Watford Grammar School for Girls 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Places per year: 210
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Watford Grammar School for Girls
Watford Grammar School for Girls, based in Watford, Hertfordshire, is a well-respected grammar school with a long-standing tradition of academic success. Known for its strong results and supportive learning environment, the school continues to attract families seeking high-quality education.
Students at Watford Grammar School for Girls benefit from a broad and balanced curriculum. Subjects span across sciences, humanities, languages, and the arts, giving pupils the opportunity to explore their interests while building valuable skills for the future.
Alongside academic study, the school places great emphasis on personal growth. A wide range of extracurricular activities helps to develop confidence, creativity, and ambition. The school’s ethos focuses on high expectations, respect, and nurturing each student to achieve their full potential.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Watford Grammar School for Girls
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Watford Grammar School for Girls
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Watford Grammar School for Girls
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 Watford Grammar School for Girls
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Watford Grammar School for Girls
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Watford Grammar School for Girls
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Watford Grammar School for Girls’ Key Information
Here is the information for Watford Grammar School for Girls such as relevant parking and students intake numbers.
School Address
Full Address:
Watford Grammar School for Girls, Lady's CloseWatford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0AE
Contact Information
Parking in the school
Watford Grammar School for Girls has no parking on-site, there is nearby on-street parking but this may be limited mid-week.
Additional parking off site
- Car Park: Exchange Rd, CitiPark, Watford, WD18 0BU, 0.2 miles from the school.
- Car Park: Watson Court, Stadium Way, Watford, WD18 0FA, 0.7 miles from the school.
Watford Grammar School for Girls Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Outstanding across all areas, including sixth-form provision and leadership.
Academic strength: Ambitious curriculum with excellent results in national examinations, preparing pupils well for future study and careers.
Teaching and curriculum: Teachers have strong subject knowledge, use effective questioning, and provide high-quality support for pupils, including those with SEND.
Behaviour and culture: Pupils are proud of their school, behave exceptionally well, and celebrate diversity within a respectful and inclusive environment.
Leadership and safeguarding: Highly effective leadership with strong governance, dedicated staff, and rigorous safeguarding procedures.
Watford Grammar School for Girls Exam Format
To apply for a specialist place at Watford Grammar School for Girls, applicants are required to sit an entrance exam run by GL Assessment. This exam is designed to measure academic ability rather than knowledge of the primary school curriculum.
The Watford Grammar School for Girls Entry Exam: Overview
The Mathematics paper assesses problem-solving and numerical reasoning, while the Verbal Reasoning paper evaluates a student’s ability to process and understand information presented in words.
All test papers are marked and age-standardised, then converted into a score. A qualifying standard is set, and pupils must reach this level in both areas to be considered. However, meeting the qualifying score does not guarantee a place, as spaces are limited. Parents will receive academic test results around 19th October 2025.
Paper One
Maths
Paper Two
Verbal Reasoning
GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Test Format for Musical Entry
The music aptitude assessment also has two stages. No formal music training is required. Those with the highest scores in Round 1 are invited to Round 2. The performance element ensures all candidates, regardless of background, have a fair opportunity. Results will be shared with parents around 21st September.
Round 1
Aural test with 60 questions covering pitch, rhythm, texture, and melody (30 minutes).
Round 2
Performance of a chosen piece on any instrument or voice – maximum 3 minutes.
Pass Mark
There are 52 places available for academic success, these will be awarded in order of merit achieved in the entrance exam.
Catchment Area
The catchment is divided into two zones: The Watford Area and The Rest of the Admission Area.
The Watford Area covers postcodes: WD17 1–4, WD18 0, 6–9, WD19 4–7, WD23 1–7, 9, WD24 4–7, 9, WD25 0, 5, 7–9, WD3 3.
The Rest of the Admission Area covers postcodes: WD3 1, 4–9, WD4 8–9, WD5 0, WD6 3, WD7 7–8, HA3 6, HA5 1–5, HA6 1–3, HA7 3–4.
Allocation of places: 60% go to applicants in the Watford Area, 40% to those in the Rest of the Admission Area. Only applicants within these postcodes are eligible.
Additional Eligibility
If more applicants qualify than there are places available, the following oversubscription rules are applied:
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Looked After Children or Previously Looked After Children
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Applicants with a sibling already attending the school
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Children of permanent members of staff
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Children living inside the catchment area
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Children living outside the catchment area
Where two or more applicants achieve the same score, priority is given based on home distance from the school.
Click here to read the full Watford Grammar School for Girls Admissions Policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Watford Grammar School for Girls
Here are some effective ways you can help your child get ready for the entrance process at Watford Grammar School for Girls!
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 Watford Grammar School for Girls. 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.
Watford Grammar School for Girls’ Key Dates and Application Information
Here are the dates related to key events for admission to Watford Grammar School for Girls. Tickets must be booked for the open day.
Registration Opens for Secondary Transfer Test for the Consortium
Registration Closes
Academic Entrance Exam 1
Music Entrance Exam Round 1
Music Entrance Exam Round 2
Scores Sent to Parents
Common Application Form Deadline
Watford Grammar School for Girls Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Watford Grammar School for Girls, 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 Watford Grammar School for Girls 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 Watford Grammar School for Girls 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.
Watford Grammar School for Girls FAQs
To apply for Year 7 entry, parents must complete two forms: the Common Application Form (CAF) via their Local Authority and the registration form for the South West Hertfordshire Schools Consortium entrance test. Both forms must be submitted by the stated deadlines to be considered.
The academic entrance exam, set by GL Assessment, includes two papers: Mathematics (50 minutes) and Verbal Reasoning (45 minutes). For specialist music places, candidates sit an aural test in Round 1 and, if successful, perform a short piece of their choice in Round 2.
Entry is highly competitive, with more applicants meeting the qualifying score than there are places available each year. Even if a child achieves the required standard, admission is not guaranteed due to the limited number of places and the school’s oversubscription criteria.
Yes, the catchment is divided into two zones: The Watford Area and The Rest of the Admission Area. 60% of academic places are allocated to pupils living in the Watford Area, and the remaining 40% go to those in the Rest of the Admission Area. Applicants must live within one of the specified postcodes to be considered.