📅 SECTION 7: Key Dates Calendar
“Timing is strategy. Miss it, and you miss the moment.”
The 11+ isn’t just about knowledge — it’s about rhythm, readiness, and reaction time. Miss one date and you might miss your child’s shot.
🧭 Year-by-Year Game Plan
| Year | Season | What to Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 4 | Spring–Summer | 🔹 Explore grammar schools 🔹 Attend open days 🔹 Start reading & puzzle habits |
🧠 Builds early curiosity + learning stamina — zero pressure. |
| Year 5 | Jan–Mar | 🔹 Begin structured prep (30–60 mins/day) 🔹 Research target schools + exam boards 🔹 Take a diagnostic mock |
🎯 Know your starting point. Prep with purpose, not panic. |
| Year 5 | Apr–Jul | 🔹 Register for 11+ exams (most open Apr–Jun) 🔹 School visits + open days 🔹 Topic revision + timed tests |
📋 No registration = no exam. This is go-time. |
| Year 5 | Summer | 🔹 Focused practice papers 🔹 Build exam-day stamina 🔹 Adjust to test conditions |
💪 Turn revision into performance. This is where confidence grows. |
| Year 6 | September | 🔹 Sit the 11+ exam (usually early Sep) 🔹 Stay calm — trust your prep |
🏁 The big day. Keep the mindset sharp, the nerves steady. |
| Year 6 | October | 🔹 Receive results mid–late Oct 🔹 Submit CAF (school choices) by Oct 31st |
📝 CAF = your school priority list. Choose wisely. |
| Year 6 | Nov–Dec | 🔹 Second-stage tests (if needed) 🔹 Light review — don’t let confidence dip |
⚖️ Balance rest with momentum. Keep skills fresh. |
| Year 6 (Spring) | March 1st | 🔹 National Offer Day — accept, appeal, or waitlist | 🎉 You made it. Now make the most of it. |
| Year 6 (Spring) | Apr–Jul | 🔹 Transition prep (independence, confidence) 🔹 Uniforms, mindset, organisation |
🎒 Build excitement — and ownership — for secondary school. |
🔔 Key Parent Reminders
Registration opens April–May (Year 5). Set a phone alarm.
CAF deadline = 31st October (Year 6) — even if you're unsure about results.
Test dates vary — confirm each school’s calendar directly.
Some exams are 2-stage (like Tiffin, Sutton) — plan accordingly.
🚀 What To Do Now
✅ Save this guide.
🗓️ Build this calendar into your phone.
📤 We’ll also send a printable version if you want fridge space reminders.