Wandsworth 11 Plus
Key Info
11 Plus Exam Format
Find Schools
How to Apply
What is the Wandsworth 11 Plus Test?
The Wandsworth Year 6 Test or 11 Plus exam is used by the grammar-style schools in the borough. It assesses the academic ability of primary-school age children as part of the admissions process. The time-restricted test typically includes sections on verbal and non-verbal reasoning, which children are unlikely to have seen as part of their normal curriculum.
Every year, child compete for a limited number of selective school places, completing the Wandsworth 11 Plus as part of this process. Children only need to take the test once, and their results are used for admissions at any of the Wandsworth schools. Pupils applying from within the borough usually sit the test at their primary school during the autumn term of Year 6, while those applying from outside are invited to attend a central test venue.
Key Information About the Wandsworth 11 Plus Test
Applies To:
Selective schools located within the London borough of Wandsworth
Test Format:
The Wandsworth 11 plus exam is made up of a non-verbal reasoning paper and a verbal reasoning paper which are both supplied by GL Assessment.
Eligibility:
There are no formal admissions criteria to sit the Wandsworth Year 6 Test, but children should be working above their expected level and be correctly registered.
Places Available:
On average there are ~1000 places across all the selective schools in Wandsworth.
Applications:
More children sit the Wandsworth 11 Plus Test than are admitted according to their policies.
The Wandsworth Year 6 Test 11 Plus Exam Format
The Wandsworth Year 6 Test includes two papers designed to assess academic ability and problem-solving skills in the areas of verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
Paper 1: Non-Verbal Reasoning (GL Assessment)
Non-Verbal Reasoning
- 55 minutes total test time which includes invigilator guidance and practice questions
- The test consists of four sections (three of 10 minutes each with 19 questions in each and one of 9 minutes to answer 18 questions)
Paper 2: Verbal Reasoning (GL Assessment)
Verbal Reasoning
- 50 minutes
- 80 questions and no guidance
Wandsworth 11 Plus Pass Mark
The Wandsworth 11 Plus Test is age-standardised to increase fairness between children of different birthdays throughout the school year. Each participant receives a standardised score for each paper and an overall aggregate score.
Pass marks vary slightly each year and vary across schools. Chestnut Grove and Ashcroft both use the test scores solely to band students entering their schools with additional aptitude tests used for specific places. Graveney and Burntwood use the scores to allocate a set number of places. More information can be found on the school pages below.
Using 2021 as an example, the minimum marks needed for the selective Graveney and Burntwood places were:
- Graveney School – 256
- Burntwood School – 224
Which Schools Use the Wandsworth 11 Plus Test?
The Wandsworth 11 Plus Test is used by 4 grammar schools across Wandsworth.
Wandsworth Grammar Schools
Ashcroft Technology Academy
Burntwood School
Chestnut Grove Academy
Graveney School
Admissions Criteria for the Wandsworth Year 6 Test
Wandsworth Year 6 Test Admissions Criteria
There are no strict admissions criteria to sit the Wandsworth 11 Plus Test, any child from within the borough or outside can sit the test. The Wandsworth 11 Plus Test is intended for children who are:
- Intending to attend one of the 4 schools listed above
- Currently in primary-school
- Working at or above age-related expectations academically
- Able to participate in additional practice in reasoning and timed assessments
Wandsworth Schools Admissions Criteria
Once the Wandsworth 11 Plus Test pass mark is met, this does not guarantee your child a place. Each school has its own admissions criteria, which may include factors such as distance from the school, pupil premium priority, and the highest Wandsworth Year 6 Test scores. See the school’s page in the table above for more detail on their admissions policy.
Key Dates for Entry
| Description | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration closes Registration closes | Thursday 4 September 2025 |
| Year 6 Test Year 6 Test | Thursday 25th - Monday 29th September |
| Results Issued Results Issued | Friday 24th October 2025 |
| Secondary school application deadline Secondary school application deadline | Friday 31st October 2025 |
| Offer Day Offer Day | Sunday 1st March 2026 |
How to Apply for the Wandsworth 11 Plus Test
Whether or not you are applying from inside the borough, to register your child for the Wandsworth Year 6 Test, you’ll need to complete an online application through the form on the Wandsworth Council website.
- Register online with Wandsworth Council – Visit the Wandsworth website during the registration window and fill out the Wandsworth 11 Plus Test application form. You’ll be asked to provide some details and contact information.
- Keep a copy of your confirmation – Once registered, you’ll get a confirmation email with details of when and where your child will take the test. Keep this information for later reference. Invitations will be sent out by or before 18th September.
Preparing for the Wandsworth 11 Plus Test
Supporting your child through the Wandsworth 11 Plus Test process can make all the difference. Here are some practical strategies that can help:
- Start Early: Begin preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5 to give your child time to build skills steadily and reduce anxiety.
- Use Practice Papers: Go through 11 plus exam papers together to get used to the test format and boost their confidence.
- Target Weak Areas: Track their progress and focus on subjects and question types they find more difficult.
- Encourage Daily Reading: Regular reading improves vocabulary, enhances comprehension and fosters critical thinking, all very helpful for 11 Plus success.
- Explore Online Tools: Use educational platforms that provide practice and tailored feedback, making study sessions engaging and focused.
By keeping the preparation consistent and structured you’ll help your child feel ready and confident on exam day, especially with your support and positivity.
Wandsworth 11 Plus FAQs
Who can sit the Wandsworth 11 Plus exam?
Any child currently in Year 5 who is aiming to start Year 7 in a grammar school in Wandsworth can be registered for the Wandsworth 11 Plus test. These children can then sit the exam when they are in Year 6. There are no formal requirements, but your child should be working at higher academic levels than expected for their age.
How many grammar school places are available through the Wandsworth Year 6 test each year?
There are around 1000 places available across the selective schools in Wandsworth.
What subjects are covered in the Wandsworth 11 Plus test?
The Wandsworth 11 Plus test consists of two papers, one on verbal reasoning and the other on non-verbal reasoning. Both tests are provided by GL Assessment.
What is the pass mark for the Wandsworth 11 Plus?
The pass mark for the Wandsworth 11 Plus Exam varies between schools and between years. For reference, in 2021, the pass mark for Graveney School was an overall score of 256.
How do I register my child for the Wandsworth 11 Plus test?
You can register your child on the Wandsworth Council’s website during the registration window.
Can my child use their Wandsworth test result for more than one grammar school?
Yes, your child only needs to sit the Wandsworth 11 Plus once and their results will be used for applications to any of the grammar schools within the Wandsworth borough.