Berkshire Grammar Schools 11+ Practice Papers

Berkshire Grammar Schools – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations

Berkshire is home to six selective grammar schools, all of which are state-funded, academically selective, and use the GL Assessment 11+ entrance exam to admit students into Year 7. These schools are located in the Reading, Slough, and Langley areas and are known for their exceptional academic performance, strong university destinations, and well-rounded student development.

🧠 GL Assessment 11+ in Berkshire

Used by:
- Slough Consortium of Grammar Schools
- Reading and Kendrick Grammar Schools
Test format:
- English comprehension
- Mathematics
- Verbal reasoning
- Non-verbal reasoning
Test provider: GL Assessment
When: Typically in September of Year 6
Highly competitive, with thousands of applicants across the region.

🏫 List of Berkshire Grammar Schools Using GL Assessment

🔹 Slough Consortium (4 Grammar Schools):

Langley Grammar School (Co-ed)
St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School (Co-ed)
Upton Court Grammar School (Co-ed)
Herschel Grammar School (Co-ed)

🔹 Reading Grammar Schools (Separate Admissions):

Reading School (Boys)
Kendrick School (Girls)

🔍 School-by-School Profiles

🔸 1. Langley Grammar School

Type: Co-educational
Founded: 1956
Pupil Numbers: ~1,200
Ofsted: Outstanding (2021)

Reputation:

High-achieving and forward-thinking
Outstanding GCSE & A-Level results
Popular Sixth Form with Oxbridge and Russell Group entries
Strong in STEM, languages, and digital learning

🔸 2. Herschel Grammar School

Type: Co-educational
Founded: 1952
Pupil Numbers: ~1,000
Ofsted: Outstanding

Reputation:

Known for strong progress scores and excellent exam results
Particularly strong in Maths, Science, and English
Inclusive ethos and strong pastoral support
High numbers progress to top universities

🔸 3. Upton Court Grammar School

Type: Co-educational
Formerly: Slough Grammar School
Pupil Numbers: ~1,200
Ofsted: Good with Outstanding features

Reputation:

Rapidly improving with modern facilities and tech focus
Strong in Sciences, Humanities, and Business
Diverse and inclusive school culture
Large Sixth Form offering a wide range of A-Level subjects

🔸 4. St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School

Type: Co-educational (Catholic ethos)
Founded: 1897
Pupil Numbers: ~950
Ofsted: Outstanding

Reputation:

High-performing school with a strong moral and faith-based ethos
Academic strengths in Humanities, RE, and Languages
Excellent exam outcomes and university success
Strong emphasis on character, service, and leadership

🔸 5. Reading School (Boys)

Type: Boys’ Grammar
Founded: 1125 (one of the oldest schools in England)
Pupil Numbers: ~1,100
Ofsted: Outstanding

Reputation:

One of the top-performing state schools in the UK
GCSE: ~95% grades 7–9
A-Level: ~90% A*-B
Strongest in Sciences, Maths, and Classics
Sends large numbers to Oxbridge and Medical Schools

🔸 6. Kendrick School (Girls)

Type: Girls’ Grammar
Founded: 1877
Pupil Numbers: ~800
Ofsted: Outstanding

Reputation:

Nationally ranked among top 5 state schools for girls
GCSE: ~98% grades 7–9
A-Level: ~90% A*-B
Exceptional in STEM, Languages, and English
Regularly sends students to Oxbridge and top global universities

📈 Academic Performance Summary

School Name	GCSE (Grades 7–9)	A-Level (A*-B)	Known For
Reading School	~95%	~90%	STEM, Classics, Oxbridge, Academic Rigour
Kendrick School	~98%	~90%	STEM, Languages, Oxbridge, Girls’ Ed
Langley Grammar	~85–90%	~80–85%	Digital Innovation, STEM, Languages
Herschel Grammar	~85–90%	~80–85%	Progress Scores, Sciences, Inclusivity
Upton Court Grammar	~80–85%	~75–80%	STEM, Humanities, Diversity
St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar	~85%+	~80%	Faith-based, Languages, Pastoral Care

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Most schools are Ofsted “Outstanding”
Featured in The Sunday Times Parent Power Top 100
National recognition in:
- UKMT Maths Challenge
- Science Olympiads
- Young Enterprise
- Public Speaking & Debating
- Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
High participation in Model UN, charity work, and international trips

The grammar schools of Berkshire, using the GL Assessment 11+, offer elite-level education within the state system. Whether you’re looking for a co-ed environment (Slough), a faith-based ethos (St Bernard’s), or a top-tier academic powerhouse (Reading or Kendrick), these schools offer outstanding outcomes, opportunity, and enrichment.

How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for the Berkshire Grammar Schools 11+ Entrance Exam

Admission to Year 7 at Berkshire Grammar Schools is based on performance in the GL Assessment 11+ entrance exam.

To secure a place, students must achieve a high score in the entrance test. ExamTutor’s 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a structured and effective way to prepare, ensuring students are fully familiar with the question types and exam format used in the 11+ entrance exam.

How ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations Help Students Succeed

1. Mirrors the GL Assessment 11+ Test Format

ExamTutor’s practice papers closely follow the GL Assessment 11+ test format, covering:
📌 English – Reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
📌 Mathematics – Numerical reasoning, arithmetic, and problem-solving.
📌 Verbal Reasoning – Word patterns, logic, and problem-solving.
📌 Non-Verbal Reasoning – Spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and sequences.

✔ By practicing with ExamTutor papers, students become familiar with the structure and content of the Berkshire Grammar Schools entrance exam, improving confidence and performance.

2. Identify Weak Areas & Improve Performance with a Structured Study Plan

A structured study plan is essential for 11+ success. Our practice papers:
✔ Help identify weaker subjects at the earliest stage.
✔ Allow students to focus on specific question types where they struggle.
✔ Include detailed answer explanations so students understand their mistakes and improve.

📌 Tip: Encourage your child to take regular timed practice tests to build exam stamina and confidence.

3. Boost Confidence with Video Explanations

Some 11+ question types can be challenging for students. Our expert-led video explanations:
🎥 Break down complex questions step by step
🎥 Teach proven problem-solving techniques
🎥 Show shortcuts and strategies to save time in the exam
🎥 Help students reinforce learning and build confidence

How to Use Video Explanations Effectively:

✅ Review incorrect answers with video solutions – Identify and correct mistakes early.
✅ Take notes on key strategies – Record important problem-solving techniques for future reference.
✅ Rewatch explanations for difficult topics – Reinforce learning by revisiting challenging areas.

✔ Video explanations ensure students fully understand concepts rather than just memorising answers.

4. Develop Strong Time Management & Exam Techniques

Success in the 11+ entrance exam isn’t just about knowledge—it’s also about:
✔ Time management – Completing questions quickly and accurately under exam conditions.
✔ Skipping tricky questions – Avoid wasting time on difficult questions and returning to them later.
✔ Eliminating wrong answers – Using logical reasoning to improve accuracy.

📌 Tip: Regular timed practice with ExamTutor tests ensures students develop these key exam skills.

5. Build Confidence Before the Big Day

Confidence is crucial for success in the Berkshire Grammar Schools 11+ exam. Our practice tests help by:
✔ Simulating real exam conditions – So students know exactly what to expect.
✔ Providing motivation through measurable improvement.

📌 Tip: Encourage your child to review their mistakes using our detailed video explanations to turn weaknesses into strengths.

Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for Berkshire Grammar Schools Preparation?

✔ GL Assessment-style practice papers covering all tested subjects.
✔ Video explanations for step-by-step learning.
✔ Used successfully by thousands of students every year.

How to Get Started with ExamTutor Practice Papers

1️⃣ Take a practice test – Identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
2️⃣ Create a study plan – Focus on weaker areas while reinforcing strengths.
3️⃣ Practice regularly – Use ExamTutor timed papers to simulate real exam conditions.
4️⃣ Review mistakes using video explanations – Learn from errors and improve.
5️⃣ Track progress – Monitor scores over time to ensure continuous improvement.

📌 Tip: Start preparing at least 6–12 months before the exam to allow enough time for practice and improvement.

Berkshire Grammar Schools Year 7 is highly competitive, but ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a powerful tool to maximise your child’s success.

By mirroring the GL Assessment test format, identifying weak areas, improving time management, and building confidence, our practice tests give students the best chance of securing a high score and gaining admission to Berkshire Grammar Schools.

📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀

Berkshire Grammar Schools – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply

(GL Assessment Grammar Schools )

Berkshire has six grammar schools, some of which use the GL Assessment 11+ Entrance Test for Year 7 admissions. These grammar schools operate independently, so application processes may vary slightly — but GL is the most common test provider in the region.

🏫 Berkshire Grammar Schools (GL Assessment Users)

School	Location	Gender	GL Assessment
Kendrick School	Reading	Girls	✅ Yes
Reading School	Reading	Boys	✅ Yes
Langley Grammar School	Slough	Co-ed	✅ Yes
Upton Court Grammar School	Slough	Co-ed	✅ Yes
St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School	Slough	Co-ed	✅ Yes (plus faith criteria)
Herschel Grammar School	Slough	Co-ed	✅ Yes

✅ 11+ Admissions Criteria (GL Assessment)

All six grammar schools assess pupils using the GL Assessment 11+ entrance test, which includes:

Test Format

English Comprehension & Verbal Reasoning
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Mathematics

Tests are multiple-choice and are standardised for age.

Qualifying Score

Each school sets its own pass mark or qualifying score.
In Slough, a standardised score of 111 or above is usually required.
In Reading, the qualifying score can vary (e.g. 111+ or 117+ depending on school and year).

📝 How to Apply for Berkshire Grammar Schools – Step-by-Step

✅ A. Slough Grammar Schools (Consortium of 4 Schools)

(Herschel, Langley, Upton Court, St Bernard’s)

These four schools share the Slough Consortium 11+ Test (GL Assessment), so your child only sits one test.

How to Apply:

Register for the Consortium Test
- Opens: April–May
- Closes: June
- Register at: www.sloughconsortium.org.uk
Sit the Test
- Date: Mid-September
- Taken at one of the consortium schools
Receive Results
- Released in October, before CAF deadline
Submit the Common Application Form (CAF)
- List preferred grammar schools
- Deadline: 31st October

✅ B. Reading Grammar Schools

(Kendrick School – Girls | Reading School – Boys)

Reading and Kendrick operate separately, though both use GL Assessment and a shared testing process (Reading School hosts the testing for both).

How to Apply:

Register via Reading School’s Website
- Covers both Reading and Kendrick
- Opens: May
- Closes: June
- Register at:
  - www.reading-school.co.uk
  - www.kendrick.reading.sch.uk
Sit the Test
- Date: September
- Held at Reading School (for both boys and girls)
Receive Results
- Results in October
Submit CAF
- Through your local authority
- Deadline: 31st October

💡 Note: Kendrick and Reading schools often apply residency criteria, such as a catchment area or postcode eligibility.

📌 Oversubscription Criteria (varies by school)

Most grammar schools use a mix of the following:

Looked After / Previously Looked After Children
Pupil Premium / Free School Meals eligibility
Catchment area / priority postcodes
Top scorers
Siblings (in some schools)
Distance from school (used as a tiebreaker)

🔗 Useful Links

Slough Consortium (4 Schools):
www.sloughconsortium.org.uk
Reading School (Boys):
www.reading-school.co.uk
Kendrick School (Girls):
www.kendrick.reading.sch.uk
Wokingham / Reading / Slough Council Admissions:

Berkshire Grammar Schools | 11+

11+

GL Assessment