Yes. The designated area includes Priority Area 1 and Priority Area 2, defined by postcode. Applicants must live within this area by 31 August 2025 to qualify for priority consideration.
Kendrick School 11 Plus Guide
If you’re thinking about Kendrick School for your child, this 2026 admissions guide will help you navigate the process. It explains how to apply, provides key details about the school, and offers advice on helping your child prepare for the 11 Plus exam.
At a Glance
Assessment: Individual
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Places per year: 128
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Introduction to
Kendrick School
Kendrick School is a selective grammar school for girls aged 11 to 18, based in Reading, Berkshire. Established in 1877, it is recognised as one of the top state schools in England, with a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and high achievement.
The school offers an inclusive and stimulating learning environment where pupils are encouraged to reach their full potential. Alongside academic success, Kendrick focuses on developing confidence, leadership, and personal growth through a wide range of enrichment opportunities.
Kendrick School consistently ranks among the best schools in the country for GCSE and A-level results. Many students go on to study at prestigious universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, and other Russell Group institutions. Each year, 128 Year 7 places are available, with admission based on performance in the Kendrick School 11 Plus exam.
1
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Kendrick School
2
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Kendrick School
3
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Kendrick School
4
Preparing for the 11 Plus
Help your child prepare with tips, exam papers, and featured tuition agencies
5
Key Dates
All key dates and application information for Kendrick School
6
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Kendrick School
7
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Kendrick School
8
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Kendrick School Key Information
We encourage you to read through the important information compiled by 11 Plus Hero to keep up-to-date on the admissions process and other important developments at Kendrick School.
School Address
Full Address:
Kendrick School41-43 London Road
Reading
RG1 5BN
Contact Information
Email Address
admin@kendrick.reading.sch.uk
Website Address
http://www.kendrick.reading.sch.uk
Admissions Officer Name
Mrs Amanda Emberson-Powney
Main Office Email
admin@kendrick.reading.sch.uk
Main Office Phone
0118 9015859
Parking in the school
Parking on school grounds is not available for the open day sessions.
Additional parking off site
Green Parking Ltd., Saxon Court, 8-10 Church Street, Reading, RG1 2SQ, £4 for 3 hours.
Street parking available at Fatherson Road, Reading, RG1 4PL.
Kendrick School Ofsted Report
The quality of education
Outstanding
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Outstanding
Leadership and management
Outstanding
Sixth-form provision
Outstanding
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Kendrick School was rated Outstanding in every category, confirming its position as one of the top-performing grammar schools in the country.
Academic strength: Pupils achieve exceptional results across all subjects. The curriculum is rich, ambitious, and designed to help every student reach the highest standards.
Teaching and curriculum: Teaching is expert and inspiring. Lessons are well planned, encourage debate, and build deep understanding across a wide range of subjects.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour and attitudes are exemplary. Pupils are kind, respectful, and proud to belong to a caring and inclusive school community.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is visionary and highly effective. Governors and staff work together to maintain excellence, with strong safeguarding and outstanding pastoral support.
Kendrick School Exam Format
Admission to Year 7 at Kendrick School is determined by a school-set entrance test that follows the CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) format, designed to assess a broad range of academic abilities.
Test Overview
The entrance test, held in September, consists of multiple-choice papers covering Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning and Numerical Reasoning. These sections test comprehension, logic, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills. Scores are age-standardised to ensure fairness for all candidates.
Paper One:
(A choice of) Verbal Reasoning (VR) Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR) and Numerical Reasoning (NR)
Paper Two:
(A choice of) Verbal Reasoning (VR) Non-verbal Reasoning (NVR) and Numerical Reasoning (NR)
Kendrick School 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Numerical Reasoning | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
There is no official pass mark, but the highest-scoring pupils are considered for places, subject to the school’s admissions criteria.
Catchment Area
A map of the catchment area is located in the Admissions Booklet.
Additional Eligibility
If more candidates qualify than there are places, the oversubscription criteria are applied in this order:
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Looked-after or previously looked-after children who meet the lower qualifying score.
-
Pupil Premium or Service Premium applicants living in Priority Area 1 or 2, meeting the lower qualifying score.
-
Applicants living in Priority Area 1 or 2, ranked by score (up to 75% of places).
-
Applicants living in Priority Area 1, ranked by score.
-
Applicants living in Priority Area 2, ranked by score.
-
Applicants outside the designated area, ranked by score.
If scores are tied, distance from the school (within the designated area) decides priority. The designated area covers specific postcodes in Priority Areas 1 and 2, and applicants must live there on 31 August 2025. Pupils with an EHCP naming Kendrick School are admitted automatically.
Click here to view the full Kendrick School admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Kendrick School
As the exam follows a CEM-style format, preparation should focus on building both accuracy and speed across a broad range of skills. Recommended strategies include:
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
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.
COMING SOON
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 Kendrick 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.
Key Events for Admission to Kendrick School
To help you and your child prepare for the key events across the year, 11 Plus Hero has recorded dates and deadlines in the table below.
Registration Opens
1st May 2025
Date passed
Registration Closes
1st July 2025
Date passed
Entrance Exam Date
19th September 2025
Date passed
CAF Application Deadline
Thursday 31st October 2025
Date passed
National Offer Day
Monday 2nd March 2026
100 days to go
How to Apply
Kendrick School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Kendrick School, families need to complete both the school’s registration form and the local authority’s application process.
1
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Kendrick School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions Policy
2
Entrance Test Entry Form
The registration form must be completed online via Kendrick School’s website between May and July 2025. Only registered candidates will be invited to sit the test.
Visit School Website
3
Common Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with Kendrick 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.
Kendrick School FAQs
Parents must complete their local authority’s Common Application Form and also register separately for the Kendrick School entrance test via the school’s website. Registration opens in May and closes in early July.
The exam includes two one-hour multiple-choice papers testing English, maths, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. Scores are age-standardised, and rankings are based on combined results.
Entry is extremely competitive, with only 128 Year 7 places available. Admission is based on ranked scores, with priority given according to the school’s oversubscription and catchment criteria.
Schools Nearby
15 schools found within 25 miles of Reading
Kendrick School
Kendrick School, Reading
Assessment: Individual
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
0.7 Miles Away
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Reading School
Reading School, Reading
Assessment: FSCE
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school, Boarding
Admissions: Boys Only
Sir William Borlase's Grammar School
Sir William Borlase’s Grammar School, West St, Marlow
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
John Hampden Grammar School
John Hampden Grammar School, Marlow Hill, High Wycombe
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Wycombe High School
Wycombe High School, Marlow Road, High Wycombe
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Burnham Grammar School
Burnham Grammar School, Hogfair Ln, Slough
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
Herschel Grammar School
Herschel Grammar School, Northampton Avenue, Slough
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
Royal Grammar School
Royal Grammar School, Amersham Rd,, High Wycombe
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Upton Court Grammar School
Upton Court Grammar School, Lascelles Rd, Slough
Assessment:
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
St Bernard's Catholic Grammar School
St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School, 1 Langley Road, Slough
Assessment:
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
Langley Grammar School
Langley Grammar School, Reddington Drive, Slough
Assessment:
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
Dr Challoner's Grammar School
Dr Challoner’s Grammar School, Chesham Rd, Amersham
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Dr Challoner's High School
Dr Challoner’s High School, Cokes Ln,, Little Chalfont
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Chesham Grammar School
Chesham Grammar School, White Hill, Chesham
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
St Clement Danes School
St Clement Danes School, Chenies Road, Chorleywood
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
24.6 Miles Away
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