Bexley Grammar School 11 Plus Guide

At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
Places per year: 210
Competition: Very High
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Bexley Grammar School
Bexley Grammar School is a mixed selective state grammar in Welling, Kent, rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted in 2022. Known for its rigorous curriculum, it offers three sciences, two languages and humanities at GCSE, with all sixth form students studying the International Baccalaureate.
The school promotes independent learning and high achievement, with strong teaching, effective assessment and excellent support for SEND pupils. Behaviour is exemplary, and students benefit from a calm, respectful environment and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, many run by pupils themselves.
Each year, 210 places are available, with admission based on performance in the Bexley Selection Test set by GL Assessment. Competition is very high, and while there is no fixed catchment, distance plays a key role in allocations when oversubscribed.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Bexley Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Bexley Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Bexley Grammar School
Preparing for the 11 Plus
Help your child prepare with tips, exam papers, and featured tuition agencies
Key Dates
All key dates and application information for Bexley Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Bexley Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Bexley Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Bexley Grammar School’s Key Information
Key information such as contact details and where you can park for Bexley Grammar School are found below.
School Address
Full Address:
Bexley Grammar School, Danson LaneWelling
Kent
DA16 2BL
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is no parking available for visitors on-site.
Additional parking off site
Visitors are advised to use public transport, especially on exam days. The school is within walking distance of Welling Station and is well-served by local bus routes.
Bexley Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Outstanding in all areas.
Academic strength: Pupils follow a rigorous curriculum exceeding national standards, including the International Baccalaureate, and develop strong independent learning skills.
Teaching and curriculum: Specialist teachers deliver clear, well-structured lessons, with effective assessment and support for all pupils, including those with SEND.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is excellent, with high attendance, strong motivation, and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, many led by pupils.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is ambitious and supportive, governors provide strong oversight, and safeguarding is thorough and well embedded.
11 Plus Exam Process for Bexley Grammar School
Entry into Year 7 is determined by performance in the Bexley Grammar Schools Selection Test, a standardised entrance exam used throughout the borough.
The Bexley Grammar School Entry Exam: Overview
Format
GL Assessment
The assessment, supplied by GL Assessment, consists of two multiple-choice papers:
- Paper 1: English comprehension and verbal reasoning
- Paper 2: Mathematics and non-verbal reasoning
Both papers are taken in a single session and are age-standardised. Pupils who reach the required selective standard become eligible for consideration for a place at Bexley Grammar School and the other grammar schools in the borough.
Subject Summary
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
Applicants who rank within the top 180 are given the highest priority by most schools, although admission to Bexley Grammar also takes account of parental preference and proximity to the school.
Catchment Area
The school has no fixed catchment area; however, when oversubscribed, distance from the school is a significant factor in determining final allocations.
Additional Eligibility
To be considered for a Year 7 place at Bexley Grammar School, your child must:
- Sit and meet the standard in the Bexley Selection Test
- Be named on your Common Application Form (CAF)
For September 2026 entry, the school has 210 Year 7 places. Offers will be made in the following priority order:
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children who achieve the required standard
- Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming the school
- Siblings of pupils already on roll at the time of admission
- Applicants ranked by distance from the school (measured in a straight line)
For full details, please refer to the Bexley Grammar School 2025–2026 Admissions Policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Bexley Grammar School
The Bexley Selection Test is highly competitive, so thorough preparation is important. Make sure you make the most of the resources we provide below, including useful tips, past exam papers, recommended tuition agencies, and more.
Useful Tips
Start Early
Begin preparing for the Bexley Grammar School entrance process in Year 4 or at the start of Year 5. This provides plenty of time for steady progress without unnecessary pressure.
Use Exam Papers
Work through timed practice papers for the Bexley Grammar School 11 Plus to build familiarity with the question style and strengthen exam technique.
Target Weak Areas
Track performance carefully and spend extra time on any topics or question types that may be more challenging for the Bexley Grammar School assessment.
Encourage Daily Reading
A consistent reading habit expands vocabulary, improves comprehension, and sharpens analytical thinking – all vital skills for success in the Bexley Grammar School 11 Plus.
Make Use of Online Resources
Digital tools can provide tailored practice and instant feedback, helping students prepare more effectively and stay engaged for the Bexley Grammar School exam.
Best Chance of Success
Steady, organised, and encouraging preparation ensures your child feels confident and well-prepared when sitting the Bexley Grammar School entrance test.
11 Plus Mock Exams in Your Area
We are in the process of establishing a network of local test centres to run in-person 11 Plus mock exams designed to closely reflect the format used by Bexley Grammar School. These sessions will give your child the chance to practise under real exam conditions, boosting confidence and improving performance. While this service is not yet available, you can register your interest using the form below, and we will contact you as soon as mock exams are offered in your area.
Bexley Grammar School’s Key Dates
Key dates for the 2026 entry exam and application process are listed below.
Bexley Selection Test Registration Opens
Registration Closes
Bexley Selection Test for Bexley Primary School Pupils
Bexley Selection Test for Other Pupils
Results Sent to Parents
Common Application Form (CAF) Deadline
National Offer Day
Bexley Grammar School Application Process
To apply for a place at Bexley Grammar School, you must complete the following steps:
Admissions Policy 2026
Please read the Bexley Grammar School Policy PDF to ensure you and your child are fully aware of the process and eligibility requirements.
View Admissions PolicyRegister for the Bexley Selection Test
Applications must be submitted through the Bexley Council website between 1 and 31 May 2025. Registrations received after this date will not be accepted.
Visit Bexley Council WebsiteSubmit the Common Application Form (CAF)
Include Bexley Grammar School as one of your preferences on the CAF, which must be submitted to your local authority by 31 October 2025. Your child will only be considered if they both achieve the qualifying score in the test and are named on your CAF.
Bexley Grammar School FAQs
To apply, you must first register your child for the Bexley Selection Test via the Bexley Council website between 1st and 31st May 2025. Your child must sit this test and meet the required standard to be considered. In addition, you must submit the Common Application Form (CAF) through your local authority by 31st October 2025, listing Bexley Grammar School as one of your preferences. Your child will only be considered if they both qualify in the test and are named on your CAF.
The exam is provided by GL Assessment and consists of two multiple-choice papers, taken in a single session:
- Paper 1: English comprehension and verbal reasoning
- Paper 2: Maths and non-verbal reasoning
Both papers are age-standardised. Applicants who score highly enough are deemed selective and can be considered for a place. The top 180 scorers across the borough are given the highest priority, although parental preference and distance from the school also play an important role.
Entry is very competitive. There are 210 Year 7 places available each year, but thousands of pupils sit the Bexley Selection Test across the borough. Only those who achieve the selective standard can be considered, and places are offered according to the school’s oversubscription criteria, which include sibling priority and distance.
There is no fixed catchment area. However, when the school is oversubscribed (which it usually is), distance from the school becomes a key factor in determining final place allocations.