Looking for information about the 11 plus for entry to a grammar school in the London Borough of Bexley? We've collated all the information you'll need about the application process for entry in September 2024, including what to expect and how to help your child prepare for the exam.
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Change to GL Assessment from 2023
In April 2023, Bexley Council announced they're changing their 11 plus provider from CEM to GL Assessment. CEM is no longer offering paper-based exams. Learn more about what to expect from the new GL Bexley Selection Test below.
Key information about the 11 plus in Bexley
Register via: Bexley Council
Registration opens: 15th May 2023
Registration closes: 30th June 2023
Exam date: between 9th–14th September 2023 (exact date TBC)
Exam board type: GL Assessment
Results: mid-October 2023
Local authority application form deadline: 31st October 2023
National school offer day: 1st March 2024
Appeals: contact the schools directly
Dates can vary, so always check with your target schools!
What is the Bexley Selection Test?
Taken in September of Year 6, the Bexley Selection Test is an academic exam (known commonly as the 11 plus) which assesses children’s potential and suitability for grammar schools. If your child scores highly on the Bexley Selection Test, you can include grammar schools in Bexley on your common application form (CAF).
Most primary schools in Bexley hold the Bexley Selection Test on their own premises. However, some may use a testing centre, which your child may be invited to if their primary school is outside the Bexley local authority.
Which schools use the Bexley Selection Test?
There are four grammar schools in Bexley. All four schools use the Bexley Selection Test (11 plus) to determine which children to give places to in Year 7.
Beths Grammar School (boys only)
Bexley Grammar School (boys and girls)
Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School (boys and girls)
Townley Grammar School (girls only)
What is on the Bexley Selection Test?
The Bexley Selection Test now consists of two test papers provided by GL. Each paper lasts about 60 minutes. A few minutes are allocated at the start of each paper for children to listen to instructions and complete some unmarked practice questions.
Both papers are divided into smaller, individually-timed sections that assess:
English comprehension
Maths
Verbal reasoning
Non-verbal reasoning
The test is entirely multiple-choice format, with no writing sections. Children record their answers in a separate answer booklet which is marked electronically.
The maths and English questions assess your child's understanding of Key Stage 2 national curriculum content, including Year 6 objectives. It tests their ability to reason and apply knowledge accurately.
The reasoning questions assess your child’s logic and problem-solving ability. Verbal and non-verbal reasoning are not typically taught at school. They are intended to measure how well children can spot patterns with, connect and manipulate written and visual information.
Free 11+ resources
What is the pass mark for the Bexley Selection Test?
There is no specified pass mark for the Bexley Selection Test. The 180 pupils with the highest scores automatically make up the highest priority group for places at their preferred school. The remaining children who took the test will then go through each school's admissions process if there are still places available.
Your child's raw scores for each section are converted to an age-standardised score. This is to make allowances for their age (in years and months) at the time the test is taken to ensure that children born towards the end of the school year aren't disadvantaged.
The secondary selection process is very competitive – around 30% of children who take the Bexley Selection Test achieve a mark high enough to be able to apply to a grammar school.
How can I help my child prepare for the Bexley Selection Test?
Here are our top tips on how to help your child prepare for the 2023 exam:
No surprises
Make sure your child is familiar with all styles of questions they will experience in the test. This reduces the potential for panic on the day and will give them the confidence to answer questions to the best of their ability. Access to unlimited practice materials that mirror the format and style of the Bexley Selection Test will ensure your child is fully prepared.
Cover all the content
The 11 plus assesses a large breadth and depth of learning objectives. Starting at least one year before the test will allow your child time to securely build the skills and knowledge they need. When preparing it can be easy to fall into the trap of focusing on the content your child prefers. Atom Nucleus tailors your child's personalised learning journey, creating their bespoke programme to cover all elements of the Bexley Selection Test in a fun and engaging way.
Engage with their progress
Setting regular goals and celebrating achievements will help your child progress efficiently. Atom offers data-driven insights into your child’s progress towards mastering the Bexley Selection Test content, making it easy to see where they need to focus next.
Personalised 11 plus prep for the Bexley Selection Test
Wondering how to make sure your child covers the depth and breadth of the entire 11 plus curriculum, stays on track with their progress, and gets help when they're stuck? Online learning is a particularly efficient, cost-effective (and fun) way to do this!
Atom Nucleus is an online learning platform that gives your child everything they need to prepare for the 11 plus. Exam Prep Plus subscribers get unlimited access to:
Over 90,000 interactive questions in English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning
Teacher-created helpsheets and videos to help your child discover new concepts and consolidate their learning
Daily live lessons and holiday revision programmes to help your child master key topics and revise efficiently
A detailed parent dashboard, allowing you to track your child’s progress, set targets, and quickly create exercises for your child
Bexley Selection Test practice papers
Atom Nucleus gives children access to unlimited online practice papers tailored to the Bexley Selection Test. Our online tests are designed to mirror the format and style of real 11 plus questions, so your child will go into the exam knowing exactly what to expect.
And what's more, everything is automatically marked for you.
Try Atom Nucleus free for 5 days
Begin your child's journey to grammar school today. Use the full features of Atom Nucleus free for 5 days – cancel anytime.
Personalised 11 plus support for you
We know how keen you are for your child to do well in the 11 plus, to give them every chance of securing a place at their school of choice. Our dedicated team of Education Experts are on hand to support you and your family every step of the way:
Get in touch
Confused about applying to grammar schools, and not sure what you or your child needs to do? Atom’s friendly and informative Education Experts are on hand to support you and your child every step of the way. Drop us an email with any questions you have about admissions processes and helping your child prepare for entry to a grammar school.
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