Bexley 11 Plus
Key Info
11 Plus Exam Format
Find Schools
How to Apply
What is the Bexley Selection Test?
The Bexley Selection Test is the 11 plus exam used by all grammar schools within the Bexley Borough and provided by GL Assessment. The test assesses students usually in the top 25% of their year group academically and is used as part of the grammar school admissions process. The test consists of two multiple-choice papers, which assess students’ abilities in English, maths, and both verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
Over 6,000 students sit the Bexley 11 Plus exam annually, competing for a total of around 800 grammar school places, making this one of the most competitive selective tests in the country. Children only need to take the test once, and their results are used in the admissions process for any grammar school in Bexley. Typically, Year 6 students in Bexley sit the test at their primary school in September. If your child is applying from outside the borough, you should contact the school admissions team.
Key Information About the Bexley 11 Plus
Applies To:
All 4 grammar schools across Bexley which are part of the Bexley Grammar Schools Consortium.
Test Format:
Provided by GL Assessment. Mixture of English & maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions across two papers.
Eligibility:
There are no formal admissions criteria; any child in Year 6 can sit the Bexley 11 Plus. However, you must register your child during the application window which typically happens the academic year before the test, when the child is in Year 5.
Places Available:
On average, the Bexley Grammar Schools Consortium is capable of admitting 800 places across the borough.
Applications:
Around 6000 children sit the exam each year.
The Bexley 11 Plus Exam Format
The Bexley Selection Test consists of two 50-60 minute multiple-choice papers. These are designed to assess your child’s academic ability and problem-solving skills in the subject areas below. Each paper contains a mix of all four subjects.
Each Paper (GL Assessment) Contains:
English Comprehension Questions
- Ability to understand, interpret and analyse written text.
Maths Questions
- Numerical reasoning questions up to content taught at the end of Year 5.
Verbal Reasoning
- Aptitude to understand, analyse and draw conclusions logically from spoken and written information.
Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Questions designed to test your child’s ability to understand, analyse and draw conclusions logically from visual information, for example diagrams, patterns, and shapes.
GL Assessment Papers
English
Maths
Verbal Reasoning
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Bexley Selection Test Pass Mark
The Bexley 11 Plus Test is age-standardised to compare children as fairly as possible. Each child receives:
- A standardised score for Verbal Ability (verbal reasoning and English comprehension)
- A standardised score for Numerical Ability (Maths)
- A standardised score for Non-Verbal Ability (non-verbal reasoning)
- An overall aggregate score
The overall aggregate score is weighted according to the following formula:
- 50% of the verbal ability score + 25% of the numerical ability score + 25% of the non-verbal ability score.
There is no set pass mark. The selective score is calculated after the standardised scores. Typically, around one third of children achieve the selective score, which allows them to progress in the admissions process. Approximately two thirds of children score between 170-230 in the total weighted age-standardised score, with the average mark being 200.
Which Schools Use the Bexley 11 Plus?
The 11 Plus Bexley Selection Test is used by all four grammar schools in the borough that are part of the Bexley Grammar Schools Consortium.
Bexley Grammar Schools Consortium
Admissions Criteria for the Bexley Selection Test
Admissions Criteria for the Bexley Selection Test
There are no formal entry requirements for your child to sit the Bexley Selection Test, however, there are considerations to keep in mind. The test is suitable for children who are:
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Aiming for a grammar school place within the Bexley area
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In Year 5, with plans to begin Year 7 in September 2026
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Working at or above the expected academic standards for their age
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Capable of completing additional practice in reasoning and timed assessments
Admissions Criteria for Bexley Grammar Schools
If the Bexley Test pass mark has been achieved, each grammar school sets their own further admissions criteria. These are often factors such as distance from the school, pupil premium status, and highest 11 Plus scores. Click on the link in the table above to find out more about a specific school’s criteria and application process.
Key Dates for 2026 Entry
| Description | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration opens Registration opens | Thursday 1st May 2025 |
| Registration closes Registration closes | Saturday 31st May 2025 |
| Test date for Bexley primary pupils Test date for Bexley primary pupils | Tuesday 9th September 2025 |
| Test date for out-of-borough pupils Test date for out-of-borough pupils | 8th-11th September 2025 |
| Results day Results day | Typically mid-late October 2025 |
| National offer day National offer day | Monday 2nd March 2026 |
How to Apply for the 11 Plus Bexley Test
You must complete an online application via the Bexley Borough Council website to register your child for the Bexley 11 Plus Test. This is required whether you reside in Bexley or are applying from outside the area, and late registrations will not be accepted.
- Online Registration with Bexley Borough Council – Visit the Bexley Borough Council website during the registration period and complete the application form for the Bexley Selection Test. You will need to provide your child’s details and the name of their primary school. Please note that the registration window for 2026 entry is now closed.
- For children outside the age range – If your child is due to start secondary school in September 2026 but was not born between 1 September 2014 and 31 August 2015, please contact SelectionTests@bexley.gov.uk for further guidance.
- Keep a copy of your confirmation – After completing the registration, you may receive a confirmation email. Be sure to keep this email for your records.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Bexley Test
Supporting your child in preparing for the Bexley Test can have a big impact on their chance of success. Below are some strategies to help them prepare.
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Start Early: Start preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5 to build skills gradually and reduce the chance of feeling overwhelmed.
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Use Practice Papers: Complete Bexley 11 Plus exam past papers together, and practice timed sections. This will help familiarise you child with the exam format, and improving scores will boost their confidence.
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Focus on Weak Areas: Track their progress and dedicate extra time to the topics and question types that they find more challenging.
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Encourage Daily Reading: Regular reading increases vocabulary, improves comprehension, and develops analytical thinking which are all skills vital for the Bexley 11 Plus.
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Try Online Tools: Educational platforms provide targeted practice and offer personalised feedback, making study sessions engaging and effective.
Keep preparation steady, structured, and positive, and help your child feel confident and prepared in time for exam day.
Bexley Selection Test 11 Plus FAQs
Who can sit the Bexley Selection Test?
Any child currently in Year 5 who is aiming to start Year 7 in the Bexley Grammar Schools Consortium in September 2026 can sit the Bexley 11 Plus test. There are no formal requirements, though children should be working at higher academic levels than expected for their age.
How many grammar school places are available through the Bexley 11 Plus each year?
Across the consortium, there are ~800 places per year.
What subjects are covered in the Bexley 11 Plus test?
The Bexley 11 Plus covers English, maths, verbal, and non-verbal reasoning. The test is provided by GL Assessment.
What is the pass mark for the Bexley 11 Plus?
There is no set pass mark because the score is decided only after the standardised scores have been calculated.
How do I register my child for the Bexley 11 Plus test?
You can register your child on the Bexley Council’s website during the registration window.
Can my child use their Bexley test result for more than one grammar school?
Yes, your child only needs to sit the Bexley 11 Plus once for their results to be used for applications to any of the 4 grammar schools within the consortium.