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Chestnut Grove Academy | 11+

11+

GL Assessment

Chestnut Grove Academy | 11+

Age:11+

Table of Content

Chestnut Grove Academy – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations

Chestnut Grove Academy is a co-educational secondary school and sixth form located in Balham, Wandsworth, South London. It was established in 1986 as a comprehensive school and later gained arts college specialist status, becoming known as the first Arts College in the UK under the specialist schools programme.

In 2011, the school converted to academy status, and today it operates as part of the Wandle Learning Trust, a multi-academy trust working with other high-performing schools in the region. Chestnut Grove has a reputation for blending academic achievement with creativity, particularly in the visual and performing arts.


👨‍🎓👩‍🎓 Pupil Numbers

  • Approximately 1,000 students
    • Around 200 students in the Sixth Form
  • Mixed-gender, non-selective intake, with a partially selective stream for Art & Design
  • Admits around 160 students per year into Year 7
  • Very popular and oversubscribed, especially due to its creative specialism

🎓 Academic Reputation

Chestnut Grove Academy is regarded as a high-achieving, inclusive school, known for strong results and outstanding teaching in both core academic subjects and the creative arts. The school has seen consistent improvement in GCSE and A-Level outcomes, and students are well-supported with university applications and career planning.

📈 Academic Highlights:
  • GCSE Performance:
    • Strong results in English, Maths, and Science, with a good proportion of students achieving Grade 5+
    • Continues to show strong Progress 8 scores, indicating excellent value-added performance
  • A-Level Performance:
    • Sixth Form students achieve well across a broad curriculum, including Art, English, Sociology, Sciences, and Politics
    • Many students go on to Russell Group universities, art colleges, and prestigious creative institutions
  • Creative Arts Excellence:
    • National recognition for Art, Textiles, and Photography
    • Students often win places at top institutions such as Central Saint Martins and Camberwell College of Arts

🏆 Awards & Recognition

  • Rated “Good” by Ofsted (most recent inspection)
    • With some features praised as “Outstanding”, particularly leadership, behaviour, and teaching quality
  • National recognition as the first ever Arts College in the UK
  • Success in:
    • Young Artists awards
    • Artsmark Gold Award
    • Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) achievements
  • Part of the Wandle Learning Trust, a well-regarded academy trust focused on collaboration and student success

Chestnut Grove Academy is a creative and academically ambitious school that offers a rich education in both traditional and artistic subjects. With a track record of strong exam results, outstanding arts provision, and a nurturing school culture, it remains a popular and well-respected choice in South London, especially for students with creative aspirations.

🏫 Chestnut Grove Academy – Contact Information

School Name: Chestnut Grove Academy
Type: Co-educational Secondary School and Sixth Form (Ages 11–18), Academy
Part of: Wandle Learning Trust


📍 Address:

Chestnut Grove Academy
45 Chestnut Grove
Balham
London
SW12 8JZ
United Kingdom


☎️ Telephone:

+44 (0)20 8673 8737


📧 Email:

mail@chestnutgrove.wandsworth.sch.uk


🌐 Website:

https://www.chestnutgrove.wandsworth.sch.uk


📱 Social Media:

📝 Exam Board: GL Assessment

How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for the Chestnut Grove Academy 11+ Entrance Exam

Admission to Year 7 at Chestnut Grove Academy 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 Chestnut Grove Academy 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 Chestnut Grove Academy 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 Chestnut Grove Academy 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.

Chestnut Grove Academy 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 Chestnut Grove Academy.

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

Chestnut Grove Academy – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply

Chestnut Grove Academy is a co-educational secondary school and sixth form in Balham, London Borough of Wandsworth.


Year 7 Admissions Criteria 

The school admits 162 students into Year 7 each year. Places are allocated as follows:

1. Specialist Aptitude Places (Art & Design) – 31 places

  • Up to 20% of places (max 31) are available to students showing aptitude in Art & Design.
  • Applicants must submit a supplementary form and attend an aptitude assessment in the autumn of Year 6.
  • These places are open to all applicants, regardless of where they live.

2. Remaining 131 Places Allocated in Priority Order:

  1. Looked After and Previously Looked After Children
  2. Children with Exceptional Medical or Social Needs
    • Supporting evidence is required.
  3. Siblings – Applicants with a brother or sister at the school at the time of admission.
  4. Children of Staff
  5. Distance from the School
    • Measured in a straight line from the home to the school gate.

📌 There is no catchment area, but distance is a key factor in general admissions (for the 131 non-aptitude places).


📝 How to Apply for Year 7 at Chestnut Grove Academy

Step 1: Attend an Open Event (Optional)

  • Held in September or October 
  • Great opportunity to meet staff and view facilities

Step 2: Complete the Wandsworth Secondary School Test (Optional)

  • Only required if you’re applying to other Wandsworth schools that use bandingChestnut Grove does not use it for main entry but it can still be helpful to take the test if applying to multiple Wandsworth schools.

Step 3: Apply for Specialist Art Place (Optional)

  • Complete the Supplementary Form for Art aptitude places (available on the school’s website)
  • Attend the aptitude test in October 

Step 4: Submit the Common Application Form (CAF)

  • List Chestnut Grove Academy as one of your choices
  • Apply via your home local authority
  • Deadline: 31st October 

Step 5: National Offer Day

  • Offers made on 1st March

ℹ️ Additional Information

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