Back to school Key test dates this autumn

With September making the start of a new school year for so many, there is a buzz of excitement in the air.

However, as students settle into the new academic year, the novelty of their new stationery and recounting stories of their summer holidays will quickly wear off as they look ahead to the work that is required and the fast-approaching deadlines and assessments that are prevalent in the first term.

Between September and late November, students aged between 10-17 will have decisive deadlines and examinations that are paramount to the next phase of their educational journey

We understand that it is often overwhelming trying to stay on top of everything, with the likes of extracurricular clubs and mounting homework, and so we have created a list of key dates to be aware of this Autumn, with links to our top tips on how to prepare:

11+ Assessment

Who? Students aged between 10-11 years old, in UK year 6 (or equivalent), applying to secondary school in September 2025. When? Between September and November. Where? Candidates typically take their test at their target school, however some exams (such as the 11+ Consortium) take place at the student’s current school.

Want to find out more? Quintessentially Education Super tutor, Lauren Williams, shares her top tips here and comments on recent changes.

13+ ISEB Common Pre-Test

Who? Students aged between 10-12 years old, in UK year 6 or 7 (or equivalent), applying to senior school for September 2027 or 2028.

When? Between late October and early November. Where? Candidates can take the test at their current school, target school or at an independent test centre.

Want to find out more? Read our ISEB common pre-test: a simplified guide, for more information about the exam and how to prepare.

16+ Entry

Who? Students aged between 15-16, in year 11, applying to Sixth Form or College in September 2025

When? Open evenings will take place throughout September and early October, with most registration deadlines no later than mid-September. Where? In-person entrance exams and interviews typically take place between late October and early November at the Sixth Form or College.

Want to find out more? To learn about the difference between the IB Diploma and A-Level’s, click here. If you are considering boarding school, you can read our article about the pros and cons here.

UK Universities

Who? Students aged between 17-18, in UK year 13 or equivalent, applying to UK university in September 2025.

When? University admissions tests are generally taken between late September and early November. The application deadline for Oxbridge, medicine, and other specialist subjects is Tuesday 15th October.

How? Applications are submitted through UCAS.

Want to find out more? Read Oxbridge applications: a simplified guide to learn about the nuances of the world-renowned University of Oxford and University of Cambridge. To better understand the application process to UK Medicine undergraduate courses, click here.

US Colleges & Universities

Who? Students aged between 16-18, in UK year 13 (US grade 12) or equivalent, applying to a US college or university in September 2025.

When? SAT and ACT exams must be taken by early September, as most Early Decision (ED, or EDI when EDII is offered) deadlines range between 1st-15th November.

How? Applications are submitted through Common App or the per state equivalent. Direct university applications can also be submitted for select specialist institutions such as Art and Design Schools

Want to find out more? Read ‘A Guide To US Undergraduate Application Submission Options’ to understand the difference between Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision. To learn about admissions entrance examinations such as the SAT and ACT, click here.