Children with diagnosed additional needs (dyslexia, ADHD, processing speed differences) can sit the 11+ with appropriate accommodations. The application process must be initiated early.
The short answer
Common accommodations include: extra time (typically 25 percent), separate room sittings, large-print papers, and rest breaks. Accommodations require formal evidence — usually an Educational Psychologist report.
The longer answer
The accommodations application is made through the local council in most areas, with significant deadlines (often April or May of Year 5 for an autumn-term test). Missing the deadline means no accommodation.
For an Educational Psychologist report to be accepted, it usually needs to be (a) recent — within two years — and (b) from a qualified Chartered EP. School-internal assessments rarely qualify.
What experienced parents do
Confirm what your child's primary school has on file. Many primaries have informal accommodations for in-school tests that do not transfer to the 11+. The 11+ accommodation needs its own formal evidence.
What to avoid
For undiagnosed but suspected difficulties: pursue an EP assessment in Year 4 if possible. The assessment process takes weeks, the report takes more weeks, and the formal accommodation application takes more again.
Practical next step
Realistic expectations matter. Accommodations level the playing field; they do not transform a child's underlying performance. The work to be done in preparation remains the same. A small, deliberate action this week is worth more than a grand plan for the year ahead.