11+ Exam Day: Saturday 12th September 2026 — Birmingham Grammar Schools Guide

11+ Exam Day: Saturday 12th September 2026 — Birmingham Grammar Schools Guide

11+ Exam Day: Saturday 12th September 2026

Everything Birmingham grammar school candidates need to know before, during, and after exam day.

The Big Day Is Almost Here

On Saturday 12th September 2026, thousands of Year 6 pupils across Birmingham will sit the 11+ entrance exam for a place at one of the city's grammar schools. For most children, this is the single biggest test they will have sat in their short school careers — so a little extra preparation, a calm routine, and knowing exactly what to expect on the day can make a real difference.

At Einstein11Plus, we've supported hundreds of Birmingham families through exam day. Here's our complete guide to the final stretch.

How to Prepare in the Final Weeks

⏱ Timed practice

Keep sitting full timed papers so the pace of the real exam feels familiar, not shocking.

🎯 Target weak topics

Use recent mock results to focus revision on the specific areas losing marks — not everything at once.

😴 Protect sleep & routine

From the week before, keep bedtimes consistent. A well-rested brain outperforms a heavily-drilled, tired one.

📍 Know the venue

Check the exact exam location, parking, and journey time in advance so the morning itself is stress-free.

If your child hasn't sat a full mock under real exam conditions recently, our Mock Exam in the 2 weeks before exam day is the ideal last check-in — going through technique, timing, and any remaining gaps.

✅ What to Take With You on Exam Day

  • 🎫 Confirmation letter and photo ID, if requested
  • ✏️ Children should bring their own stationery (two HB pencils)
  • 🧼 A good eraser and a pencil sharpener
  • 🖊️ A clear pencil case or clear food bag/zip lock bag
  • 💧 Children may bring some light refreshments for the break period (no nuts/nut based products, chewing gum or fizzy drinks).
  • 🧥 A warm layer or coat — queues to get in can mean standing outside
  • 🧻 A tissue, just in case
  • ⌚ 

Always follow the specific packing list on your child's own admission letter — individual schools and venues can have slightly different rules.

❌ What Is NOT Allowed in the Exam Hall

    • ⌚ Watches of any type
  • 📱 Mobile phones, or any electronic or internet-connected device
  • 🧮 Calculators
  • 📖 Dictionaries, thesauruses, spelling aids, or any notes
  • 🖊️ No rulers and no highlighters  No correction fluid or correction tape
  • 🍬 No chewing gum or fizzy drinks
  • 🗣️ Talking to, or attempting to communicate with, other candidates once the exam has started
  • 🎒 Bags, coats, or extra items at the desk beyond what invigilators permit

If a mobile phone or smartwatch is brought into the venue, it will usually need to be switched off and handed in or left with a parent — it cannot stay with the child in the exam room.

One Last Chance to Practise Under Real Conditions


 Book the Mock Exam

When Will Results Be Out?

Birmingham grammar school 11+ results are expected to be released to parents in mid-October 2026 (Before 31st October 2026). Families then confirm their school preferences shortly afterwards, ahead of the national secondary school offer day.

Exact dates can vary slightly year to year — always check the confirmation you received at registration or your chosen school's website for the precise results date that applies to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time should we arrive on exam day?

Most venues ask candidates to arrive 30–45 minutes before the start time. Check your admission letter for the exact time, and allow extra time for parking and queuing.

Can parents wait at the venue?

This is generally not allowed

What if my child is unwell on the day?

Contact the school or exam board directly and as early as possible — most operate an illness policy, but you must follow their exact procedure.

Is a watch allowed?

Some venues allow a simple analogue watch, others provide a visible clock and ask for no watch at all. Always check the specific admission letter rather than assuming.

Further information?

Check at the official website https://kingedwardvifoundation.co.uk/the-test/ 

Good Luck to Every Candidate Sitting on 12th September

A calm, well-prepared child gives themselves the very best chance on the day.

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