12 and 13 Plus Entrance Exams: A Complete Guide for Parents
12 and 13 Plus entrance exams are selective assessment routes for academically able pupils seeking entry into Years 8 and 9 of Grammar Schools or independent schools. Unlike the nationwide 11 Plus, there is no single standard test; individual schools or local authorities set their own late-transfer testing policies.
This guide explains what 12+ and 13+ exams are, how they differ, who can apply, and what subjects they test, with authoritative UK sources for every key point.
What Are 12 Plus and 13 Plus Entrance Exams?
12 Plus and 13 Plus exams are selective entrance tests taken after the usual 11 Plus round, allowing pupils to apply for grammar or independent school places in later years. These are often called late transfer tests. The key difference from the standard 11 Plus (taken in Year 6 for Year 7 entry) is timing and target year:
- 12 Plus (Year 7 → Year 8): A late transfer test for pupils already in Year 7 who wish to enter Year 8 of a selective school. It is not a nationally mandated exam, but a local initiative in some areas. For example, Buckinghamshire Council’s late-transfer process calls the Year 7 exam the 12 Plus, aimed at those who “did not qualify… or did not take the [11+]”.
- 13 Plus (Year 8 → Year 9): An entrance exam for pupils in Year 8 applying for Year 9. It is most common in independent (fee-paying) schools, where Year 9 is often the main new intake. Many independent schools use the ISEB Common Entrance 13+ syllabus for this exam. The ISEB notes that the 13+ CE “has been the transition assessment of choice for Britain’s top independent schools since 1903”, indicating its long-standing role.
What Is the Difference Between 12 Plus and 13 Plus Entrance Exams?
Feature | 12 Plus | 13 Plus |
Admission Year | Entry to Year 8 (for pupils currently in Year 7) | Entry to Year 9 (for pupils currently in Year 8) |
Typical Age | 11–12 years | 12–13 years |
Schools Covered | Primarily Grammar Schools (via late transfer tests) | Grammar and (mostly) independent schools |
Administration | Local authority or individual Grammar Schools | ISEB Common Entrance or individual school exams |
Subjects/Format | Typically GL Assessment reasoning tests (verbal, numerical, non-verbal) | Often a suite of subjects: compulsory English, maths, science (ISEB CE) plus optional languages, humanities, etc. |
Purpose | Late entry into a Grammar School (if vacancies exist) | Entry into Year 9 (often for independent school scholarship/entry) |
Which Schools and Counties Offer 12 Plus and 13 Plus Entrance Exams?
Unlike the 11 Plus, 12 Plus and 13 Plus entrance exams are not available nationwide. Availability depends on the county, local authority, or individual school, and the admissions process varies significantly.
Buckinghamshire: The Main County Offering 12 Plus and 13 Plus
Buckinghamshire is the only county in England that operates a formal, council-managed 12 Plus and 13 Plus late transfer process for Grammar School admissions. Key points include:
- Buckinghamshire Council coordinates the 12+ (Year 8 entry) and 13+ (Year 9 entry) late transfer tests.
- For the 2026–27 admissions cycle, parents registered in October, with entrance tests taking place in February.
- The process covered nine participating Grammar Schools, including:
- Aylesbury Grammar School
- Aylesbury High School
- Beaconsfield High School
- And several other Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools.
- Some Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools manage their own late admissions separately rather than participating in the council’s coordinated process.
- Places are allocated based on:
- Entrance test performance.
- The school’s oversubscription criteria, such as distance from the school.
Important: Buckinghamshire Council states that late transfer places are extremely limited, and qualifying in the exam does not guarantee admission.
Other Grammar School Areas
Outside Buckinghamshire, there is currently no county-wide 12 Plus or 13 Plus entrance exam. Instead:
- Individual Grammar Schools or Grammar School groups may offer late entry assessments.
- Admission is usually handled through:
- School-specific entrance tests.
- Waiting lists.
- In-year transfer applications.
- Appeals, where appropriate.
Example: Slough Grammar Schools
The Slough Grammar Schools Consortium offers separate CAT4 assessments for late entry at 12 Plus and 13 Plus. Unlike Buckinghamshire, this is:
- Managed by a group of academy Grammar Schools.
- Not operated by the local council.
Other Grammar School Counties
Grammar Schools in areas such as:
- Kent
- Lincolnshire
- Essex
- Other selective regions
rarely run formal 12 Plus or 13 Plus examinations. Parents usually need to contact individual schools directly regarding late admission opportunities.
Which Schools Offer 13 Plus Entrance Exams?
The 13 Plus entrance exam is far more common in independent (fee-paying) schools than in Grammar Schools.
Independent Schools
Many leading independent schools across England admit pupils into Year 9 (13+). These schools commonly use:
- ISEB Common Entrance (CE) 13+ examinations, or
- Their own school-specific entrance assessments.
Typically, admissions involve:
- Common Entrance exams held in November, January, or May/June of Year 8.
- Written examinations across multiple subjects.
- Additional school-specific assessments, such as:
- Creative writing.
- Modern or classical languages.
- Interviews.
- Academic or aptitude tests.
Each independent school publishes its own admissions requirements and examination timetable.
Grammar Schools
A small number of Grammar Schools also admit pupils at 13 Plus (Year 9) if vacancies become available. Examples include:
- Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools participating in the council’s late transfer process.
- Individual academy Grammar Schools that operate their own late admissions procedures, such as Dr Challoner’s Grammar School.
Did You Know?
In Buckinghamshire’s 2026 late transfer admissions, no pupils were offered Year 8 or Year 9 places, highlighting just how rare and competitive 12 Plus and 13 Plus Grammar School vacancies can be.
Who Can Apply for a 12 Plus or 13 Plus Entrance Exam?
Eligibility for 12 Plus and 13 Plus entrance exams varies between Grammar Schools, independent schools, and local admission authorities. There is no single national set of eligibility rules, so parents should always check the admissions policy of their chosen school.
For Grammar Schools
Children may be eligible if they:
- Are applying for late entry into Year 8 (12+) or Year 9 (13+).
- Have moved into a selective area after the main 11 Plus admissions process.
- Are seeking an in-year transfer because a Grammar School vacancy has become available.
- Meet the academic standard required by the school’s late transfer assessment, where one is offered.
As late-entry places depend on vacancies, passing the entrance test does not guarantee admission. Schools also apply their published oversubscription criteria, such as catchment area, looked-after child status, or sibling priority.
For Independent Schools
Most independent schools offering 13 Plus (Year 9) entry require applicants to:
- Be in Year 8 when taking the entrance assessment.
- Submit an application before the school’s admissions deadline.
- Pass the school’s entrance examinations, such as the ISEB Common Entrance, ISEB Pre-Test, or the school’s own assessment.
- Complete additional stages where required, including interviews, school references, or scholarship assessments.
What Subjects Are Tested in 12 Plus and 13 Plus Entrance Exams?
There is no standard national syllabus for 12 Plus or 13 Plus exams, so the subjects tested vary by school. However, most assessments follow these patterns:
12 Plus (Grammar Schools)
- Verbal Reasoning – vocabulary, logic, and language-based problem-solving.
- Non-Verbal Reasoning – patterns, shapes, and spatial reasoning.
- Mathematical Reasoning – numerical calculations and mathematical problem-solving.
13 Plus (Independent Schools)
- English – reading comprehension, grammar, and creative or essay writing.
- Mathematics – Key Stage 3 topics, including algebra, geometry, and arithmetic.
- Science – biology, chemistry, and physics up to Year 8 level.
- Additional subjects (school-dependent) – History, Geography, French, Spanish, German, Latin, Religious Studies, or Theology.
- Interviews or school-specific assessments – many independent schools also include interviews, creative writing tasks, or additional aptitude tests.
Tip: Every school sets its own entrance requirements, so always check the school’s admissions page, syllabus, and sample papers before preparing for the exam.
How are 12 Plus and 13 Plus Entrance Exams Different from the 11 Plus?
| Feature | 11 Plus | 12 Plus | 13 Plus |
| Taken In | Year 6 | Year 7 | Year 8 |
| Entry To | Year 7 | Year 8 | Year 9 |
| Purpose | Main selective school entry | Late Grammar School entry | Late grammar or independent school entry |
| Exam Board | GL Assessment, CEM or school-specific | Usually GL Assessment or school-specific | Mainly ISEB Common Entrance or school-specific |
| Typical Subjects | English, Maths, VR & NVR* | VR, NVR & Mathematical Reasoning | English, Maths, Science, plus optional subjects |
| Difficulty | Key Stage 2 | Above 11 Plus level | Year 8 / Pre-GCSE level |
| Exam Format | Usually 2–4 papers | Often one reasoning paper | Multiple papers, often with interview |
| Availability | Widely available | Limited to selected Grammar Schools | Mainly independent schools; some Grammar Schools |
| Place Availability | Standard Year 7 intake | Limited vacancies | Very limited vacancies |
| Passing the Exam | Eligible for admission, subject to school criteria | Does not guarantee a place | Does not guarantee a place |
When Should Children Start Preparing for 12 Plus or 13 Plus?
While every child learns at a different pace, starting preparation 9–12 months before the exam gives enough time to build skills and confidence without unnecessary pressure.
| Timeline | Focus |
| 9–12 months before | Research target schools, understand the exam format, and create a study plan. |
| 6–9 months before | Build strong foundations in the key subjects and practise reasoning skills where required. |
| 3–6 months before | Complete regular timed practice papers and focus on improving weaker topics. |
| 1–3 months before | Take full mock exams, refine exam techniques, and improve time management. |
| Final month | Revise key topics, complete a few realistic mock tests, and prioritise confidence, rest, and wellbeing. |
Tip: Regular, short study sessions are far more effective than last-minute cramming. Always use the school’s official syllabus, sample papers, and admissions guidance to ensure your child prepares for the correct exam format.
How Can Parents Help Their Child Prepare for the 12 and 13 Plus Exams?
Parents play an important role in helping children prepare for 12 Plus and 13 Plus entrance exams. Small, consistent habits often make the biggest difference.
- Create a distraction-free study space where your child can concentrate and develop independent learning habits.
- Encourage daily reading to improve vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking.
- Use official practice papers and sample questions to familiarise your child with the exam format.
- Focus on understanding, not memorising. Encourage your child to explain their answers and learn from mistakes.
- Support the school curriculum, as most entrance exams build on the knowledge taught in school.
- Practise under timed conditions to improve speed, accuracy, and exam confidence.
- Maintain a balanced routine with regular breaks, exercise, healthy sleep, and time for hobbies to avoid burnout.
- Teach simple exam strategies, such as reading instructions carefully, managing time effectively, and checking answers.
- Praise effort and progress, helping your child build confidence and develop a positive attitude towards learning and exams.
Common Myths About 12 Plus and 13 Plus Entrance Exams
Myth | Reality |
Passing the exam guarantees a place. | False. Passing only demonstrates academic suitability. Admission also depends on vacancies and the school’s oversubscription criteria. |
Every Grammar School offers a 12 Plus or 13 Plus exam. | False. Only some Grammar Schools provide late-entry assessments. Many schools admit pupils only if places become available through their own in-year admissions process. |
All 13 Plus exams are the same. | False. Some schools use the ISEB Common Entrance, while others set their own exams, interviews, or additional assessments. |
The 12 Plus is simply the 11 Plus taken a year later. | False. The exam is generally more challenging, reflecting an additional year of learning, and the format may differ depending on the school. |
Last-minute revision is enough to pass. | False. Success usually comes from consistent preparation, regular practice, and developing strong reasoning and subject knowledge over time. |
When Should Parents Consider One-to-One Tuition?
Parents may wish to consider one-to-one tuition if their child has gaps in core subjects, lacks confidence, experiences exam anxiety, or would benefit from personalised guidance and structured preparation. An experienced tutor can provide targeted support, tailored feedback, exam strategies, and realistic practice under timed conditions.
While tuition is not essential for every child, it can complement school learning and home study by focusing on individual strengths and weaknesses, helping children build confidence and maximise their chances of success in 12 Plus or 13 Plus entrance exams.
11 Plus Tutoring offers an online one-to-one tuition for 12 Plus and 13 Plus exam preparation. Contact us for more information, or you can simply book a free assessment to get started.