Parmiter’s School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
Places per year: 208
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Parmiter’s School
Parmiter’s School is a co-educational, partially selective academy situated in Garston, Hertfordshire. The school has built an excellent reputation for combining academic achievement with a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages every student to reach their full potential.
With a long history dating back to 1681, Parmiter’s School has continued to evolve while maintaining its traditional values. It promotes both academic excellence and personal growth, helping students develop confidence, independence and resilience.
The school offers a rich and varied curriculum alongside an extensive range of extracurricular activities, from music and sport to drama and community initiatives. This well-rounded approach ensures students receive a balanced education that prepares them for success in later life.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Parmiter’s School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Parmiter’s School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Parmiter’s 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 Parmiter’s School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Parmiter’s School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Parmiter’s School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Parmiter's School’s Key Information
Here is the information for Parmiter’s School such as relevant parking and students intake numbers.
School Address
Full Address:
Parmiter's School, High Elms Lane, GarstonNr. Watford
Hertfordshire
WD25 0UU
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is parking within the school which we recommend using, should you be unable, here are the nearest car parks.
Additional parking off site
- Car Park: Robin Place Car Park, Watford, WD25 7SN, 0.6 miles from the school.
- Car Park: 1 College Rd, Abbots Langley, WD5 0NX, 1.2 miles from the school.
Parmiter’s School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Outstanding across all areas, including quality of education, behaviour, personal development, leadership and sixth-form provision.
Academic strength: Pupils achieve exceptional results through a rigorous, well-planned curriculum that challenges and supports learners of all abilities.
Teaching and curriculum: Expert teachers use highly effective questioning, regular assessment and enrichment opportunities to deepen understanding and foster enthusiasm for learning.
Behaviour and culture: Pupils demonstrate exemplary behaviour, respect and kindness, creating a calm and inclusive atmosphere where everyone can thrive.
Leadership and safeguarding: Strong, visionary leadership and an extensive co-curricular offer ensure students develop confidence, leadership skills and a strong sense of community.
Parmiter's School Exam Format
Parmiter’s School uses the South West Herts School Consortium Test for its 11 Plus admissions test. This test is shared by all of the schools in the South West Herts School Consortium.
The Parmiter's School Entry Exam: Overview
Parmiter’s School’s 11 Plus entry exam consists of two GL Assessment tests. These tests are on Maths and Verbal Reasoning, both are multiple choice and standard papers.
Paper One
Maths
Paper Two
Verbal Reasoning
GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Music Test
Applicants can choose to apply for both the academic and music categories. Students applying for music places will take:
Stage One
A written listening test that measures pitch, rhythm, and melody
Stage Two
An audition for shortlisted candidates, including a short performance and an aural ability assessment
Pass Mark
There is no fixed “pass mark” for the academic test across the South West Herts Consortium. Places are offered in descending order of standardised test scores, based on each school’s admissions structure. There are 52 places available for academic success, these will be awarded in order of merit achieved in the entrance exam.
Catchment Area
Parmiter’s School prioritises applicants living within its defined area, which covers parts of Watford, St Albans, Hemel Hempstead and nearby locations. Applicants outside this area may still be considered for academic or music places depending on their ranking. Up to 95% of places will be given to applicants living within the following postcodes: WD3 to WD25 inclusive, AL1, AL2, AL3, HP1, HP2, HP3 and HA6.
Additional Eligibility
Admissions Criteria
Once test results are received, places are offered in the following order:
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Looked-after or previously looked-after children
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Children with a sibling already attending the school
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Children of staff members
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Up to 52 places for academic ability (based on ranking in the test)
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Up to 21 places for music aptitude
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Remaining places based on distance from the school (priority area applies)
Click here to view the full Parmiter’s School admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Parmiter’s School
Here are some effective ways you can help your child get ready for the entrance process at Parmiter’s School!
Useful Tips
Start Early
Begin preparation in Year 4 or the start of Year 5. This allows plenty of time for steady progress without creating too much pressure.
Use Exam Papers
Work through timed exam papers together to build familiarity with the question style and develop exam technique.
Target Weak Areas
Keep track of their performance and focus extra time on any topics or question types they find more difficult.
Encourage Daily Reading
A regular reading habit helps expand vocabulary, improve comprehension and boost analytical thinking – all vital for the 11 Plus.
Make Use of Online Resources
Digital learning tools can provide personalised practice and clear feedback to make study time more effective and engaging.
Best Chance of Success
Keeping preparation steady, organised and encouraging will help your child feel confident and well-prepared when exam day arrives.
11 Plus Mock Exams in Your Area
We’re currently working on setting up a network of local test centres to offer in-person 11 Plus mock exams that closely match the format used by Parmiter’s School. These sessions will provide a valuable opportunity for your child to practise under real exam conditions, helping to build confidence and improve performance. Although this service isn’t available just yet, you can register your interest by completing the form below. We’ll get in touch as soon as mock exams become available in your area.
Parmiter's School’s Key Dates and Application Information
Here are the dates related to key events for admission to Parmiter’s School.
Registration Opens
Registration Closes
Academic Test
Music Test 1
Music Test 1 Results
Music Test 2
Music Test 2 Results
Secondary school applications close
National Offer Day
Parmiter's School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Parmiter’s School, families need to complete both the school’s registration form and the local authority’s application process.
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Parmiter’s School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyEntrance Test Entry Form
Register online via the South West Hertfordshire Schools Consortium website between 1 April and 6 June 2025.
Visit WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF) and Supplementary Information Form (SIF)
The Common Application Form must be submitted via your local authority by 31 October 2025. Parmiter’s School should be listed as one of your preferences to be considered for a place. As well as this, the Supplementary Information Form is available on the Parmiter’s School website and must be submitted directly to the school by the stated deadline. This form allows the school to apply its oversubscription criteria correctly, including for music and distance-based places.
Parmiter’s School FAQs
To apply for a Year 7 place at Parmiter’s, you must complete three steps: register for the South West Herts Consortium (SWHC) academic and/or music tests, submit the Parmiter’s Supplementary Information Form (SIF) directly to the school, and complete the Common Application Form (CAF) through your local authority by 31 October 2025. All three forms are required for your application to be valid.
Parmiter’s uses the South West Herts Consortium tests for Year 7 entry. The academic test, set by GL Assessment, includes multiple-choice papers in Verbal Reasoning and Mathematics. Those applying for music places must also take a two-stage music test: a written listening test followed by an audition for shortlisted candidates.
Entry to Parmiter’s School is highly competitive due to its strong academic record and popularity. Only around 25% of Year 7 places are allocated based on academic performance, and a smaller number on music aptitude. The remaining places are offered according to distance and other priority criteria, such as siblings and children of staff.
Yes. Parmiter’s gives priority to applicants living within its defined priority area, which includes parts of Watford, St Albans, Hemel Hempstead and nearby areas. Applicants living outside this area may still be considered for academic or music places depending on their test ranking and the number of applicants within the priority zone.