You've Registered for the Gloucestershire 11+... What Happens Next?
Updated: Sep 10
Firstly, congratulations! If you've registered your child for the Gloucestershire 11+ Entrance Test, you've taken the first important step towards applying for one of Gloucestershire's grammar schools. Every year there are some parents who forget or just miss the date and there is absolutely no way of submitting a late entry. I always tell parents the true story of a Gloucestershire mother who was a day late for the registration during COVID. She was a nurse and had been in hospital working non stop for seven days and understandably she just forgot. There were no special allowances made - her child wasn’t able to sit the test.
Now comes the question almost ehttp://for.Youvery parent asks:
"What should we be doing now?"
The good news is that there is still plenty of time to prepare, and with a clear plan your child can approach the Gloucestershire 11+ with confidence.
1. Check your registration confirmation
After registering, you should receive confirmation that your application has been accepted. Keep this email safe as you'll need it throughout the admissions process. You will also understandably have moments when you ask yourself “Did I register?”, having screen shots of the confirmation and your email will help put your mind at rest!
The next important communication will arrive in early September when you'll receive details of your child's test centre. This is where you child will sit the test, this is not necessarily the school you are aiming for. You will be allocated either an am or pm slot - you are not able to change this!
The Gloucestershire 11+ Entrance Test will take place on Saturday 12 September, with results expected in mid-October (check all key dates on our Gloucester hub). This will give you time to think carefully before completing the CAF (Common Application Form). Schools will also invite certain children back for revisits after the results day. These are only children who have met the qualifying standard.
2. Don't panic about the summer
Many parents think they need to turn the summer holidays into six weeks of intensive revision.
In reality, consistent practice is much more effective than hours of daily study. Plan your time carefully. For most morning study is best leaving you the rest of the day for fun.
Aim for:
Focused practice, 4 or 5 days a week.
Regular reading to improve vocabulary and comprehension - this is key. Gloucestershire is a language rich exam.
Short maths practice sessions - keep practising those key skills. Never underestimate the impact of not being at school.
Plenty of downtime and fun time to keep your child fresh and motivated.
Children who enjoy learning often perform better than those who feel overwhelmed.
3. Understand what the Gloucestershire 11+ tests
The Gloucestershire Grammar Schools Entrance Test uses GL Assessment papers. Ensure you fully understand what this covers to avoid unnecessary revision and study!
Your child can expect questions covering:
English
Maths
Verbal Reasoning
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Knowing the format early helps remove unnecessary anxiety and allows you to focus on the areas where your child needs the most support.
4. Create a simple summer plan
Rather than asking, "What should we do today?" every morning, create a weekly routine.
A simple routine builds confidence without making the 11+ take over family life.
5. Avoid comparing your child to others
This is the biggest mistake parents make. You may already be hearing stories about tutoring, mock exams and children completing endless practice papers.
Every child develops at their own pace.
The aim isn't to complete the most questions—it's to steadily build the skills needed for the exam while keeping your child positive and confident. Focus on your child, remove the noise of others - this really does impact negatively.
Looking for reliable Gloucestershire 11+ information?
If you're wondering about:
Gloucestershire 11+ key dates
Grammar school admissions
How the GL Assessment works
Which Gloucestershire grammar schools use the test
Summer preparation advice
Frequently asked questions from local parents
We have put together a single page with all this information. Making it easy for you to find exactly what you are looking for. A simple and useful page away from noisy forums.
We're continuing to add new guides, advice and resources throughout the summer to help Gloucestershire families navigate the 11+ process with confidence.
If there's a topic you'd like us to cover, let us know. We'll be adding new articles based on the questions Gloucestershire parents are asking most often.
Good luck with your 11+ journey—we're here to help every step of the way.
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