One of the first things that confuses international families is the “+” notation. 7+, 8+, 11+, 13+, 16+ — these simply refer to the age at which a child enters a school. “11+” means the child is 11, or turning 11, in the September of the academic year they are applying to enter.
Why the age matters
Each entry point has a completely separate application process. A school that admits at both 11+ and 13+ will run two distinct rounds of assessments, with different registration deadlines, different exam papers, and different offer timelines. You cannot apply to the 11+ and expect it to count for the 13+.
The main entry points
7+ and 8+
Entry into prep schools or the prep sections of all-through schools. Assessments are typically informal at 7+ (play-based activities, simple literacy and numeracy). At 8+ they are more structured. These entry points are particularly important if you want your child at a specific school for the full prep-school journey.
11+
The most common entry point for London day schools and many senior schools in the South East. Assessments typically include papers in English, Maths, and Verbal/Non-Verbal Reasoning. Many schools also require an interview. Registration for 11+ usually happens 12–18 months before entry, with assessments in the autumn/winter before the September of entry.
13+
The traditional entry point for major boarding schools (Eton, Harrow, Winchester, Rugby, etc.) and some London day schools. At 13+, pupils typically sit Common Entrance — a standardised set of exam papers covering core subjects — or the school's own scholarship papers. Importantly, many of these schools require pre-registration or a pre-test at 11, even though formal entry is at 13.
16+
Entry into Sixth Form. Some schools only open their doors at 16. Others admit external pupils at 16 alongside their existing pupils. Assessment is usually based on GCSE results (predicted or actual) and interview.
How to work out which entry point applies
The key is your child's date of birth and the September they will start secondary school. In England, children start secondary school in the September after their 11th birthday. If your child is born between 1 September 2015 and 31 August 2016, they would enter secondary school in September 2027 — making them an 11+ applicant for 2027 entry.
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