My child didn't pass the 11+. What now?

Opening an 11+ results email that is not what you hoped for is hard, for you and for your child. Take a breath. A grammar school is one route to a great education, not the only one. This guide covers your practical options and how to talk to your child about it.

What does "not passing" actually mean?

For the Redbridge 11+, there are two different things it can mean. Knowing which one applies to you changes what you do next.

• Below 104. Redbridge sets a minimum threshold score of 104. Children who score below it are not added to the ranked list or the waiting list, according to the Redbridge Admissions Arrangements 2027-28.
• Above 104 but probably not high enough. Your child is ranked, but places go in score order. For September 2026 entry, the last on-time catchment child offered a place scored 106.02 at Ilford County High and 110.62 at Woodford County High (Redbridge allocations report). Cut-offs change every year.

For the Essex CSSE test, offers are not made to children scoring under 303, according to the CSSE Information Guide 2027 Entry.

What should I do before 31 October?

Make your secondary school application count. The results come out before the deadline so that you can choose sensibly.

• Fill all six preferences. The pan-London coordinated scheme lets you name six schools.
• Put schools in your true order of preference. Listing a grammar school first does not harm your chances at the others.
• Include at least one school your child is very likely to get. This is often your catchment school or the nearest good school.
• If your child scored above 104, you can still list the grammar school. Redbridge says the result is not a guarantee either way.

For Barking families, the council's deadline for September 2027 entry is midnight on 31 October 2026. If you need ideas, read our guide to the best secondary schools in Barking and Dagenham and check results on the DfE's school performance tables.

Can my child get a grammar school place from the waiting list?

Sometimes, if they reached the threshold. Redbridge keeps a waiting list for each grammar school and offers vacancies to the next highest qualifying score. Only children who scored at least 104 are added.

Redbridge also keeps waiting lists for vacancies in Years 7, 8 and 9 for children who reached the threshold, ranked by score and then distance. Neither grammar school considers entry into Years 10 or 11. These rules are in the Redbridge Admissions Arrangements 2027-28.

Waiting lists have end dates and may need you to re-apply, so read your offer letter carefully.

Can I appeal?

Yes. Every parent refused a school place has a legal right to appeal to an independent panel. Redbridge's arrangements say parents unhappy with the selection outcome should first discuss it with their child's primary headteacher, and that the decision can be challenged through the statutory appeal process.

Key facts:

• You appeal after National Offer Day (1 March 2027 for September 2027 entry), not after the test result.
• GOV.UK says you must be given at least 20 school days to appeal from the decision letter. For Redbridge schools, the Year 7 appeal deadline for September 2027 entry is Friday 2 April.
• Give clear reasons and evidence, such as a doctor's letter if your child was ill on test day.

Be realistic. Redbridge's appeals page says that in the last academic year, 129 secondary appeals were received and 4 were successful. An appeal is worth it when you have genuine evidence, not just disappointment.

For CSSE schools, CSSE says it does not re-mark papers or adjust scores for circumstances, but parents can present circumstances to an independent appeal panel after offer day.

What other good options are there?

Many. Plenty of non-selective schools in East London get strong results, and a confident child at a good comprehensive often does better than a struggling child at a grammar school.

Is there a second chance at 16?

Yes, and for many students it is the bigger opportunity. Selective sixth forms take students based on GCSE results, not the 11+.

For example, the London Academy of Excellence in Stratford asks for at least eight GCSEs at grades 9 to 7, including a 7 in Maths and English Language. Woodford County High's sixth form asks for a 6.5 grade average across the best 8 GCSEs, with at least a 6 in English and Maths. Redbridge lists 40 external Year 12 places at Ilford County High and 23 at Woodford County High for 2027.

See our guide to selective sixth forms in East London.

How do I talk to my child about it?

Keep it short, calm and about effort, not the score. Children often feel they have let you down, even when you have not said a word.

• Praise the work they put in. Preparing for the 11+ builds real skills in Maths, English and reasoning that carry into Year 7.
• Avoid comparing with siblings, cousins or classmates.
• Talk up the next school. Visit it together and find something your child is excited about.
• Keep the habits. Reading and regular practice will help them start secondary school strongly.

How LCB can help

Whatever school your child goes to, a strong start in Year 7 matters. Our tutors teach Maths, English and Science from Year 7 through to GCSE, in small groups of 3 to 5, at our Barking centre or online. Read about tutoring in Year 7 and our GCSE tutoring.

If your child is younger and you are still deciding about the 11+, see our 11+ tutoring. Either way, a free 30-minute assessment gives you a clear picture. Book a free assessment and we will help you plan the next step.