Townley Grammar School 11+
Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for Townley Grammar School.
How to get into Townley Grammar School
Townley Grammar School is a selective secondary school in Bexley, London. To get into Townley Grammar School children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into Townley Grammar School with all the important information you need to know.
Background Information
Townley Grammar School is an academically selective girls' school with a coeducational Sixth Form, located in Bexleyheath, South East London. Established in 1937, the school is known for its strong academic performance, innovative teaching, and commitment to developing confident, independent learners. The school is rated outstanding by Ofsted and highly commended by the DfE for its leading-edge character education provision [1].
The school offers a broad curriculum, with particular strengths in mathematics, computing, and the performing arts. The current school roll is 1637, making it one of the larger selective schools in the Bexley area [1]. The school admits up to 224 students for Year 7, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 18:1.
Admission Requirements
Girls are eligible for admission to Year 7 in September following their 11th birthday - for admission in September 2025, girls born between 1st September 2013 and 31st August 2014 (inclusive) [1]. The school will accept applications from girls who are no more than one year younger (born no later than 31st August 2015) provided they are already in Year 6 at a primary school and working successfully in that group.
Girls who are born in the summer (1st April and 31st August 2013) where parents delayed entry to reception and the child has remained out of cohort for their entire primary attendance are also eligible for admission [1]. In the first allocation of places, the school will only consider applicants deemed selective by the London Borough of Bexley.
There is no catchment area at Townley Grammar School, however places are prioritised for children who live closer to the school. Children must pass the Bexley Selection Test 11+ to be eligible for consideration [1].
Application Process
Registration for the Bexley Selection Test is open from Thursday 1st May 2025 and closes at midnight on Saturday 31st May 2025 (see key dates). It is families' responsibility to register their child online for the Bexley selection test. Public libraries provide internet access if families do not have a computer at home, and a free email address can be created through providers such as Google, Yahoo, or Hotmail.
Families will find out if their child has met the eligible score in the Bexley Selection Test in mid-October 2025 (see key dates). To apply, families need to name the school as one of their preferred schools on the secondary school common application form. This will be available on the home council website from early September and must be submitted by 31st October 2025 (see key dates).
- Register for the Bexley Selection Test 11+ between 1st May and 31st May 2025 (see key dates)
- Complete the Common Application Form (CAF) through the local authority by 31st October 2025 (see key dates)
- Submit the Supplementary Information Form (SIF) if applying under Free School Meals criteria
- Provide required documentation including proof of address and birth certificate
- For specific assistance or questions, contact the school information section
The Bexley Selection Test
All grammar schools in Bexley use the same 11 plus exam, known as the Bexley Selection Test. This consists of two one-hour papers which assess English comprehension, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. All of the questions are multiple-choice.
If children attend a Bexley primary school, they will take the test on Tuesday 9th September 2025 (see key dates). If children do not attend a Bexley primary school, they will take the test at one of the four grammar schools on an assigned date between Monday 8th and Thursday 11th September 2025 (see key dates).
The Bexley Selection Test is competitive - around 30% of children who take the test achieve a mark high enough to be considered for a grammar school place in the borough. Children who have achieved the highest 180 scores in the Selection Test receive priority consideration for places.
Oversubscription Criteria
Passing the Bexley Selection Test doesn't guarantee that children will be allocated a place at their preferred school. If the number of children who have met the qualifying standard exceeds the number of places available, Townley Grammar School applies oversubscription criteria [1].
Places are allocated in the following priority order:
- Looked-After or previously Looked-After Children
- Children attracting Pupil Premium who achieve the qualifying score - 56 places are available for children attracting Pupil Premium
- Children identified by the London Borough of Bexley as achieving one of the highest 180 scores in the Selection Test
- Children who have a sibling at the school
- Children who have a parent employed by the school for two or more years
- Children who live closest to the school, regardless of their test score
Distance is measured from the child's home to the middle gate entrance of Townley Grammar School in a straight line [1].
Preparation Guidance
The Bexley Selection Test is designed to be challenging - it's important to build a good knowledge base before the 11 plus using a 'little and often' approach when learning, with child psychologists recommending regular study sessions of 20–30 minutes for children aged 10–11.
Families should begin preparation well in advance of the test dates. A structured preparation timeline typically includes:
- Year 5 (early preparation): Focus on building core skills in maths, English, and reasoning
- Year 6 (intensive preparation): Practice with timed papers and exam technique
- Regular reading: Essential for developing comprehension and vocabulary skills
- Mock tests: Help children become familiar with exam format and time management
For free preparation resources, families should visit practice papers section. Those considering additional support should explore 11+ tutor options.
Exam Day Preparation
Children should arrive at their test location well-prepared and relaxed. Key considerations include:
- Location: Children will be notified of their specific test venue after registration
- Equipment: Bring pencils, erasers, and any permitted materials
- Timing: Allow plenty of time for travel and arrival
- Wellbeing: Ensure children get adequate sleep and nutrition before the exam
- Mindset: Encourage children to stay calm and focused during the test
Parents should help children manage exam stress by maintaining a supportive environment and avoiding excessive pressure. Regular practice with timed conditions helps children develop confidence and familiarity with the test format.
Backup School Options
Townley Grammar School uses the Bexley Selection Test with Beths Grammar School, Bexley Grammar School and Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School. This means children only need to take one test to apply to multiple grammar schools in the borough.
Other selective schools in Bexley include:
- Beths Grammar School: Accepts 192 students annually (boys only)
- Bexley Grammar School: Admits 210 Year 7 students (co-educational)
- Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School: Admits 197 students for Year 7 (co-educational)
Families should consider non-selective secondary schools in their local authority as backup options. These schools may offer excellent education without requiring selective entry tests.
Waiting Lists and Appeals
Families cannot request to be added to the waiting list if their child has not been deemed selective [1]. Waiting list order follows the same criteria as initial allocations, with vacant places offered based on waiting list order and maintained throughout the first term of Year 7.
If there are still places unfilled after all selective girls have been offered places, offers will be made to girls who score one point below the selective threshold, and for girls two points under the threshold, the same procedure applies [1].
For waiting list applications or appeals processes, families should contact the school information section for specific guidance and deadlines.
Bexley Selection Test 11+ Information
In order to get into Townley 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 the entrance examination for admission to Townley Grammar School. This rigorous assessment is designed to evaluate the academic potential of prospective students across a range of key subjects.
The test comprises two papers, each lasting one hour. These papers cover essential areas of learning, including English comprehension, mathematics, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. The questions in the Bexley Selection Test are presented in a multiple-choice format, allowing for efficient and standardized evaluation of the candidates' abilities.
Success in the Bexley Selection Test requires a solid foundation in the assessed subjects, as well as strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students who perform well in this examination demonstrate their readiness for the academically challenging environment provided by Townley Grammar School.
Other Schools using Bexley Selection Test 11+
As well as Townley 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 Townley 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 Townley Grammar School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.
Key Dates for the Townley Grammar School 11+ Entrance Tests
Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Townley 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 Townley Grammar School as they may well change.
11+ Tutor for Townley 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 Townley Grammar School 11+ Tests
We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Townley 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 Townley Grammar School
Here are all available past 11+ papers for Townley 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 Townley Grammar School currently uses.
The exam board (or test supplier) that Townley 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 Townley 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 Townley 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 Townley 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 Townley 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 Townley 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 Townley 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 Townley 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 Townley 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 Townley 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 Townley 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 Townley 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 Townley 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 Townley 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 Townley 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 Townley 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 Townley 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 Townley 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 Townley Grammar School together with their admissions contact details.
| Address | Townley Grammar School, Townley Road, Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 7AB |
|---|---|
| School Website | https://www.townleygrammar.org.uk/ |
| Telephone | 02083048311 |
| Email Address | admissions@townleygrammar.org.uk |
| Gender | Girls only |
| Total Year 7 Places | 224 |
| Total Pupils (Girls/Boys) | 1574 (1487 Girls / 87 Boys) |
| Headteacher | Mrs Nevita Pandya |
Townley Grammar 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 1,574 pupils attend Townley Grammar School and it's led by the Headteacher, Mrs Nevita Pandya.
Townley Grammar School Location
Below you will find a map showing the school's location:
Ofsted Information
Townley Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 28/02/2023 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 27/04/2023, 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 | 28/02/2023 | 1 | 27/04/2023 | Outstanding | Full Report |
|---|
Ofsted Report Summary
Townley Grammar School was inspected by Ofsted on 28 February 2023 and received an Outstanding rating in all areas. The school demonstrated exceptional performance in the 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, which is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the teaching staff. The school's approach to behaviour and attitudes was also deemed outstanding, creating a positive learning environment that fosters student growth and success. Additionally, the school's commitment to personal development was recognized as outstanding, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for life beyond the classroom.
The leadership and management of Townley Grammar School were also rated as outstanding, demonstrating the effectiveness of the school's governance and strategic planning. Finally, the sixth form provision was deemed outstanding, providing students with excellent opportunities for further education and career development. Overall, Townley Grammar School has proven itself to be an exceptional educational institution, setting a high standard for academic excellence and student well-being.
GCSE & A-Level Subjects
Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at Townley 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 Townley 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 | ||
| Art & Design | 56 | - | - | 1 | 1 | 6 | 8 | 19 | 8 | 9 | 3 |
| Biology | 222 | - | - | - | 1 | 4 | 25 | 41 | 54 | 54 | 43 |
| Chemistry | 222 | - | - | - | - | 3 | 19 | 38 | 50 | 56 | 56 |
| Classical Civilisation | 90 | - | - | - | 1 | 8 | 15 | 20 | 20 | 16 | 10 |
| Computer Studies/Computing | 77 | - | - | 1 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 17 | 17 | 20 | 11 |
| Design & Technology | 55 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 5 | 11 | 17 | 15 | 6 |
| Dance | 24 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| Applied Engineering | 40 | - | - | - | 2 | - | 3 | 9 | 7 | 14 | 5 |
| English Language | 222 | - | - | - | - | 5 | 9 | 43 | 54 | 69 | 42 |
| English Literature | 222 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 13 | 41 | 52 | 61 | 53 |
| French | 120 | 1 | - | - | 6 | 18 | 16 | 21 | 25 | 17 | 16 |
| Geography | 116 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 2 | 17 | 31 | 34 | 31 |
| German | 16 | 1 | - | 1 | 2 | - | 5 | 3 | - | 1 | 3 |
| History | 85 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 4 | 9 | 15 | 24 | 31 |
| Latin | 6 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| Mathematics | 222 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 14 | 35 | 79 | 62 | 30 |
| Music | 15 | - | - | - | 3 | 1 | - | 2 | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| Physics | 222 | 1 | - | - | - | 1 | 22 | 53 | 51 | 46 | 48 |
| Religious Studies | 219 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 4 | 22 | 38 | 64 | 90 |
| Spanish | 85 | - | 1 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 18 | 20 | 19 | 9 | 7 |
| Drama & Theatre Studies | 48 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 5 | 18 | 8 | 8 | 7 |
| Physical Education/Sports Studies | 27 | - | - | - | 1 | - | 6 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 3 |
A-Level Results Information (2022-23)
| Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U | E | D | C | B | A | A* | |||||
| Art and Design | 11 | - | 1 | - | 2 | 3 | 4 | 1 | |||
| Biology | 94 | - | 2 | 9 | 26 | 19 | 27 | 10 | |||
| Chemistry | 98 | - | 6 | 15 | 26 | 30 | 15 | 5 | |||
| Classical Civilisation | 24 | - | - | - | 2 | 7 | 13 | 2 | |||
| Computer Studies / Computing | 26 | - | 1 | 2 | 10 | 8 | 3 | 2 | |||
| Design and Technology (Product Design) | 14 | - | - | 1 | 6 | 5 | 2 | - | |||
| Economics | 62 | - | 2 | 5 | 5 | 27 | 17 | 5 | |||
| English Literature | 49 | - | - | 1 | 12 | 11 | 13 | 11 | |||
| Film Studies | 11 | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | 5 | 2 | |||
| French | 7 | - | - | - | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | |||
| Geography | 15 | - | - | 2 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 2 | |||
| Government and Politics | 31 | - | 1 | 4 | 2 | 8 | 9 | 7 | |||
| History | 31 | - | 1 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 14 | 4 | |||
| Mathematics | 116 | - | 9 | 13 | 24 | 19 | 40 | 9 | |||
| Mathematics (Further) | 10 | - | - | - | 3 | 3 | 4 | - | |||
| Physics | 38 | - | 6 | 6 | 11 | 10 | 4 | - | |||
| Religious Studies | 25 | - | - | 3 | 3 | 9 | 8 | 2 | |||
| Sociology | 66 | - | - | 6 | 9 | 23 | 19 | 9 | |||
| Spanish | 11 | - | - | 3 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | |||
FAQ
Is Townley Grammar School hard to get into?
Yes, Townley 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 Townley Grammar School a private school?
No, Townley Grammar School is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.
Is Townley Grammar School free?
Yes, Townley Grammar School is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to Townley Grammar School won't cost you any money.
How do I get my child into Townley Grammar School?
You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Townley 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.
Is Townley Grammar School a girls-only school?
Yes, Townley Grammar School is a girls-only school.
