If your child has just learned they did not reach the qualifying standard for a grammar school, the first thing to know is that this is not the end of the road. Many children who do not pass the 11 plus go on to do very well at excellent secondary schools. This guide explains what to do if your child doesn’t pass the 11 plus, how to talk to them about it, and what the practical next steps are.
Start with your child
Before anything else, think about the conversation. A child who has worked hard for a test can feel they have let you down, even when they have not. Say so plainly: you are proud of the effort, and the result is one piece of information, not a measure of them.
At Singapore Maths Academy we believe a child’s confidence matters as much as any result. We look after every child, whether they pass or not, and we would encourage you to do the same at home. It helps to put the test in perspective: it measures performance on one morning, in one set of papers.
Understand the result you have received
Results are released in the autumn. Kent Test results are issued on 15 October 2026 and Buckinghamshire results on 9 October 2026, according to the councils concerned. Other areas set their own dates, so check with your local authority or the consortium that runs your test.
Read the letter carefully. Some areas only tell you whether your child has reached the qualifying standard, while others give a score or a rank. Each grammar school also has its own admissions criteria, and reaching the standard does not by itself secure a place. This is why the next step is the same for every family.
Complete your secondary school application
Whatever the result, you must still apply for a secondary school place through your home local authority. GOV.UK sets the usual deadline at 31 October, with offers sent on 1 March. Use all of your preferences and include schools you feel positive about. Your local authority can explain how preferences are ranked.
Include at least one school you are confident your child would be offered a place at, and one that you would be happy for them to attend.
Appeals: what they are and are not
If a school does not offer your child a place, you have the right to appeal. According to GOV.UK, you must be given at least 20 school days from the decision letter to prepare your appeal, and at least 10 school days’ notice of the hearing. The panel has at least three independent members, and you will usually be sent the decision within 5 school days of the hearing.
Appeals look at whether the school followed its admission criteria and whether the criteria comply with the admissions code. Selective schools and local authorities each have their own process, so read your admissions authority’s guidance carefully and decide whether to appeal with the facts in front of you. You can also ask the council about waiting lists.
Keep learning on track and keep it positive
Whatever happens, your child’s maths will carry on developing, and the work they have done is not wasted. The problem-solving skills that bar models and careful reasoning build serve children well at any secondary school. Our post on maths tuition the summer before secondary school looks at how to prepare for the move to Year 7.
If your child enjoyed the preparation, it may be worth continuing with a lighter schedule. Our YouTube channel has worked examples to try together, and Bar Model Company explains the wider approach. If you are still weighing up how much preparation was right, our guide on whether 11 plus tutoring is worth it may help, and so may our explanation of what mock exam results mean.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child still go to a good school if they don’t pass the 11 plus?
Yes. Many excellent comprehensive, academy and independent schools serve families whose children do not take or pass the test. Visit the schools that are realistic for your child and judge them on how well they would suit your child.
Should I appeal the decision?
That is your decision, and it is worth reading your authority’s guidance first. Appeals can succeed, but they depend on the facts of the case and are not straightforward, so look at the specific criteria before deciding.
How do I support my child’s confidence in maths afterwards?
Celebrate the effort, keep maths relaxed, and focus on understanding rather than speed. Short, regular, enjoyable practice at a comfortable level tends to rebuild confidence best.
If you would like to talk through next steps for your child’s maths, book a free consultation call with Singapore Maths Academy. It is a conversation, not a lesson, and you will hear back personally from our team. Our secondary maths tuition is available to support the move to Year 7.
