If this applies, preparation may need to continue, but it should still be balanced and manageable.

For children who are completely finished with entrance exams, the priority should shift back to normal school life, confidence and wellbeing.

Common Mistakes Parents Make After 11+ Results

Assuming a Pass Guarantees a Place

A qualifying result is important, but admissions criteria still matter.

Listing Schools Strategically Rather Than Honestly

Parents should usually list schools in genuine order of preference, not based on guesswork about how the system works.

Forgetting the CAF Deadline

The 31 October deadline is crucial. Missing it can seriously affect your chances.

Only Listing Grammar Schools

Even if your child has passed, it is usually sensible to include a realistic non-selective option.

Ignoring Travel

A long or difficult journey can have a major impact on a child’s daily life.

Focusing Only on League Tables

Academic outcomes matter, but pastoral care, culture and fit are equally important.

How White Dot Education Can Help

At White Dot Education, we support families preparing for a wide range of selective school entrance exams.

Our online practice platform includes mock exams for:

• Kent
• Bexley
• Buckinghamshire
• Trafford
• Redbridge
• Medway
• Slough
• South West Herts
• and more

For children still preparing for independent school assessments or later entrance exams, realistic online practice can help build confidence, timing and familiarity with exam-style questions.

Explore our 11+ practice tests here:

https://whitedoteducation.com/11-plus

Final Thoughts

The period after the 11+ can feel just as important as the preparation itself.

Once results are released, parents need to move quickly but calmly. The key is to understand the result, check admissions criteria carefully and submit a well-considered CAF before the deadline.

A strong 11+ result can open doors, but choosing the right school is about more than a score.

The best next step is to focus on realistic options, genuine preferences and the environment in which your child is most likely to thrive.