Townley Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Places per year: 224
Competition: Very High
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Townley Grammar School
Townley Grammar School is a selective state grammar school for girls in Bexleyheath, South-East London, renowned for academic excellence and personal development. Founded in 1937, it is part of the Odyssey Trust for Education and benefits from modern facilities, including science and art labs, a theatre, and dedicated wellbeing spaces.
The school combines strong academics with sport, arts and enrichment to foster confidence, creativity and leadership. Many pupils progress to Russell Group universities, reflecting its commitment to both achievement and personal growth.
Admission is highly competitive, with 224 Year 7 places and thousands of applicants each year. Entry is via the Bexley Selection Test (GL Assessment), which covers English, verbal reasoning, maths and non-verbal reasoning. Oversubscription criteria prioritise looked-after children, pupils with EHCPs, pupil premium applicants, siblings and then distance.
With an Outstanding Ofsted rating and a reputation for developing ambitious, well-rounded students, Townley Grammar remains one of London’s most sought-after grammar schools.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Townley Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Townley Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Townley 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 Townley Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Townley Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Townley Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Townley Grammar School’s Key Information
This is information to help you locate and contact Townley Grammar School, as well as some key information of the school.
School Address
Full Address:
Townley Grammar School, Townley RoadBexleyheath
Kent
DA6 7AB
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is no visitor parking on site.
Additional parking off site
The school is well-connected by public transport, including buses and trains to Bexleyheath Station.
Townley Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Townley Grammar School is rated Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted.
Academic strength: The school delivers a highly ambitious curriculum where pupils excel across subjects, including languages, sciences, and the arts.
Teaching and curriculum: Teachers plan knowledge step by step, check learning regularly, and provide enrichment through electives like art appreciation and pharmaceutical science.
Behaviour and culture: Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary, with a culture of respect, responsibility, and enthusiasm for learning.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders set high aspirations, support staff well, and maintain a strong safeguarding culture that keeps pupils safe and supported.
Townley Grammar School 11 Plus Exam Format
Admission to Year 7 is determined by performance in the Bexley Selection Test, the entrance exam used by all grammar schools in the borough.
The Townley Grammar School Entry Exam: Overview
Format
GL Assessment
The exam, set by GL Assessment, is made up of two multiple-choice papers:
- English comprehension and verbal reasoning
- Mathematics and non-verbal reasoning
CEM 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
Both papers are sat on the same day and are age-standardised. The school does not publish a set pass mark; however, only applicants who reach the required selective standard are eligible for consideration. The top 180 highest-scoring pupils across all candidates are given priority for places at Bexley grammar schools, though achieving this does not guarantee an offer.
Catchment Area
The school does not have a fixed catchment area, but when there are more applicants than places, priority is given based on distance from the school. Parents are strongly advised to confirm their child’s eligibility and complete registration for the Bexley Test on time.
Additional Eligibility
Each year, Townley Grammar School offers 224 Year 7 places for girls. To be considered, applicants must achieve the selective standard in the Bexley Test and list Townley Grammar on the Common Application Form (CAF).
If more pupils qualify than there are places available, offers are allocated using the following oversubscription criteria, in order of priority:
- Looked-after or previously looked-after children who meet the qualifying standard
- Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming the school
- Pupil Premium applicants who qualify and live within 5 miles of the school
- Children with a sibling already attending Townley at the time of entry
- All other applicants, ranked by straight-line distance from the school
Full details can be found in the Townley Grammar School 2026–27 Admissions Policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Townley Grammar School
The Bexley 11 Plus test is competitive and preparation is essential. Parents can support their daughters in a number of ways to help them feel ready and confident.
Useful Tips
Start Early
Begin preparing for the Townley Grammar School entrance process in Year 4 or at the start of Year 5. This allows plenty of time for steady progress without creating too much pressure.
Use Exam Papers
Work through timed practice papers for the Townley Grammar School 11 Plus to build familiarity with the question style and develop strong exam technique.
Target Weak Areas
Monitor performance and dedicate extra study time to any topics or question types that may be more challenging for the Townley Grammar School assessment.
Encourage Daily Reading
A regular reading routine helps expand vocabulary, boost comprehension, and strengthen analytical thinking – all vital for success in the Townley Grammar School 11 Plus.
Make Use of Online Resources
Digital learning platforms offer personalised practice and clear feedback, making preparation for the Townley Grammar School exam more effective and engaging.
Best Chance of Success
Keeping preparation steady, organised, and encouraging ensures your child feels confident and well-prepared when sitting the Townley Grammar School entrance test.
11 Plus Mock Exams in Your Area
We are in the process of setting up a network of local test centres to deliver in-person 11 Plus mock exams that closely mirror the format used by Townley Grammar School. These sessions will give your child the chance to practise under real exam conditions, helping to boost confidence and improve 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.
Townley Grammar School’s Key Dates
Below are the key dates for the 2026 entry exam and application process.
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
Townley Grammar School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Townley Grammar, families need to complete three steps.
Admissions Policy 2026
Be sure to read the Townley Grammar School Admissions Policy PDF so that you and your child are fully aware of the application process and eligibility requirements.
View Admissions PolicyRegister for the Bexley Selection Test
Registration is completed via the Bexley Council website. The registration window opens on 1st May 2025 and closes on 31st May 2025 (midnight). Late applications will not be accepted.
Visit Bexley Council WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
The CAF must be submitted to your local authority by 31st October 2025, with Townley Grammar School listed as one of your preferences. Both the Bexley Selection Test registration and the CAF are required - failure to complete either will mean your application cannot be considered.
Townley Grammar School FAQs
To apply, families must complete two steps: register for the Bexley Selection Test via the Bexley Council website (open from 1st May to 31st May 2025) and submit the Common Application Form (CAF) to the local authority by 31st October 2025, listing Townley Grammar as a preference. Both must be completed for the application to be valid.
The admissions test is the Bexley Selection Test, set by GL Assessment. It consists of two multiple-choice papers taken on the same day: English comprehension and verbal reasoning, and Mathematics and non-verbal reasoning. Papers are age-standardised, and the top 180 scorers across Bexley are prioritised.
Entry is extremely competitive. Each year, around 224 Year 7 places are available, with thousands of applications across the Bexley grammar schools. Achieving the selective standard is essential, but meeting it does not guarantee a place.
There is no fixed catchment area, but oversubscription criteria apply. Priority is given first to looked-after children and EHCP pupils, then Pupil Premium applicants within five miles, siblings, and finally other applicants ranked by straight-line distance from the school.