Denmark Road High School 11+

Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for Denmark Road High School.

How to get into Denmark Road High School

Denmark Road High School is a selective secondary school in Gloucestershire. To get into Denmark Road High School children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into Denmark Road High School with all the important information you need to know.

Admission Requirements

Denmark Road High School is a girls' grammar school with academy status on Denmark Road, Gloucester. It has a mixed sixth form and is one of only three girls' grammar schools in Gloucestershire [1]. The school offers 150 Year 7 places annually for girls aged 11-18, with boys admitted only to the Sixth Form.

Children must be born between 1st September 2013 and 31st August 2014 for Year 7 entry in September 2025 (see key dates). Families must pass the Gloucestershire 11+ examination to be eligible for admission.

There is no catchment area for Denmark Road High School. Children from Gloucestershire and beyond can take the 11 plus exam; all children will be considered equally [1]. Competition is intense with three applications for every place in recent years.

All images © Denmark Road High School.
All images © Denmark Road High School.

Application Process

The application process involves two separate registrations that families must complete. Exam registration opens at midday on Monday 19th May 2025 and closes at midday on Friday 27th June 2025. Missing the registration deadline means children cannot sit the main test in September.

Families must register for the Gloucestershire 11+ examination through the school's website when registration opens. Families find out which testing centre their child has been allocated by Monday 9th September. The Gloucestershire Grammar Schools' Entrance Test will take place on Saturday 13th September 2025 (see key dates).

  • Complete the Gloucestershire Grammar Test Registration Form on the school website
  • Submit the Common Application Form (CAF) to the local authority by 31st October 2025 (see key dates)
  • Include requests for special educational needs support with documentation less than two years old
  • Specify preferred test centres and schools for result sharing
  • Contact the school information section for detailed guidance

If families miss the registration date for the entrance test in September 2024, there is a Late Test in February 2025. Please note that the Late Test is to give children an opportunity to join the Waiting List. Regrettably, they will not be able to be offered a place on National Allocation Day, due to the timescales involved [1].

All images © Denmark Road High School.
All images © Denmark Road High School.

Examination Details

All seven grammar schools in Gloucestershire use the same 11 plus exam. This is known as the Gloucestershire Grammar Schools' Entrance Test. Children only have to take the test once, regardless of how many grammar schools in the county families are applying to.

The Gloucestershire Grammar Schools' Entrance Test consists of two one-hour papers. All of the questions in both papers are multiple-choice. Paper 1 tests verbal skills. This includes reading comprehension, vocabulary, and verbal reasoning. Paper 2 tests non-verbal skills. This includes non-verbal reasoning and maths.

Children take the test at one of the seven grammar schools – although this might not be the school families are applying to. Families are emailed their child's result in mid-October [1].

All images © Denmark Road High School.
All images © Denmark Road High School.

Selection and Oversubscription Criteria

There is no pre-defined pass mark for the Gloucestershire 11 plus exam. The qualifying standard will only be set after the test is taken and the results are known. This varies from year to year but has historically been around 210-220 marks.

If the number of children who have met the qualifying standard for entry to the school exceeds the number of places available, Denmark Road High School applies oversubscription criteria [1]. Priority is given in the following order:

  • Looked after children and previously looked after children meeting the qualifying standard
  • 15 places reserved for children registered for Pupil Premium living in Gloucester City
  • 15 places reserved for children registered for Pupil Premium not living in Gloucester City
  • Children achieving the Priority Standard and living within Gloucester (Postcodes GL1, GL2, GL3, GL4)
  • All remaining places allocated according to rank order of test scores
  • If there is a tie between two or more children when applying the oversubscription criteria and if there are no more places available, then the final place will be awarded by a process of random allocation

Preparation Guidance

With only 150 places available, children should prepare for the 11+ exam well ahead of exam day. Denmark Road High School is one of the top selective schools in the UK and competition for Year 7 entry is strong. Families should begin preparation at least 12-18 months before the examination date.

Using a 'little and often' approach when learning is key – brains encode new information more effectively when dealing with smaller 'chunks' of information. For children aged 10–11, child psychologists recommend regular study sessions of 20–30 minutes. Build consistent daily practice into the routine rather than intensive weekend sessions.

Free preparation resources are available through the practice papers section. Professional tutoring support can be accessed through the tutoring directory. Children should aim to score 75%+ consistently in practice tests to be on track for success.

Practical Advice

Exam day preparation should begin several weeks before Saturday 13th September 2025 (see key dates). Ensure children are familiar with the test format through regular practice with GL Assessment style questions. Visit the allocated test centre beforehand to reduce anxiety on the day.

On exam day, arrive 30 minutes early with required identification and stationery. Children should have a good breakfast and bring water and snacks for breaks. The test environment will be formal with strict timing, so practice under similar conditions at home.

  • Practice multiple-choice question techniques and time management strategies
  • Complete mock examinations under timed conditions regularly
  • Focus on reading comprehension and vocabulary building for Paper 1
  • Strengthen mathematical reasoning and spatial awareness for Paper 2
  • Develop strategies for managing test anxiety and maintaining concentration
  • Review worked examples for non-verbal reasoning questions
  • Ensure children understand the answer sheet format and marking system

Results will be emailed in mid-October 2025 (see key dates). Children who have not met the qualifying standard (i.e. have not passed the test) are unable to join the waiting list [1].

Alternative grammar schools in Gloucestershire include Pate's Grammar School, Sir Thomas Rich's School, and Stroud High School. Comprehensive schools in the area provide excellent education for children not securing grammar school places. Contact the school information section for local authority guidance on school options.

Gloucestershire 11+ Information

In order to get into Denmark Road High School, children need to pass the Gloucestershire 11+. This 11+ test is written by GL Assessment for use by the school's admissions process.

Gloucestershire 11+ Subjects & Structure

The Gloucestershire 11+ requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:

  • Reading Comprehension
  • Vocabulary
  • Verbal Reasoning
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning
  • Maths

The Gloucestershire Grammar Schools' Entrance Test is a challenging assessment designed to evaluate the academic abilities of prospective students seeking admission to Denmark Road High School. This comprehensive examination consists of two distinct papers, each lasting for one hour and featuring exclusively multiple-choice questions.

The first paper, Paper 1, focuses on assessing the candidate's verbal skills. This includes evaluating their proficiency in reading comprehension, the breadth and depth of their vocabulary, and their ability to engage in verbal reasoning. The second paper, Paper 2, concentrates on non-verbal skills, encompassing both non-verbal reasoning and mathematical aptitude.

To excel in this entrance test, candidates must demonstrate a well-rounded academic skill set, showcasing their ability to think critically, reason logically, and apply their knowledge effectively across various domains. Success in this examination is a testament to a student's readiness to thrive in the intellectually stimulating environment provided by Denmark Road High School.

Other Schools using Gloucestershire 11+

As well as Denmark Road High School, several other schools also use Gloucestershire 11+. These are:

Gloucestershire 11+ Marking Process

The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Denmark Road High 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.

Most 11+ tests are multiple-choice and marked electronically but still some remain that are marked by teachers or examiners.
Most 11+ tests are multiple-choice and marked electronically but still some remain that are marked by teachers or examiners.

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!

Gloucestershire 11+ Pass Mark

The pass mark for the Gloucestershire 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).

Stop worrying! Once the 11+ marking has started the admissions process is out of your control.
Stop worrying! Once the 11+ marking has started the admissions process is out of your control.

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 Denmark Road High School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Key Dates for the Denmark Road High School 11+ Entrance Tests

Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Denmark Road High School) as well as other relevant dates.

DateEventCalendar Link
19/05/2025Gloucestershire 11 Plus Registration Opens At Midday
27/06/2025Gloucestershire 11 Plus Registration Closes At Midday
13/09/2025Gloucestershire Grammar Schools’ Entrance Test
Late OctoberSecondary School Applications Close At 5pm
02/03/2026Secondary School National Offers Day

Although the utmost care has been taken to gather these dates, parents should treat them as a guide and check with Denmark Road High School as they may well change.

11+ Tutor for Denmark Road High School

As the Gloucestershire 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 help ensure preparation work gets done!
11+ tutors help ensure preparation work gets done!

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 Denmark Road High School 11+ Tests

We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Denmark Road High 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 Denmark Road High School

Here are all available past 11+ papers for Denmark Road High 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 Denmark Road High School currently uses.

The exam board (or test supplier) that Denmark Road High 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 BoardSubject11+ Past Paper
CEM*
Now use GL Assessment
Mixed

11+ Practice Papers for Denmark Road High School

Here are some superb free 11+ practice papers that children can download and use to help prepare for the Gloucestershire 11+ Ensure you double-check with Denmark Road High 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 Denmark Road High 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 Gloucestershire 11+ to get into Denmark Road High School.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMixed

11+ Practice Papers for Denmark Road High 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 Denmark Road High School.

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMixed

11+ Practice Papers for Denmark Road High 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 Gloucestershire 11+.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentEnglish

11+ Practice Papers for Denmark Road High 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 Denmark Road High School.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentWriting
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Denmark Road High 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 Denmark Road High School.

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning

These Free CEM 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. If Denmark Road High 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 BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
CEMMaths
CEMVerbal Reasoning
CEMNon-Verbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Denmark Road High School by 11+ For You

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "11+ For You".

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Denmark Road High School by Independent Junction

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by Independent Junction.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Denmark Road High School by IPS

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by IPS (Internet Primary School Ltd).

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths

11+ Practice Papers for Denmark Road High School by Schofield & Sims

These 11+ practice papers were published by Schofield & Sims, a large UK educational publisher.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths

School Information

Below you will find further information about Denmark Road High School together with their admissions contact details.

Denmark Road High School is a girls-only grammar school.
Denmark Road High School is a girls-only grammar school.
Address
Denmark Road High School,
Denmark Road,
Gloucester,
Gloucestershire
GL1 3JN
School Website
Telephone01452543335
Email Addressreception@denmarkroad.org
GenderGirls only
Total Year 7 Places150
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys)988 (969 Girls / 19 Boys)
Headteacher Miss Claire Giblin

Denmark Road High School is a girls only 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 988 pupils attend Denmark Road High School and it's led by the Headteacher, Miss Claire Giblin.

Denmark Road High School Location

Below you will find a map showing the school's location:

Ofsted Information

Denmark Road High School was last inspected by Ofsted on 13/10/2021 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 05/12/2021, declaring that the school was 'Good'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Denmark Road High School obtained <strong>Good</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2021.
Denmark Road High School obtained Good in their last Ofsted inspection in 2021.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date InspectedInspection Duration (Days)Reporting DateRatingFull Report
13/10/2021105/12/2021GoodFull Report

Ofsted Report Summary

Denmark Road High School was inspected by Ofsted on 13 October 2021 and received an overall outcome of Good. The quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth form provision were all rated as Good.

The inspection found that the school provides a high-quality education for its students, with effective leadership and management ensuring that all areas of the school are performing well. The behaviour and attitudes of students were also praised, with the school providing a positive and supportive environment for learning.

The sixth form provision at Denmark Road High School was also rated as Good, with students receiving excellent support and guidance to help them achieve their goals. Overall, the inspection highlights the strong performance of the school across all areas, providing a high-quality education for its students.

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at Denmark Road High School for the 2022-23 academic year.

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • English Language (154 pupils)
  • English Literature (154 pupils)
  • Mathematics (154 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (151 pupils)
  • Biology (131 pupils)
  • Chemistry (131 pupils)
  • Physics (131 pupils)
  • History (117 pupils)
  • Sociology (82 pupils)
  • Geography (75 pupils)
  • Economics (72 pupils)
  • French (53 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Fine Art) (43 pupils)
  • Spanish (43 pupils)
  • German (30 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (27 pupils)
  • Science: Double Award (23 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Textiles) (21 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (19 pupils)
  • Drama & Theatre Studies (17 pupils)
  • Music (9 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Psychology (53 pupils)
  • Biology (51 pupils)
  • History (32 pupils)
  • Chemistry (28 pupils)
  • Geography (28 pupils)
  • Mathematics (28 pupils)
  • English Literature (20 pupils)
  • Economics (14 pupils)
  • Sociology (12 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (11 pupils)
  • Spanish (10 pupils)
  • English Language (9 pupils)
  • Art and Design (Fine Art) (8 pupils)
  • Computer Studies / Computing (8 pupils)
  • Government and Politics (8 pupils)
  • Physics (8 pupils)
  • Art and Design (Textiles) (7 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (7 pupils)

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Denmark Road High 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)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
U123456789
Art & Design (Textiles)21------2991
Art & Design (Fine Art)43-----14101810
Biology131-----523352840
Chemistry131-----618303839
Computer Studies/Computing27----235359
Economics72---3571815159
English Language154----1126434241
English Literature154----2730433834
French531--128811139
Geography75---1127182719
German306--126582-
History117--1231720292520
Mathematics154----21336344227
Music9-----21222
Physics131----1628223341
Religious Studies151----2117224861
Sociology82---22419171820
Spanish431---768965
Drama & Theatre Studies17-----21293
Physical Education/Sports Studies19-----11278
Science: Double Award23----------

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
UEDCBAA*
Art and Design (Fine Art)8---1412
Art and Design (Textiles)7----115
Biology51-49128116
Business Studies:Single11-22-412
Chemistry28--41057-
Computer Studies / Computing8-1-151-
Economics14--11741
English Language9--1152-
English Literature20---2972
Geography28--147133
Government and Politics8--4-211
History32-1261751
Mathematics28-333864
Physics8-12-32-
Psychology53-191313116
Religious Studies7----43-
Sociology12--11244
Spanish10--13321

FAQ

Is Denmark Road High School hard to get into?

Yes, Denmark Road High 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 Denmark Road High School a private school?

No, Denmark Road High School is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.

Is Denmark Road High School free?

Yes, Denmark Road High School is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to Denmark Road High School won't cost you any money.

How do I get my child into Denmark Road High School?

You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Denmark Road High 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.

Is Denmark Road High School a girls-only school?

Yes, Denmark Road High School is a girls-only school.

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