The 11+ test in Bexley

There are four grammar schools in Bexley:
 

• Bexley Grammar School (Mixed)
• Beths Grammar School (Boys)
• Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar School (Mixed)
• Townley Grammar School (Girls)

The Bexley test, which is used by all four schools, covers:
 

• Verbal ability: vocabulary, comprehension and verbal reasoning.
• Numerical reasoning: mathematical problem-solving, up to and including Year 5 level.
• Non-verbal reasoning: the ability to see how objects relate to each other and to make logical deductions.

There are two test papers, each containing mainly multiple choice questions relating to all of these areas. Each paper lasts about 50 minutes, and is broken down into sections, each of which has an allocated amount of time. Children take both papers on the same day, with a break of 30 minutes in between.

Previously, CEM tests were used for the 11+ in this area. However, CEM will no longer be providing 11+ tests from September 2023. It has been reported that Bexley will move away from CEM to GL. 

If you want your child to take the Bexley test, you'll need to register your child at www.bexley.gov.uk or phone 020 8303 7777. Registrations are open from May to July; the test sessions which take place mid-September.

Children who attend a primary school in Bexley will usually take the test at their own school. Children who don't go to primary school in Bexley will be invited take their test either at one of the four grammar schools in the area, or another secondary school in Bexley.

The test scores are weighted so that 50% is for verbal ability, and 25% each for numerical and non-verbal ability. The results are standardised: in other words, adapted to take account of your child's exact age. The highest possible score is 280.

The Bexley Selection Panel decides each year on the threshold mark for children to be considered selective, but this doesn't guarantee them a grammar school place.

There are currently 800 places in the four grammar schools in Bexley; in 2019, 6424 children sat the test and 2027 achieved the selective standard.

If there are more selective level children than places, each school will allocate its places based on their oversubscription criteria. In most cases, the deciding factor is proximity to the school. The 180 children who achieve the highest scores each year are guaranteed a place at their preferred grammar school in Bexley.

The local authority discourages parents from tutoring their children for the test as they should be able to make a good attempt at all questions using the knowledge they've gained at school, but you can boost their chances of success by working on their study skills and encouraging them to read widely across a range of books.

When you register your child for the test, you'll receive practice questions and a familiarisation booklet so your child knows what the test will look like and what sort of questions to expect. More information about the Bexley selection test is available on the council website.

While every effort has been made to ensure the information we provide about individual schools is accurate, admissions arrangements for Year 7 entry change regularly so it is essential to check for the most up-to-date advice on schools' own websites.

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