Newstead Wood School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Places per year: 168
Competition: Very High
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Newstead Wood School
Newstead Wood School is a selective state grammar school for girls aged 11–18, with a mixed Sixth Form, located in Orpington, Bromley. Founded in 1957, it is recognised for academic excellence in maths, science and technology, alongside a broad curriculum, strong pastoral care, and wide-ranging extracurricular opportunities in music, drama, sport and academic societies.
Each year, around 2,000 candidates apply for just 168 Year 7 places. Entry is through the school’s 11 Plus test, delivered by GL Assessment, which consists of two multiple-choice papers in verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Scores are age-standardised and combined, with applicants required to achieve a minimum score of 210 for consideration. Admission is highly competitive, with places allocated according to oversubscription criteria that prioritise looked-after children, Pupil Premium applicants within nine miles, and then other applicants by distance from the school.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Newstead Wood School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Newstead Wood School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Newstead Wood 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 Newstead Wood School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Newstead Wood School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Newstead Wood School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Newstead Wood School’s Key Information
Entry into Year 7 is determined by two GL Assessment papers, designed to measure pupils’ potential rather than their existing level of attainment.
School Address
Full Address:
Newstead Wood School, Avebury RoadOrpington
Kent
BR6 9SA
Contact Information
Parking in the school
On-site parking at Newstead Wood School is very limited and dependent on weather conditions.
Additional parking off site
If driving is unavoidable, visitors are asked to park well away from the school, as there is no parking permitted on neighbouring roads. The school is conveniently located near Orpington train station for those using public transport.
Newstead Wood School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Newstead Wood School was judged Outstanding in all areas at its February 2022 Ofsted inspection.
Academic strength: Pupils achieve exceptionally well across a broad and ambitious curriculum, with strong foundations built for A level success.
Teaching and curriculum: Lessons are well planned and sequenced, teachers are highly skilled, and assessment ensures pupils retain and apply knowledge effectively.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is exemplary, with pupils showing respect, high aspirations, and strong engagement in enrichment and leadership opportunities.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders provide clear vision, effective staff development, and robust safeguarding practices that keep pupils safe while addressing sensitive issues appropriately.
Newstead Wood School 11 Plus Exam Format
Entry into Year 7 is determined by two school-set tests, which are designed to measure pupils’ potential rather than their existing level of achievement.
Newstead Wood Schools Entrance Test: Overview
Format
GL Assessment
The Newstead Wood School entrance test, delivered by GL Assessment, is taken in a single day and consists of two multiple-choice papers in verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Each paper lasts around 50–60 minutes, with a short break in between, and pupils record their answers on separate answer sheets. These reasoning skills are not part of the national curriculum, so some question types may be unfamiliar.
- Verbal reasoning: solving problems using written information such as words, letters, symbols, and numbers.
- Non-verbal reasoning: solving problems using visual information such as shapes, patterns, diagrams, and pictures.
GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
The two test papers are combined to produce a standardised score, which is then used to rank candidates. To be considered for a place, applicants must achieve a minimum score of 210. Meeting this threshold does not guarantee admission, as places are offered according to the school’s oversubscription criteria.
Catchment Area
Newstead Wood School does not have a fixed catchment area, but distance is an important factor in admissions. Priority is first given to Looked After and Previously Looked After Children. Places are then offered to Pupil Premium applicants within 9 miles, followed by other applicants within the same radius, ranked by test score. Applicants living beyond 9 miles are only considered once all eligible candidates within 9 miles have been allocated places, again in order of score.
Additional Eligibility
Newstead Wood School operates a clear oversubscription policy. To be eligible for admission, applicants must sit both entrance papers and achieve a standardised score of at least 210. If more candidates meet this threshold than there are places available, places are allocated in the following order of priority:
- Looked After and Previously Looked After Children who achieve the minimum score.
- Pupil Premium applicants living within 9 miles of the school who meet the score requirement.
- Applicants living within 9 miles, ranked by test score.
- Applicants living beyond 9 miles, ranked by test score.
Where two or more candidates have the same score and distance, final places are decided by random allocation. Full details are available in the Admissions Policy 2026.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Newstead Wood School
Preparation is key to success in Newstead Wood’s reasoning-based entrance tests, and there are several ways you can support your daughter.
Useful Tips
Start Early
Begin preparation in Year 4 or early in Year 5 to allow steady progress over time without unnecessary pressure.
Use Exam Papers
Work through timed exam papers to become familiar with the question style and develop strong exam techniques.
Target Weak Areas
Keep track of progress and dedicate extra time to the subjects or question types your child finds most challenging.
Encourage Daily Reading
Daily reading builds vocabulary, improves comprehension, and strengthens analytical thinking – all valuable for the 11 Plus.
Make Use of Online Resources
Digital platforms provide tailored practice and feedback, helping to make study sessions more effective and engaging.
Best Chance of Success
Consistent, structured, and positive preparation will help your child feel confident and well-prepared for Newstead Wood’s entrance tests.
11 Plus Mock Exams in Your Area
We are currently setting up a network of local test centres to deliver in-person 11 Plus mock exams that mirror the format used by Newstead Wood School. These sessions will allow your child to practise under real exam conditions, helping to build confidence and improve performance. Although this service is not yet available, you can register your interest using the form below, and we will notify you as soon as mock exams are offered in your area.
Newstead Wood School’s Key Dates
Important dates for the 2026 entry exams and application process are listed below.
Test Registration Opens
Test Registration Closes
Entrance Test Dates
Results Sent to Parents
Common Application Form (CAF) Deadline
National School Offers Day
Newstead Wood School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place, parents need to follow three key steps.
Admissions Policy 2026
Please make sure you read the Newstead Wood School Admissions Policy so that you and your child are fully informed about the application process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyRegister for the Entrance Test
Registration must be completed directly through the Newstead Wood School website during the application window. Your daughter must sit both reasoning papers for her application to be considered.
Visit School WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
You must also submit the CAF to your local authority, listing Newstead Wood School as one of your preferences. The deadline for submission is 31st October 2025. Both the entrance test registration and the CAF must be completed on time, otherwise the application will be incomplete.
Newstead Wood School FAQs
To apply, you must register your child for the Newstead Wood School 11 Plus Entrance Test via the school’s website and also submit the Common Application Form (CAF) through your local authority, listing Newstead Wood School as one of your preferences. Both steps must be completed by the published deadlines, otherwise the application will be incomplete.
The entrance test is delivered by GL Assessment and consists of two multiple-choice papers in Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Each paper lasts around 50–60 minutes and is taken on the same day with a short break in between. Scores from both papers are age-standardised and combined into one overall score.
Entry is highly competitive. Around 2,000 candidates sit the exam each year for just 168 Year 7 places. A minimum standardised score of 210 is required for consideration, but in practice, only the top-ranked applicants secure a place due to oversubscription.
Newstead Wood does not have a strict catchment area, but distance plays a key role in admissions. Priority is given first to Looked After and Previously Looked After Children, then to Pupil Premium applicants within 9 miles, followed by other applicants within 9 miles, ranked by score. Applicants beyond 9 miles are considered afterwards, also in score order.