About Bromley Grammar Schools
Bromley has two selective grammar schools, both in Orpington: St Olave’s Grammar School (boys) and Newstead Wood School (girls). They do not form a consortium and use different entrance tests, so you register with each school separately.
Both schools follow the London Borough of Bromley coordinated process: register for each school’s test (via a Supplementary Information Form on the school’s website) ahead of the September test, then list the school on your Common Application Form by 31 October; offers are issued on National Offer Day (1 March).
St Olave’s runs a two-stage, school-set test (a first-stage Selective Eligibility Test, then written second-stage papers for the highest scorers). Newstead Wood uses a GL Assessment selection test. Check each school’s own deadlines and criteria.
Bromley Grammar Schools
Bromley’s two grammar schools each run their own entrance test. Click a school for its detailed admission guide, test format, catchment and key dates:
St Olave’s and Newstead Wood are not a consortium and use different tests, so you must register with each separately (in addition to the local authority Common Application Form). Both are heavily oversubscribed.
About the Bromley 11+
Bromley’s two grammar schools use different tests. St Olave’s sets its own two-stage test; Newstead Wood uses a GL Assessment selection test. There is no shared Bromley test.
St Olave’s (boys): Stage 1 is a one-hour multiple-choice Selective Eligibility Test (around 60 questions across English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning). The top ~450 scorers are invited to Stage 2 — two one-hour written papers in English and Maths. The school test is not age-standardised.
Newstead Wood (girls): two multiple-choice papers (about 50 minutes each) provided by GL Assessment, standardised for age, with a published qualifying score and a priority radius around the school.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Bromley Grammar Schools
Bromley’s grammar schools run separate admissions. For each school you want, complete its Supplementary Information Form (on the school’s website) to register for that school’s test, ahead of the September sitting (St Olave’s holds a Stage 2 in November for its highest scorers). You must also list the school on your home authority’s Common Application Form by 31 October; offers are issued on National Offer Day (1 March). St Olave’s has no catchment area (open to any borough); Newstead Wood prioritises girls within a radius of the school. Both are heavily oversubscribed, so meeting the standard does not guarantee a place.
What the Bromley 11+ Tests Cover
St Olave’s tests English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning at Stage 1, then written English and Maths at Stage 2; Newstead Wood uses GL Assessment papers. Practising realistic 11+ material across these areas is the most effective preparation.
Bromley 11+ Practice Papers for Bromley Grammar Schools
Bromley Grammar Schools uses the GL Assessment 11+ format. Our practice papers closely mirror the actual test structure — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 10.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 high-quality practice tests
- 1 × English, Maths, VR, NVR
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Bromley 11+
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Bromley Grammar Schools — Frequently Asked Questions
How many grammar schools are in Bromley?
Two: St Olave's Grammar School (boys) and Newstead Wood School (girls), both in Orpington.
Do they share one test?
No — they are not a consortium and use different entrance tests, so you must register with each school separately.
What is St Olave's test?
A two-stage, school-set test: a one-hour multiple-choice Stage 1 (English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning); the top ~450 scorers sit Stage 2, two one-hour written papers in English and Maths.
What is Newstead Wood's test?
A GL Assessment selection test — two multiple-choice papers (about 50 minutes each), standardised for age, with a published qualifying score.
How do I register?
Complete each school's Supplementary Information Form (on the school's website) ahead of the September test, and also submit the local authority Common Application Form by 31 October.
When are the tests?
Both schools test in September of Year 6; St Olave's holds its Stage 2 written papers in November. Results follow in October.
Is there a catchment area?
St Olave's has no catchment (open to any borough); Newstead Wood prioritises girls within a radius of the school. Check each school's policy.
How do I get a place?
Name the school on your Common Application Form by 31 October; offers are made on National Offer Day (1 March). Both schools are heavily oversubscribed.