Bexley Grammar Schools – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
The London Borough of Bexley is home to four selective grammar schools, all of which are state-funded, academically selective, and use the GL Assessment 11+ test for Year 7 entry. These schools are some of the highest-achieving in Greater London, offering a rigorous academic curriculum, excellent Sixth Form pathways, and outstanding university destinations, including Oxbridge and Russell Group institutions.
🧠 GL Assessment in Bexley
- The Bexley Selection Test (11+):
- Administered by GL Assessment
- Tests include:
- Verbal reasoning
- Non-verbal reasoning
- English comprehension
- Mathematics
- Students sit the test in September of Year 6.
- Pupils must achieve a minimum standardised score to be eligible for a grammar school place, but many schools are oversubscribed, and score thresholds vary yearly.
🏫 Bexley Grammar Schools Using GL Assessment
- Bexley Grammar School (Co-educational)
- Townley Grammar School (Girls, co-ed Sixth Form)
- Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School (Chis & Sid) (Co-educational)
- Beths Grammar School (Boys, co-ed Sixth Form)
🔍 School-by-School Highlights
🔸 1. Bexley Grammar School
- Type: Co-educational
- Founded: 1955
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,400
- Sixth Form: ~400 (co-ed)
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Academic Highlights:
- Only grammar school in Bexley to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) in Sixth Form
- IB results consistently above world average
- High Oxbridge and top university progression
- Strengths across STEM, Languages, Humanities, and Arts
Awards & Features:
- IB World School
- Regularly appears in The Sunday Times Top 100 state schools
- Strong music, drama, and debating programme
- Excellent extracurricular provision including Model UN, DofE, Young Enterprise
🔸 2. Townley Grammar School
- Type: Girls’ grammar (co-ed Sixth Form)
- Founded: 1937
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,500
- Sixth Form: ~500
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Academic Highlights:
- Consistently excellent GCSE and A-Level results:
- ~85–90% grades 7–9 at GCSE
- ~80% A*-B at A-Level
- Strong in Sciences, Arts, and Languages
- High proportion of students progress to Russell Group and Oxbridge
Awards & Features:
- Artsmark Platinum Award
- Specialist school for the arts and mathematics
- Known for inclusive ethos, innovation, and strong student leadership
- Wide enrichment including creative arts, theatre, sports, and social justice initiatives
🔸 3. Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School (Chis & Sid)
- Type: Co-educational
- Founded: 1931
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,400
- Sixth Form: ~450
- Ofsted: Good (with Outstanding features)
Academic Highlights:
- Strong GCSE and A-Level outcomes:
- ~80% of students achieve grades 7–9 at GCSE
- ~75–80% A*-B at A-Level
- Excellent STEM, computing, economics, and languages provision
- Competitive sports and music offerings
Awards & Features:
- National success in UKMT Maths Challenges, debating, and sports
- Modern facilities and large school site
- Highly regarded Sixth Form with a broad curriculum and excellent university destinations
🔸 4. Beths Grammar School
- Type: Boys’ grammar (co-ed Sixth Form)
- Founded: 1945
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,300
- Sixth Form: ~400
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Academic Highlights:
- Known for STEM excellence, particularly Maths, Physics, and Computer Science
- GCSE and A-Level performance:
- ~85% grades 7–9 at GCSE
- ~80% A*-B at A-Level
- High university progression including many to STEM degrees and Russell Group universities
Awards & Features:
- Designated Science & Mathematics College
- National recognition in Robotics, Coding, and STEM competitions
- Very active co-curricular scene including engineering clubs, sports, and DofE
📈 Academic Comparison Summary
| School Name | GCSE (Grades 7–9) | A-Level (A*-B) | Sixth Form Offer | Notable Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bexley Grammar | ~90% | IB (Average 37+) | International Baccalaureate | Languages, IB, Humanities, STEM |
| Townley Grammar | ~90% | ~80% | A-Levels | Arts, Sciences, Inclusive Culture |
| Chis & Sid Grammar | ~80–85% | ~75–80% | A-Levels | Balanced profile, STEM & Languages |
| Beths Grammar | ~85–90% | ~80% | A-Levels | STEM, Computing, Robotics, Maths Olympiads |
🏆 Awards & Recognition
- Ofsted “Outstanding” for 3 out of 4 schools
- All schools regularly appear in national league tables of top state schools
- High participation and success in:
- UKMT Maths Challenge
- STEM Olympiads
- Young Enterprise
- Public Speaking & Debating
- Model United Nations
- Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
The Bexley grammar schools using GL Assessment offer some of the best state-funded academic opportunities in London. Whether you’re looking for STEM, the arts, the IB, or a traditional A-Level path, these schools provide elite academic environments, outstanding Sixth Form progression, and enriching student experiences.
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for the Bexley Grammar Schools 11+ Entrance Exam
Admission to Year 7 at Bexley 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 Bexley 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 Bexley 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 Bexley 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.
Bexley 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 Bexley Grammar Schools.
📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀
Bexley Grammar Schools – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
(GL Assessment Grammar Schools –)
The London Borough of Bexley has four selective grammar schools, and entry into Year 7 is based on performance in the Bexley Selection Test (11+), which is produced by GL Assessment.
🏫 Bexley Grammar Schools
- Bexley Grammar School (Co-educational)
- Beths Grammar School (Boys, co-ed Sixth Form)
- Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School (Chis & Sid) (Co-educational)
- Townley Grammar School (Girls, co-ed Sixth Form)
✅ All four schools are state-funded, selective, and use the same 11+ test set by GL Assessment.
✅ Bexley Selection Test (GL Assessment)
To be considered for admission, students must sit the Bexley Selection Test, which includes:
Test Format
-
Two GL Assessment papers, each lasting approx. 1 hour:
- Verbal Reasoning & English comprehension
- Non-Verbal Reasoning & Maths
-
Tests are multiple-choice
-
The results are age-standardised, and an overall score is calculated
Qualifying Score
- For 2025 entry, pupils must score at or above the selection threshold (usually around 220–221, but this can vary annually)
- Only the top-performing 1800–2000 pupils are deemed selective
- Qualifying does not guarantee a place, as schools apply their own oversubscription criteria
🎯 Oversubscription Criteria (Varies by School)
If more pupils qualify than places available, schools allocate places using criteria such as:
- Looked After / Previously Looked After Children
- Pupil Premium / Free School Meals
- Siblings
- Proximity to the school (measured in a straight line)
- Score ranking (e.g. Beths and Townley prioritise higher scores)
📌 Note: Some schools have a priority admissions area or postcode criteria.
📝 How to Apply for Bexley Grammar Schools – Step-by-Step
✅ 1. Register for the Bexley Selection Test
- Opens: Early May
- Closes: Early July
- Register online via:
🔗 www.bexley.gov.uk/11plus
✅ 2. Sit the Test
- Dates: Typically held in September
- Pupils attending Bexley primary schools take the test in school
- Out-of-borough pupils take the test at designated centres
✅ 3. Receive Results
- Mid-October
- Results show whether your child is deemed selective
✅ 4. Submit the Common Application Form (CAF)
- Deadline: 31st October
- Submit via your home local authority
- List your grammar school preferences in order
✅ 5. National Offer Day
- Offers made: 1st March
🔗 Useful Links
-
🔹 Bexley 11+ Test Info & Registration:
www.bexley.gov.uk/11plus -
🔹 Bexley Council School Admissions:
www.bexley.gov.uk/admissions -
School Websites:



