Redbridge 11 Plus
Key Info
11 Plus Exam Format
Find Schools
How to Apply
What is the Redbridge 11 Plus?
The Redbridge 11 Plus exam is designed to assess the academic ability of children in year 6. The GL Assessment test forms part of the Redbridge grammar school admissions process, used by both grammar schools in the Redbridge Grammar Schools Consortium – Ilford County High School and Woodford County High School. The test includes two multiple-choice papers covering verbal skills, maths, and non-verbal reasoning. The exam is typically taken in September, with registration is managed by Redbridge Council.
Key Information About the Redbridge Test
Applies To:
Both grammar schools in the London Borough of Redbridge.
Test Format:
Provided by GL Assessment and assesses verbal skills, English, maths, and non-verbal reasoning.
Eligibility:
Any child of the appropriate year group can be registered by a parent or carer during the application window managed by Redbridge Council. There is no formal criteria which a child must meet in order to sit the test.
Places Available:
The Redbridge Grammar Schools Consortium has around 360 places each year for grammar school admissions to the two schools.
Applications:
While applications per year vary, around 2,500 children sit the test each year. In 2023, 2,547 candidates took the test for entry in September 2024.
The Redbridge 11 Plus Exam Format
Designed to assess reasoning ability and problem-solving skills, the Redbridge 11 Plus includes two multiple-choice papers covering English, verbal skills, maths, and non-verbal reasoning.
Paper 1: Verbal Reasoning and English (GL Assessment)
Verbal skills and maths section
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Combination of verbal reasoning and English questions
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Tests vocabulary, comprehension, grammar
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Multiple-choice question format
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Approximate duration: 50–60 minutes including practice time
Paper 2: Non-Verbal and Maths (GL Assessment)
Maths, non-verbal, and spatial reasoning section
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Assesses patterns, sequences, shapes, and spatial awareness
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Focuses on logic, visual problem-solving, arithmetic, and abstract reasoning
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Multiple-choice question format
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Approximate duration: 50–60 minutes including practice time
GL Assessment Papers
Maths
Non-Verbal Reasoning and Maths Papers
Verbal Reasoning
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Non-Verbal Reasoning & Maths
Redbridge Test Pass Mark
The Redbridge 11 Plus is standardised to fairly compare children of different ages. Each child receives:
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A standardised score for verbal skills
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A standardised score for maths
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A standardised score for non-verbal reasoning
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An overall aggregate score
The qualifying score is liable to change each year, but a typical pass mark is around 210 as an overall aggregate score. There is no fixed minimum score required in individual papers, but consistent performance across all sections is essential to progress to the next stage of admissions. Passing the test does not, on its own, guarantee your child a place at one of the grammar schools.
Which Schools Use the Redbridge Test?
The Redbridge 11 Plus is used by both of the grammar schools in the Redbridge Grammar Schools Consortium, listed below.
Redbridge Grammar Schools Consortium
Admissions Criteria for the Redbridge 11 Plus
Redbridge 11 Plus Admissions Criteria
There are no formal admissions criteria to sit the Redbridge 11 Plus. However, the test is suited to children who are:
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Aiming for a grammar school place at either Ilford County High School or Woodford County High School
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For entry in September 2026, the child should currently be in Year 5
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Working at or above age-related expectations academically
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Able to manage extra practice in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and maths under timed conditions
Parents must register their child through Redbridge Council during the official application window.
Redbridge Grammar Schools Admissions Criteria
After the Redbridge 11 Plus pass mark is met, each grammar school sets its own admissions rules, such as:
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Distance from the school
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Sibling and children of staff priority
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Pupil premium status
Click the link in the table above for your chosen school to find out more about their admissions process.
Key Dates for Entry
| Description | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration opens Registration opens | Tuesday 1st May 2025 |
| Registration closes Registration closes | Sunday 15th June 2025 |
| Test date Test date | Friday 19th September 2025 |
| Results day Results day | Mid-October 2025 |
| Secondary school application deadline Secondary school application deadline | Friday 31st October 2025 |
| National offer day National offer day | Monday 2nd March 2026 |
How to Apply for the 11 Plus Redbridge Test
To register your child, you will need to complete an online application through Redbridge Council. This is required regardless of whether you live in Redbridge or are applying from outside the borough.
- Register online with Redbridge Council – Visit the Redbridge Council website during the registration window and complete the 11 Plus application form. You’ll need to provide your child’s details and the primary school they attend.
- Test centre arrangements – Most children sit the test at a local Redbridge primary school. If your child is not attending one of these schools, the council will assign them a test centre.
- Keep your confirmation email – After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email. Make sure to keep this for later reference.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Redbridge Test
Supporting your child’s preparation for the Redbridge 11 Plus can make a real difference. Here are some practical strategies to help them succeed:
Start early
Begin preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5 and allow your child to build skills gradually and confidently with ample time.
Use practice papers
Work through Redbridge-style 11 Plus test papers under timed conditions to get used to the format and improve speed and accuracy.
Focus on weak areas
Monitor progress to identify weak areas, and spend extra time on the question types they find most difficult, especially in verbal, non-verbal, and maths reasoning.
Encourage daily reading
Reading regularly helps develop vocabulary, comprehension, and logical thinking which is useful for both verbal and maths questions, and their academic journey in general.
Try online tools
Online platforms offer tailored practice and feedback to help keep revision focused and engaging.
Consistent, structured preparation can help your child feel confident and ready on exam day, especially with your encouragement.
Redbridge Test 11 Plus FAQs
Who can sit the Redbridge 11 Plus exam?
Any child which has been registered whilst in Year 5, can sit the Redbridge 11 Plus test when they are in Year 6. Successful applicants will be working at a higher than average academic level compared to their peers, and be motivated to complete extra work to learn the non-curriculum based aspects of the exam, like non-verbal reasoning.
How many grammar school places are available through the Redbridge test each year?
There are around 360 places across both the grammar schools which are part of the Redbridge Grammar Schools Consortium. With over 2000 applicants per year, there is lots of competition.
What subjects are covered in the Redbridge 11 Plus test?
The Redbridge test includes two GL Assessment papers: one in English/verbal reasoning and maths, and the other with non-verbal reasoning.
What is the pass mark for the Redbridge 11 Plus?
The pass mark for the Redbridge 11 Plus Exam varies each year, but a typical pass mark is around 210 for their total aggregate, standardised score.
How do I register my child for the Redbridge 11 Plus test?
You can register your child on the Redbridge Council’s website. This must be completed during the registration window.
Can my child use their Redbridge test result for more than one grammar school?
Yes, your child only needs to sit the Redbridge 11 Plus test once to use their score for their applications to either Ilford County High School or Woodford County High School.