11+ - Gloucestershire

The Gloucestershire 11+

5 min read · updated 2026-10-13

Gloucestershire's seven grammar schools use the same entrance test, sat on the same day: Denmark Road High School, Marling School, Pate's Grammar School, Ribston Hall High School, Sir Thomas Rich's School, Stroud High School and The Crypt School. Children must reach each school's qualifying standard and are then ranked under its admission criteria.

The test

Two papers of about 45 to 50 minutes each, with extra time for instructions and worked examples and a short break between them. Answers go on separate answer sheets, marked electronically by an independent company. Familiarisation material is on each grammar school's website.

For September 2027 entry, registration ran from 12 noon on Monday 18 May to 12 noon on Friday 26 June 2026 (also the deadline for SEN evidence), and the test was on Saturday 12 September 2026. Results come before the 31 October application deadline.

Applying

Register through the schools' registration process, then name the schools on your Common Application Form. Pate's, for example, considers only children who reach the qualifying standard and name it as a ranked choice. Each school publishes its admission arrangements, including how it ranks qualified children.

Access arrangements

Give details of any special educational need or disability on the registration form, with evidence no more than two years old. A panel from all seven schools agrees arrangements such as extra time or large print before the test day.

Preparing for the Gloucestershire test

✓ Use the familiarisation material on any of the seven grammar schools' websites
✓ Practise with separate answer sheets; papers are marked electronically
✓ Build stamina for two 45-50 minute papers with only a short break
✓ Read each school's admission arrangements: qualifying is the first step, ranking the second

For September 2028 entry

The test changes for September 2028 entry. The seven schools have appointed a new provider, Future Stories Community Enterprise (FSCE), and are moving the test from September of Year 6 to the latter part of the summer term of Year 5, starting in summer 2027. Children now in Year 5 will sit it in summer 2027, so registration will be earlier than in past years: check the schools’ websites in spring 2027.

FAQs

How many grammar schools are in Gloucestershire?＋

Seven, which share one entrance test sat on the same day.

When is the Gloucestershire 11+?＋

For September 2027 entry it was on Saturday 12 September 2026. From September 2028 entry the test moves to the end of the summer term of Year 5, starting in summer 2027.

How long are the Gloucestershire 11+ papers?＋

Two papers of about 45 to 50 minutes each.

When is registration?＋

In May and June of Year 5: 18 May to 26 June 2026 for September 2027 entry.