Bromley Grammar Schools – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
The London Borough of Bromley is home to two highly prestigious grammar schools — one for boys and one for girls — both of which are state-funded, fully selective, and use the GL Assessment 11+ test for Year 7 admissions.
These schools are among the top-performing state schools in Greater London, known for their academic rigour, Oxbridge success, and rich co-curricular life.
🧠 GL Assessment 11+ in Bromley
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Used by:
- St Olave’s Grammar School (Boys)
- Newstead Wood School (Girls)
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GL Assessment Format:
- English comprehension
- Mathematics
- Verbal reasoning
- Non-verbal reasoning
- Note: Each school administers its own 11+ tests, but content is GL-style or directly provided by GL
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Highly competitive: Thousands of applicants for fewer than 200 places per school
🏫 Bromley Grammar Schools
- St. Olave’s Grammar School (Boys, Orpington)
- Newstead Wood School (Girls, Orpington)
🔍 School-by-School Overview
🔸 1. St. Olave’s Grammar School
- Type: Boys’ grammar (Co-ed Sixth Form)
- Location: Orpington, Bromley
- Founded: 1571 (originally in Southwark; moved to Orpington in 1968)
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,200
- Sixth Form: ~400 (includes girls)
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Academic Reputation:
- Consistently ranked among the top 5 grammar schools in England
- Outstanding GCSE & A-Level results:
- GCSE: ~97% grades 7–9
- A-Level: ~90% A*-B
- High number of students progress to Oxbridge, Medicine, and top Russell Group universities
Awards & Highlights:
- Named one of the Top 10 State Schools in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide
- Success in:
- UKMT Maths Challenges
- Olympiads in Physics, Chemistry & Biology
- Model United Nations & Public Speaking
- Strong STEM and classics departments
- Extensive enrichment including sport, music, debating, and languages
🔸 2. Newstead Wood School
- Type: Girls’ grammar (Co-ed Sixth Form)
- Location: Orpington, Bromley
- Founded: 1957
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,100
- Sixth Form: ~300
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Academic Reputation:
- Among the top girls’ grammar schools in the UK
- Exceptional results:
- GCSE: ~95% grades 7–9
- A-Level: ~85–90% A*-B
- Known for academic excellence in STEM, English, and Languages
- High Oxbridge and top university admission rates
Awards & Highlights:
- Regularly appears in Top 20 state schools nationally
- Recognised for:
- Girls in STEM initiatives
- Strong Wellbeing & Leadership Programmes
- Success in Maths Olympiads, Robotics, Engineering Competitions
- Extensive extra-curricular offer: sport, music, DofE, and drama
📈 Academic Performance Summary
| School | GCSE (Grades 7–9) | A-Level (A*-B) | Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Olave’s Grammar | ~97% | ~90% | Oxbridge, Medicine, STEM, Classics |
| Newstead Wood School | ~95% | ~85–90% | Girls in STEM, Languages, Leadership, Wellbeing |
🏆 Awards & Recognition
- Both schools are rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted
- High participation and national recognition in:
- UKMT & Olympiads
- British Science Association competitions
- Public Speaking, Debating, and MUN
- Young Enterprise and DofE Awards
- Regular inclusion in:
- The Times and The Sunday Times Parent Power Top 20 State Schools
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for the Bromley Grammar Schools 11+ Entrance Exam
Admission to Year 7 at Bromley 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 Bromley 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 Bromley 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 Bromley 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.
Bromley 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 Bromley Grammar Schools.
📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀
🎯 Admissions Overview
| School | Entry Test Format | Approx. Year 7 Intake | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Olave’s Grammar | GL-style English & Maths | ~124 | Highly competitive; shortlist for second stage testing |
| Newstead Wood School | GL Assessment 11+ | ~168 | Standardised score threshold used to determine eligibility |
The Bromley grammar schools – St. Olave’s and Newstead Wood – are nationally elite, combining historic academic strength with modern enrichment and pastoral care. Their use of the GL Assessment 11+ ensures a selective and rigorous intake, and their top-tier results and university success make them some of the most sought-after state schools in the country.
Bromley Grammar Schools – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
(GL Assessment Grammar Schools – 2025 Entry)
The London Borough of Bromley has two grammar schools. Both are selective state schools and use the GL Assessment 11+ Test for Year 7 entry.
🏫 Grammar Schools in Bromley
| School Name | Gender | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Newstead Wood School | Girls | Orpington |
| St. Olave’s & St. Saviour’s Grammar School | Boys | Orpington |
✅ Both schools use the GL Assessment as part of their 11+ admissions process.
🎯 They do not share a consortium, so you must register separately for each.
✅ 1. Newstead Wood School (Girls)
Admissions Criteria
- Girls must take the GL Assessment test (provided by the school).
- Top scorers are invited to proceed to Stage 2, which includes:
- Maths (written)
- English (written)
Places Available: 168 in Year 7
Oversubscription Criteria (after passing both stages)
- Looked After / Previously Looked After Children
- Pupil Premium (FSM eligible)
- Highest scores
- Distance (used as a tie-breaker)
How to Apply
- Register via the school’s website:
🔗 www.newsteadwood.co.uk - Registration opens: May
- Closes: June
- Stage 1 Test (GL): September
- Stage 2 Test (Written papers): October
- Submit your CAF (Common Application Form) by 31st October
✅ 2. St. Olave’s Grammar School (Boys)
Admissions Criteria
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Boys sit a two-stage entrance process:
- Stage 1: GL Assessment (Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning)
- Stage 2: School-set papers in English and Mathematics
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Only boys who pass Stage 1 are invited to Stage 2.
Places Available: 124 in Year 7
Oversubscription Criteria (after passing both stages)
- Looked After / Previously Looked After Children
- Boys eligible for Free School Meals
- Highest combined scores from both stages
- Distance from home to school (tie-breaker)
How to Apply
- Register via the school’s website:
🔗 www.saintolaves.net - Registration opens: May
- Closes: June
- Stage 1 Test (GL): September
- Stage 2 Test: October
- Submit CAF via your local authority by 31st October
🔗 Useful Links
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Newstead Wood Admissions:
https://www.newsteadwood.co.uk/Admissions -
St. Olave’s Admissions:
https://www.saintolaves.net/admissions -
Bromley Council School Admissions:
www.bromley.gov.uk/admissions
