What Happens If Your Child Doesn’t Pass the Trafford 11+? Options & Next Steps for Parents

21/11/2025 / 11+ Tuition

The Trafford 11+ exam can feel like a major milestone for many families, especially given the reputation of the area’s grammar schools. But for some children, things don’t go to plan. Receiving the news that your child hasn’t achieved the required score can be disappointing, even upsetting—but it’s important to remember that this result doesn’t define your child’s potential, nor does it close doors to a successful and fulfilling education.

In this article, we’ll explore what happens next if your child doesn’t pass the Trafford 11+, the realistic options available, and how to help them move forward with confidence and motivation.

---

Understanding What the Trafford 11+ Result Means

The Trafford 11+ is designed to assess academic ability and potential for success in a grammar school environment. It’s often seen as a gateway to some of the region’s most sought-after schools, known for their academic rigour and impressive results. The exam typically tests verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and mathematics, aiming to identify pupils who demonstrate higher levels of reasoning and problem-solving skills for their age. However, the test itself isn’t a definitive measure of intelligence—it’s a snapshot of performance on a particular day, under time pressure, at an age when children are still developing both academically and emotionally.

Competition for places is intense. Each year, thousands of children sit the Trafford 11+ for a relatively small number of grammar school places, meaning even high-scoring pupils may not receive an offer simply because of how places are allocated. The cut-off score can fluctuate annually depending on the cohort’s overall performance and the number of applicants. This means that a few marks can make the difference between a place and disappointment.

A result that falls short of the qualifying score doesn’t mean your child isn’t bright or capable—it can reflect many factors. Some children perform well in class but struggle with exam stress, unfamiliar question formats, or the pressure of time constraints. Others may have strengths not fully measured by the test, such as creativity, emotional intelligence, or practical problem-solving. It’s also worth remembering that children develop at different rates. A child who finds certain concepts challenging at age 10 may excel just a year or two later once their confidence and maturity have grown.

Once the results arrive, it’s natural to feel a mix of emotions—disappointment, confusion, even frustration. Before taking any action, take some time to process the news as a family. Talk openly with your child, focusing on their effort and resilience rather than the outcome. When you’re ready, review the result carefully. Schools and local authorities will usually provide a breakdown of your child’s score, showing how it compares to the qualifying mark and, in some cases, how they performed in each section. This information can be helpful for understanding where their strengths lie and where they might need additional support.

In Trafford, each grammar school—such as Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, Altrincham Grammar School for Girls, Sale Grammar, Stretford Grammar, and Urmston Grammar—sets its own admissions criteria and standardised score thresholds. Because of this, two children with identical marks may receive different outcomes depending on how each school allocates places. Some prioritise children living within a catchment area, while others factor in distance, sibling attendance, or other criteria.

If you have concerns about the result—perhaps your child was unwell on the exam day, or there were other exceptional circumstances—you have the right to appeal. The appeals process allows you to present evidence supporting your child’s academic potential, which might include school reports, teacher recommendations, or recent test results. However, it’s important to approach this with realistic expectations. The number of successful appeals is relatively small, and the process can be time-consuming and emotionally demanding.

That said, appealing can provide closure, particularly if you feel the result doesn’t fully reflect your child’s abilities. Even if the appeal isn’t successful, the process can help you better understand your child’s learning profile and the range of schools where they can thrive. Whatever the outcome, the key is to keep perspective—this moment, while significant, is only one part of your child’s educational journey.

If you’d like to understand more about how Trafford grammar schools select their pupils and what you can do to help your child prepare effectively, take a look at our blog: How Trafford Grammar Schools Choose Students and How to Prepare Accordingly

---

Considering the Appeal Process

Appealing an 11+ result can feel like an uphill task, but for some families, it’s an important opportunity to ensure that all relevant information about their child’s ability is properly considered. The process is not about disputing the exam system itself but about demonstrating that, based on wider evidence, your child is academically suited to a grammar school environment despite not reaching the qualifying score.

The first step is to familiarise yourself with the specific appeals process for the Trafford grammar schools you’re interested in. Each school operates under its own admissions authority, which means there can be slight variations in how appeals are managed. In most cases, you’ll need to submit a written appeal to the school’s admissions office, outlining the reasons you believe your child should be considered and attaching supporting documentation.

Strong evidence is crucial. This might include your child’s Year 5 and Year 6 school reports, predicted Key Stage 2 SATs results, or standardised test scores showing consistent high performance in English and maths. Letters from teachers or headteachers can also carry weight, particularly if they highlight your child’s work ethic, maturity, and aptitude for learning. If there were mitigating circumstances that may have affected performance on the day of the 11+, such as illness, family disruption, or anxiety, it’s important to provide written evidence—perhaps a doctor’s note or correspondence from your child’s school confirming the issue.

The appeal itself usually takes place before an independent panel, which consists of individuals not connected to the school. They will review all submitted materials and may invite you to attend a hearing, either in person or online. During this session, you’ll have the chance to explain your case and answer any questions from the panel. It’s not a court-style environment, but it can still feel formal and emotionally charged, particularly when you’re advocating for your child.

It’s important to be realistic throughout this process. The panel’s role is not to re-mark the 11+ paper or make exceptions lightly, but to decide whether there is compelling evidence that your child would thrive in a grammar school setting. Their decision is final, and while some families do achieve a positive outcome, many appeals are not upheld. This can be disappointing, especially after investing time and emotional energy, so it’s worth reflecting carefully beforehand on whether an appeal aligns with your child’s long-term well-being and needs.

For some families, the appeal process offers peace of mind—knowing they’ve explored every possible avenue. For others, it can become a source of unnecessary stress, particularly if their child is already feeling demoralised after the 11+ result. It’s important to keep your child’s perspective at the heart of your decision. If they’re anxious or reluctant, it may be healthier to move forward and focus on finding a school where they’ll feel supported and confident.

If you choose not to appeal, or if your appeal is unsuccessful, remember that this does not close the door to a high-quality education. Trafford and the surrounding areas boast a number of excellent comprehensive and independent schools, many of which achieve impressive academic outcomes and offer exceptional pastoral care. Schools such as Wellington School, Ashton-on-Mersey, and Urmston Academy consistently perform well and provide a nurturing environment where children can flourish both academically and personally.

Independent schools may also be worth considering. While fees can be a concern, many offer scholarships or bursaries for pupils who show strong potential or talent in areas such as academics, music, or sport. Exploring these alternatives can open up opportunities that are every bit as enriching as a grammar school education.

Ultimately, whether or not you pursue an appeal, the most valuable thing you can do is maintain perspective and support your child through the transition. Success in education comes in many forms—and often, children who take a different path after the 11+ discover strengths and passions they might not have uncovered otherwise.

---

Supporting Your Child’s Confidence and Turning Setbacks into Strengths

Perhaps the most important step after receiving an 11+ result—especially if it wasn’t what you or your child hoped for—is to focus on emotional reassurance and perspective. For many children, not passing the Trafford 11+ can feel like a personal setback, particularly if friends were successful. Your response as a parent can profoundly shape how your child views themselves and their future.

It’s crucial to remind them that this result doesn’t define who they are or what they can achieve. The 11+ measures performance on a single day, under exam pressure, at an age when children are still developing. It says nothing about their creativity, kindness, or determination. Helping them understand this distinction can ease disappointment and restore perspective.

Reframing the experience is key. Emphasise effort over outcome—acknowledge their hard work and perseverance and remind them that success rarely follows a straight path. Many accomplished people—from scientists to artists—didn’t attend grammar schools, yet they thrived because they adapted, stayed curious, and kept going.

Encourage your child to look forward rather than dwell on the result. Once a new school is allocated, talk positively about it. Visit together, meet teachers if possible, and focus on the opportunities ahead—new subjects, friends, and activities. When children sense optimism from their parents, they feel more confident about the next stage.

It’s also a good time to nurture their confidence beyond academics. Extracurricular activities—music, sport, art, or drama—help children discover new strengths and reinforce that success takes many forms.

Resilience is one of the most valuable lessons this experience can teach. Encourage your child to see challenges as part of growth, not obstacles. With your support, they’ll understand that setbacks are temporary and persistence pays off.

Remember that Trafford has excellent comprehensive and independent schools offering strong academics and pastoral care. Many children who don’t attend grammar schools go on to excel at GCSE, A level, and beyond. The key ingredients—good teaching, emotional support, and encouragement at home—exist in many settings.

Ultimately, your belief in your child’s potential matters most. The 11+ is just one step in a much longer journey, not a verdict on their future. In time, this experience can build confidence, resilience, and a deeper understanding of what truly matters in learning and life. With patience and encouragement, your child can—and will—flourish in their own way.

---

How Principal Tutors Can Help

Every child’s 11+ experience is different, and when things don’t go as planned, the right guidance and reassurance can make all the difference. At Principal Tutors, we understand how important this stage is for families—especially when you’re navigating next steps after the Trafford 11+. Whether you’re considering an appeal, exploring alternative schools, or simply looking to rebuild your child’s confidence, we’re here to help.

Our fully qualified UK teachers provide one-to-one online tutoring that supports your child academically and emotionally. We tailor lessons to their individual learning needs—strengthening key skills in English, maths, and reasoning—while helping them regain confidence and enjoyment in learning. Many parents also choose continued tutoring after the 11+ to ensure a smooth transition to secondary school and to lay strong foundations for future success.

If you’d like to discuss how we can support your child after the Trafford 11+, visit our website or call us on 0800 772 0974. You can also request a tutor through our short online form, and one of our education consultants will get in touch to understand your child’s needs and recommend the best next steps.

---