TYPICAL TIMING OF THE BUCKS 11+ TESTS
The Bucks 11+ tests are usually administered during the first full week of the Autumn Term. This means if schools return from the summer break, for example, on a Wednesday, the 11+ tests are usually held the next week (as this is the first full week of the school term).
There is typically an 11+ Practice Test held on Tuesday, and then the Bucks 11+ Secondary Transfer Tests are administered two days later, on Thursday.
EXPECTED 2026 TEST DATES
Officially, the 2026-27 Buckinghamshire School Term starts on Tuesday, 1st September 2026. It follows that the first full week of the Autumn Term is the week commencing Monday, 7th September 2026.
Therefore, following the usual logic, we might expect the Bucks 11+ tests to take place on Tuesday, 8th September (11+ Practice Test) and Thursday, 10th September (11+ Secondary Transfer Test).
POSSIBLE VARIATIONS IN 2026
2026, however, is unusual. Some independent schools, which recently published their 2026-27 term dates, have stated that they are not returning to school until Wednesday, 9th September. Examples of schools returning on 9th September include The Beacon and Heatherton House schools in Amersham.
Both schools are official “Partner Schools” which means they are enrolled to administer the Bucks 11+ tests to students in their school. If the 11+ Practice Test is scheduled for Tuesday, 8th September, it will take place before the start of term in these schools. This is not out of the question, but we recall such an arrangement in past years.
WHY EARLY TESTING IS PREFERRED
Historically, the Buckinghamshire Grammar School have preferred to hold the Bucks 11+ tests as soon as possible in the Autumn Term. This is to help minimise disruption to Primary and Partner Schools. The 11+ tests also need to be marked, and results disseminated to parents in good time for families to submit their secondary school preferences by the national deadline at the end of October.
MOST LIKELY DATES AND WHAT TO EXPECT
At present, we suggest it is prudent for families to anticipate that the Bucks 11+ tests are most likely to take place on Tuesday, 8th September (11+ Practice Test) and Thursday, 10th September (11+ Secondary Transfer Test). However, for the reasons above, it is possible that the Bucks 11+ may be scheduled a week later in 2026. In this case, Bucks 11+ candidates will have an additional week for the final 11+ revision.
WHERE TO FIND OFFICIAL CONFIRMATION
Further information can be found on the Secondary Transfer Tests information pages on the Bucks County Council website (please refer to the “Timeline for 2027 entry”). The official test dates for the 2026 Bucks 11+ tests are expected to be published in Spring 2026.
The content of this article is general in nature and is not a substitute for thorough research by parents. The arrangements for the 11+ exams vary widely between areas, and there are often changes from year to year. You should consult the official sources of information in your area, such as the grammar school admissions policies, local authority website and/or local 11+ exam testing consortium website. Do not rely on information on third-party websites, as it may be incorrect or out of date.