Bexley Grammar School 11+
Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for Bexley Grammar School.
How to get into Bexley Grammar School
Bexley Grammar School is a selective secondary school in Bexley, London. To get into Bexley Grammar School children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into Bexley Grammar School with all the important information you need to know.
Admission Requirements
Children born between 1st September 2014 and 31st August 2015 are eligible for Year 7 entry in September 2026 (see key dates). The school offers 180 places annually [1].
Families must register for the Bexley Selection Test 11+ between 1st May and 31st May 2025 (see key dates). Children sit the tests in September 2025 during Year 6 of primary school (see key dates).
- Children must achieve the selective standard in the Bexley Selection Test 11+ to be eligible for consideration
- The school is mixed-sex and accepts both boys and girls across all year groups
- Children can live anywhere and apply, but there is no catchment area, though priority is given to those living closer
- Special arrangements applications must be submitted by 9th June 2025 (see key dates)
Application Process
Families must complete two separate processes. First, register for the Bexley Selection Test 11+ between 1st May and 31st May 2025 via the Bexley Local Authority website (see key dates). Late registrations will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Second, submit the Common Application Form through families' home council between 1st September and 31st October 2025 (see key dates). Families must include at least one non-selective school to ensure a place is available.
- Register online at the Bexley Local Authority website during the specified registration window using public library internet access if needed
- Receive confirmation email with application reference number starting with SA after registration upon successful submission
- Wait for test invitation specifying exam location and time following registration at either primary school or testing centre
- Children sitting the test receive familiarisation materials to prepare including practice questions and guidance
- Receive test results in mid-October 2025 (see key dates)
- Submit secondary school applications naming preferred schools by 31st October 2025 (see key dates)
- For special educational needs, contact the SENCO at the child's primary school as schools handle access arrangements, not families
Examination Details
The Bexley Selection Test 11+ consists of two papers, each lasting approximately 50 minutes with multiple-choice questions only covering all four subject areas. Instructions are provided by invigilators with a short break between papers.
Test dates are 8th to 11th September 2025 (see key dates). Children attending Bexley primary schools sit the test on Tuesday 9th September 2025 at their own school or a grammar school. Children from non-Bexley schools sit on assigned dates at one of the four grammar schools.
- English comprehension and technical language skills assessment including reading passages with comprehension questions
- Mathematics covering numerical reasoning and problem-solving appropriate for Year 6 level
- Verbal reasoning testing logical thinking with words and language patterns and relationships
- Non-verbal reasoning assessing visual and spatial problem-solving skills using shapes and patterns
- All answers recorded on optical mark reading sheets for computer processing
- Raw scores converted to age-standardised scores accounting for child's age at testing
- Approximately 30% of candidates achieve the selective standard annually
Oversubscription Criteria
When more children achieve the selective standard than places available, Bexley Grammar School applies specific criteria to prioritise applications. The 180 children with the highest scores are guaranteed places. Last year, 74% of places were allocated based on distance criteria.
Priority is given in this exact order following current oversubscription arrangements: Looked-after or previously looked-after children receive highest priority, followed by the 180 highest test scores, then siblings, staff children, and finally distance from school.
- Children with Education, Health and Care plans naming the school receive automatic priority
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children have the highest priority category
- Top 180 standardised scores in the Bexley Selection Test 11+ guarantee admission regardless of distance
- Sibling priority for children with brothers or sisters in Years 7-11 at the time of application
- Staff children priority for those with parents employed by the school for two or more years
- Distance-based allocation measured as straight line from home to school gate for remaining places
- Last year the distance cutoff was 2.10 miles, extending to 2.5 miles through waiting lists
Preparation Guidance
Families should begin preparation early using a structured approach. Child psychologists recommend 20-30 minute study sessions for children aged 10-11 using a 'little and often' method. Regular reading significantly helps build comprehension and analysis skills.
The school provides familiarisation materials to all registered families including practice questions and guidance booklets. GL Assessment does not sell past papers or practice books directly, so families should use alternative preparation resources.
- Start preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5 using short, regular sessions rather than intensive cramming
- Focus on building core knowledge across all four subject areas before attempting practice tests
- Use familiarisation materials provided after registration to understand test format and timing
- Practice multiple-choice techniques and time management with timed sections
- For free preparation resources, see practice papers section
- For professional tutoring support, see tutoring guidance section
- Ensure children understand that passing is not essential for their future and excellent alternatives exist
Practical Advice
Exam day preparation should focus on practical arrangements and stress management. Families should discuss with children that passing the test is not the only path to success. Excellent secondary school alternatives exist in Bexley regardless of test results.
The selection process is highly competitive with approximately 30% of children achieving the selective standard. Passing the test does not guarantee a place at any specific grammar school due to oversubscription. In 2024, Bexley Grammar School received around 7 applications per place.
- Ensure children get adequate sleep and eat a good breakfast on test day
- Arrive at the test location early to avoid stress and allow settling time
- Bring required identification and any permitted materials as specified
- Practice relaxation techniques to manage pre-exam nerves effectively
- Consider alternative schools in Bexley including excellent non-selective options as backup choices
- Apply to multiple schools including non-selective options to guarantee a September place
- Remember results arrive in mid-October (see key dates) before application deadlines
- For specific contact information and support, see the school information section
Appeals and Waiting Lists
Bexley Grammar School maintains waiting lists until 31st December of each admission year ranked according to oversubscription criteria. Lists are reordered each time a child is added following the same criteria. Only children deemed selective are eligible for waiting lists.
Families can appeal if their child does not receive an offer but must apply and be rejected first. If vacancies arise before September, the school informs Bexley Admissions who contact families in list order. Late applications are very unlikely to receive preferred school offers.
Bexley Selection Test 11+ Information
In order to get into Bexley Grammar School, children need to pass the Bexley Selection Test 11+. This 11+ test is written by GL Assessment for use by the school's admissions process.
Bexley Selection Test 11+ Subjects & Structure
The Bexley Selection Test 11+ requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:
- English Comprehension
- Maths
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
The Bexley Selection Test is an entrance examination for students seeking admission to Bexley Grammar School. This comprehensive assessment spans two hours, divided into two separate one-hour papers. The test is designed to evaluate a student's aptitude across four key areas: English comprehension, mathematics, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning.
Throughout the examination, students are presented with a series of multiple-choice questions. These questions are carefully crafted to gauge a student's understanding of the English language, their ability to interpret and analyze written passages, and their capacity to apply mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills. Additionally, the test assesses a student's proficiency in both verbal and non-verbal reasoning, which involves identifying patterns, logical deduction, and abstract thinking.
The Bexley Selection Test serves as a critical tool in determining a student's suitability for the academically rigorous environment at Bexley Grammar School. By evaluating a broad range of cognitive abilities, the examination aims to identify students who possess the necessary skills and potential to thrive within the school's challenging curriculum.
Other Schools using Bexley Selection Test 11+
As well as Bexley Grammar School, several other schools also use Bexley Selection Test 11+. These are:
Bexley Selection Test 11+ Marking Process
The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Bexley Grammar School is that only children with particularly high marks are admitted. Hence why it is important that children perform well in their 11+ papers.
Different schools (and different 11+ tests) have different marking processes. Some tests are marked in person, some remotely, while others utilise computer-based optical recognition technologies for quickly marking multiple-choice answer sheets.
Many 11+ tests are age-standardised to ensure younger children are not disadvantaged (i.e. their marks may be moderated depending on the month in which they were born). While creative writing papers can be used as tie-breakers, multiple-choice tests in Maths, Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning normally make up the bulk of a child's marks. The specific details and weightings can vary from year to year.
It's worth remembering that once children's 11+ tests are being marked, the admissions process is completely outside of the parents' control. Hence, parents should not worry themselves about whether their child has got a place!
Bexley Selection Test 11+ Pass Mark
The pass mark for the Bexley Selection Test 11+ changes every year and isn't generally made public knowledge. This is due to the academic strength of the children taking the test varying and how challenging the test ends up being (as well as plenty of other smaller variables).
Hence, as a vague rule-of-thumb, it's recommended that children aim for roughly 75-80% in their practice tests. Whilst this won't guarantee them a place at Bexley Grammar School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.
Key Dates for the Bexley Grammar School 11+ Entrance Tests
Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Bexley Grammar School) as well as other relevant dates.
| Date | Event | Calendar Link |
|---|---|---|
| 01/05/2025 | Registration Opens For The Bexley Selection Test | Add Dates to Calendar |
| 31/05/2025 | Registration Closes For The Bexley Selection Test At Midnight | |
| 09/09/2025 | Bexley Test Date For Children Who Attend A Bexley Primary School | |
| Late October | National Deadline To Apply For Secondary School Places | |
| 02/03/2026 | National School Offers Day |
Although the utmost care has been taken to gather these dates, parents should treat them as a guide and check with Bexley Grammar School as they may well change.
11+ Tutor for Bexley Grammar School
As the Bexley Selection Test 11+ entrance process is particularly gruelling, we would highly recommend using an 11+ private tutor.
Why use a private 11+ tutor?
Personal tutors have the experience and expertise to help children pass their 11+ exams. They know the requirements of the GL Assessment 11+ tests inside-out and can provide tailored support to give children the best possible chance of success. It's also important to bear in mind that plenty of other children will be using private tutors too.
11+ tutors don't need to be face-to-face, plenty of children use online 11+ tutors.
11+ tutors can also provide regular progress reports and feedback, helping parents to monitor their child's progress and make any necessary adjustments to their preparation.
Most importantly, using an 11+ tutor helps ensure that the preparation work gets done!
Private 11+ Tutors for the Bexley Grammar School 11+ Tests
We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Bexley Grammar School 11+ entrance tests. Please click here to be put in touch with a range of excellent 11+ private tutors from our friends at exams.courses.
11+ Past Papers for Bexley Grammar School
Here are all available past 11+ papers for Bexley Grammar School. Please note that this may include 11+ past papers, past familiarisation booklets, past practice materials published by third parties and past 11+ exam guides written by the school. These materials are provided 'as-is' and may no longer reflect the subjects, format, structure or exam board that Bexley Grammar School currently uses.
The exam board (or test supplier) that Bexley Grammar School chooses to use for their 11+ entrance tests can change and we encourage you to check directly with the school.
As well as these past 11+ papers, you may find our extensive collection of 11+ practice papers helpful for your child's preparation.
| Exam Board | Subject | 11+ Past Paper |
|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Maths |
11+ Practice Papers for Bexley Grammar School
Here are some superb free 11+ practice papers that children can download and use to help prepare for the Bexley Selection Test 11+ Ensure you double-check with Bexley Grammar School which subjects and topics your child's 11+ tests are in to ensure you prepare for the right tests.
This is just a sample of our extensive collection of 11+ practice papers. Please click here to see the full collection.
11+ Practice Papers for Bexley Grammar School by Bond
These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by Bond and cover and cover all the main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. As such they are very helpful for children hoping to pass the Bexley Selection Test 11+ to get into Bexley Grammar School.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning | ||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | ||
| GL Assessment | Mixed |
11+ Practice Papers for Bexley Grammar School by GL Assessment
These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by GL Assessment themselves. As with the Bond papers, they cover all the main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. They remain useful and we encourage parents to download and use them with their children to help them get into Bexley Grammar School.
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | |||
| GL Assessment | Maths | |||
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Mixed |
11+ Practice Papers for Bexley Grammar School by Exam Ninja
These Free 11+ Practice Tests by Exam Ninja are extremely useful. They are straight-forward 10-question tests in Maths and English, following the same GL Assessment style (and multiple-choice format) as the Bexley Selection Test 11+.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | English |
11+ Practice Papers for Bexley Grammar School by Owl Tutors
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by Owl Tutors. These too are written in a GL Assessment style and make useful practice for children hoping to get into Bexley Grammar School.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | ||
| GL Assessment | Writing | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Bexley Grammar School by CGP
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. As with the Bond, GL Assessment and Exam Ninja papers, they're written for the GL Assessment style, in multiple-choice format and are helpful for children hoping to pass their 11+ tests and get into Bexley Grammar School.
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Maths | |||
| GL Assessment | English | |||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
These Free CEM 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. If Bexley Grammar School ever used them then they don't anymore as grammar schools no longer use CEM for any of their 11+ entrance tests. However, as a general practice tool these 11+ tests remain useful.
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEM | Maths | |||
| CEM | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| CEM | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Bexley Grammar School by 11+ For You
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "11+ For You".
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Bexley Grammar School by Examberry
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "Examberry".
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Bexley Grammar School by Independent Junction
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by Independent Junction.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Bexley Grammar School by IPS
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by IPS (Internet Primary School Ltd).
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Maths |
11+ Practice Papers for Bexley Grammar School by Schofield & Sims
These 11+ practice papers were published by Schofield & Sims, a large UK educational publisher.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths |
School Information
Below you will find further information about Bexley Grammar School together with their admissions contact details.
| Address | Bexley Grammar School, Danson Lane, Welling, Kent DA16 2BL |
|---|---|
| School Website | https://www.bexleygs.co.uk/ |
| Telephone | 02083048538 |
| Email Address | enquiries@bexleygs.co.uk |
| Gender | Mixed (both girls and boys) |
| Total Year 7 Places | 210 |
| Total Pupils (Girls/Boys) | 1462 (509 Girls / 953 Boys) |
| Headteacher | Mr Hugh Gilmore |
Bexley Grammar School is a mixed (i.e. both girls and boys) school. It is also an academy, meaning the school is run independently by a trust or sponsor and is directly funded by the central government (not the local authority).
In total 1,462 pupils attend Bexley Grammar School and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr Hugh Gilmore.
Bexley Grammar School Location
Below you will find a map showing the school's location:
Ofsted Information
Bexley Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 18/10/2022 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 24/11/2022, declaring that the school was 'Outstanding'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.
Last Ofsted Report Data
| Date Inspected | Inspection Duration (Days) | Reporting Date | Rating | Full Report | 18/10/2022 | 1 | 24/11/2022 | Outstanding | Full Report |
|---|
Ofsted Report Summary
Bexley Grammar School received an Outstanding rating in its Ofsted inspection on 18 October 2022. The school demonstrated exceptional performance across all areas assessed, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth form provision.
The inspection report highlights the school's outstanding quality of education, indicating that students receive high-quality teaching and learning experiences. The school's approach to behaviour and attitudes was also deemed outstanding, suggesting a positive and supportive learning environment. Additionally, the school's commitment to personal development was recognized as outstanding, emphasizing the holistic growth of students.
The leadership and management at Bexley Grammar School were also rated as outstanding, demonstrating effective governance and strategic direction. Furthermore, the sixth form provision was found to be outstanding, ensuring that older students receive excellent support and guidance in their academic and personal pursuits.
GCSE & A-Level Subjects
Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at Bexley Grammar School for the 2022-23 academic year.
| GCSE Subjects Offered |
|
|---|---|
| A-Level Subjects Offered |
|
GCSE & A-Level Performance
Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Bexley Grammar School per subject. Note that this may include children taking GCSEs early (e.g. taking a language GCSE in Year 10) or indeed a child in Year 12 retaking a GCSE.
GCSE Results Information (2022-23)
| Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | ||
| Ancient History | 20 | - | - | - | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Art & Design (Fine Art) | 17 | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
| Biology | 182 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 14 | 41 | 41 | 51 | 33 |
| Business Studies:Single | 59 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 7 | 14 | 12 | 17 | 7 |
| Chemistry | 181 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 18 | 37 | 38 | 55 | 31 |
| Chinese | 12 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Computer Studies/Computing | 58 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 7 | 14 | 9 | 16 | 10 |
| Design & Technology | 11 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 2 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| Economics | 52 | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | 27 | 14 | 5 | 2 |
| English Language | 192 | - | - | - | - | 3 | 18 | 44 | 51 | 50 | 25 |
| English Literature | 189 | - | - | - | 1 | 6 | 26 | 50 | 42 | 37 | 27 |
| D&T Food Technology | 21 | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | 1 | 9 | 7 |
| French | 115 | - | - | - | 3 | 4 | 17 | 21 | 36 | 16 | 18 |
| Geography | 103 | - | - | - | 1 | 4 | 5 | 23 | 20 | 29 | 21 |
| German | 98 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 12 | 26 | 26 | 22 | 11 |
| History | 88 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 6 | 10 | 18 | 30 | 23 |
| Italian | 31 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 5 | 2 | 9 | 8 | 5 |
| Japanese | 13 | - | - | - | 1 | - | - | 3 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| Latin | 50 | - | - | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 11 | 16 | 12 |
| Mathematics | 191 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 11 | 29 | 44 | 59 | 46 |
| Music | 22 | - | - | - | - | 2 | - | 4 | 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Physics | 181 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 7 | 42 | 43 | 47 | 40 |
| Psychology | 52 | - | 1 | - | 2 | 5 | 6 | 14 | 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Religious Studies | 12 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5 | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Russian | 12 | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Spanish | 51 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 5 | 13 | 16 | 10 | 5 |
| Drama & Theatre Studies | 32 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 9 | 8 | 7 | 8 |
| Physical Education/Sports Studies | 20 | - | - | - | - | - | 2 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 4 |
| Science: Double Award | 10 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
A-Level Results Information (2022-23)
| Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U | E | D | C | B | A | A* | |||||
| Biology | 55 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
| Chemistry | 40 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
| Computer Studies / Computing | 24 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
| Economics | 55 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
| Film Studies | 16 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
| Geography | 43 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
| Government and Politics | 41 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
| History | 42 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
| Logic / Philosophy | 8 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
| Music | 10 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
| Physical Education / Sports Studies | 18 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
| Physics | 51 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
| Psychology | 19 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
| Sociology | 8 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
| Other Classical Languages | 7 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
FAQ
Is Bexley Grammar School hard to get into?
Yes, Bexley Grammar School is hard to get into! Children need to pass their challenging 11+ entrance test (with a high pass mark) and there's tough competition with many other children trying to get a place for Year 7.
Is Bexley Grammar School a private school?
No, Bexley Grammar School is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.
Is Bexley Grammar School free?
Yes, Bexley Grammar School is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to Bexley Grammar School won't cost you any money.
How do I get my child into Bexley Grammar School?
You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Bexley Grammar School for how up to date information on how to apply (it may be automatic or it may require some forms to be filled in). More information on their 11+ entrance test can be found here.
