Test Information

Pupils seeking admission into year 7 take tests in verbal reasoning, mathematics and English.  All tests are set to be appropriate for the pupils in their final year of the KS2 national curriculum.  It is acknowledged that candidates are unlikely to have covered all of the work that is tested — the tests take account of this.

Mathematics (GL Assessment)  time allowed:  50 minutes
The mathematics paper is based on work which candidates would normally cover during Key Stage 2 of the national curriculum.  It covers most aspects of key stage 2, up to level 5, with some questions aimed at level 6.

English (GL Assessment)  time allowed:  45 minutes
The English paper tests comprehension, vocabulary and punctuation.

English writing  time allowed:  30 minutes
In this paper candidates will be asked to produce an extended piece of writing.  Attention will be given to the evidence provided of ability to spell, punctuate, organise ideas, use a variety of syntax and be aware of the effect on audience of the composition of the piece.  This paper is set in conformity with key stage 2 of the national curriculum.

Verbal Reasoning (GL Assessment)  time allowed:  50 minutes
This test is designed to analyse a pupil’s academic potential and indicate areas of strengths or weakness.  As this paper has been produced in order to be sat without prior knowledge there is an integral practice element.

GL Assessment papers
For the three GL Assessment (Granada Learning Assessment) papers, questions are of a multiple-choice style, with candidates entering their answers on a pre-printed sheet. Scores achieved in these papers are standardised against national criteria by age.

All GL Assessment tests are designed to be taken to very strict time limits.  Many pupils within a wide range of ability will be able to answer most of the questions, given sufficient time; our tests show a pupil’s ability to work accurately at speed, a vital aspect of their future work in a selective school.  For this reason, no variation in this timing is permitted unless the applicant has a relevant statement of educational need, in which case a maximum of 25% additional time may be permitted.  Any specific problems which may affect a boy’s performance, but which is not covered by a statement of educational need, should be drawn to the attention of the admissions panel by writing to the school.  The admissions panel will take all such information into account when deciding on eligibility for entry to the school.

11+ Practice Papers  Author(s): GL Assessment and Letts Educational

GL Assessment produces packs of practice papers for the tests used, which are sold at major bookstores or can be purchased on-line from http://shop.gl-assessment.co.uk

GL Assessment 11+ practice papers  (multiple choice)

English                ISBN 9780 7087 19848

Mathematics        ISBN 9780 7087 19855

Verbal reasoning   ISBN 9780 7087 19879 / N0078

Please ensure that if there are any special circumstances regarding your son’s application, they are brought to the attention of the school in writing before the test date.  If there is any reason why your son cannot sit the papers on the correct date (e.g. Illness, etc.) Please ring us to discuss this as soon as possible.

If boys attend for an examination they will be presumed to be well enough to sit the paper.