Rickmansworth School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
Places per year: 240
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Rickmansworth School
Rickmansworth School is a mixed secondary school situated in Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire. Known for its excellent academic standards and well-rounded approach to education, the school provides students with a broad and engaging curriculum designed to inspire achievement.
Students at Rickmansworth School benefit from a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, drama, and community projects. These opportunities encourage personal growth, creativity, and teamwork, complementing the school’s strong academic foundation.
The school is highly regarded for its focus on academic success, pastoral support, and individual development. With a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, Rickmansworth School continues to be a popular choice for families seeking a balanced and nurturing education.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Rickmansworth School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Rickmansworth School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Rickmansworth 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 Rickmansworth School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Rickmansworth School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Rickmansworth School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Rickmansworth School’s Key Information
Here is the information for Rickmansworth School such as relevant parking and students intake numbers.
School Address
Full Address:
Rickmansworth School, Scots HillRickmansworth
Hertfordshire
WD3 3AQ
Contact Information
Parking in the school
Rickmansworth School asks parents to drop off their children near to the school and that they walk the rest of the way to reduce traffic. There is some parking at the school.
Additional parking off site
- Car Park: Community Way Car Park, Community Way, Croxley Green, Rickmansworth, WD3 3HF, 0.5 miles from the school.
- Car Park: Croxley Station Car Park, 143 Watford Rd, Croxley Green, Rickmansworth, WD3 3ED, 0.6 miles from the school.
Rickmansworth School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Rickmansworth School was graded outstanding in all areas except sixth-form provision, which was rated good.
Academic strength: Pupils achieve exceptional outcomes across a broad and ambitious curriculum, supported by expert teaching and high expectations.
Teaching and curriculum: Lessons are well structured, with teachers breaking learning into small steps, checking understanding regularly, and providing effective feedback to help pupils improve.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is exemplary throughout the school, with pupils demonstrating maturity, respect, and enthusiasm for learning in a safe and supportive environment.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is highly effective, promoting staff well-being, strong governance, and a positive safeguarding culture that keeps pupils safe.
Rickmansworth School Exam Format
Rickmansworth School uses the South West Herts Consortium (SWHC) transfer test for Year 7 entry. This test is shared by all selective schools in the South West Hertfordshire area.
The Rickmansworth School Entry Exam: Overview
Rickmansworth School’s 11 Plus entry exam is made up of two tests provided by GL Assessment. These will test Maths and Verbal Reasoning ability, both tests are multiple choice and standard GL Assessment papers.
Paper One
Maths
Paper Two
Verbal Reasoning
GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Music Test (Optional)
Applicants interested in applying for a music place can take an additional music aptitude test, which consists of two stages:
Round 1
Aptitude Test: A written listening assessment covering pitch, rhythm, and melody
Round 2
Audition: Candidates who achieve the qualifying score are invited to perform a short piece to assess musical performance and aural ability
Pass Mark
The South West Herts Consortium does not set a fixed pass mark for the transfer test. Instead, results are age-standardised, and places are offered in rank order of scores until all available places are filled. Achieving a high score improves the chance of admission, but meeting the standard does not guarantee a place, as offers also depend on demand and distance from the school.
Catchment Area
Up to 97% of places will be given to applicants living within the following postcodes: WD17, WD18, WD19, WD23, WD24, WD25, WD3, WD4, WD5, HA6-2 and HA6-3.
Additional Eligibility
Once applicants meet the required test standard, places are allocated according to the following criteria:
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Looked-after and previously looked-after children
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Children with a sibling currently attending the school
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Children of staff members
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Distance from the school, with priority given to applicants living within the defined area
Click here to view the full Rickmansworth School admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Rickmansworth School
Here are some effective ways you can help your child get ready for the entrance process at Rickmansworth 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 Rickmansworth 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.
Rickmansworth School’s Key Dates and Application Information
Here are the dates related to key events for admission to Rickmansworth School. The school tours require booking and last for 1 hour.
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
Rickmansworth School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Rickmansworth 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 Rickmansworth 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)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with Rickmansworth School listed as one of your preferences. The CAF deadline is 31st October 2025. Both forms must be completed – failure to submit either will result in an incomplete application.
Rickmansworth School FAQs
To apply, parents must register their child for the South West Herts Consortium (SWHC) transfer test and complete the Common Application Form (CAF) via their Local Authority. Both forms must be submitted by the stated deadlines for the application to be valid.
The entrance process includes two academic papers in Verbal Reasoning and Mathematics, provided by the South West Herts Consortium. Applicants can also choose to sit an optional music aptitude test, which includes a listening assessment and, for successful candidates, a short performance audition.
Entry to Rickmansworth School is highly competitive, with more applicants achieving the qualifying standard than there are places available. Offers are made based on test performance and distance from the school, meaning that meeting the standard does not guarantee a place.
Yes. Rickmansworth School uses a priority area system when allocating places. After the test results are considered, distance from the school is used as a key deciding factor, with priority given to applicants living closer to the school.