Ilford County High School (ICHS) – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Ilford County High School (ICHS) is a selective grammar school for boys aged 11 to 18, located in Ilford, East London. Recognised for its academic excellence, strong STEM focus, and outstanding extracurricular opportunities, ICHS consistently ranks among the top-performing state grammar schools in London.
1. History & Background
- Founded in 1901, Ilford County High School was originally established as Ilford High School for Boys.
- In 1929, it became a selective grammar school, moving to its current site on Fremantle Road in Barkingside.
- The school operates under the London Borough of Redbridge and is one of the four selective grammar schools in the borough, alongside Woodford County High School, Chadwell Heath Academy, and Seven Kings School.
- ICHS became an academy in 2012, granting it greater autonomy over curriculum, governance, and funding.
- The school maintains a strong emphasis on academic achievement, independent learning, and leadership development, preparing students for top universities and professional careers.
2. Pupil Numbers
- Total student population: Approximately 1,100 pupils, from Years 7 to 13.
- Lower School (Years 7–11) – Around 800 students.
- Sixth Form (Years 12–13) – Around 300 students.
- Highly selective admissions process – Entry into Year 7 is based on performance in the Redbridge 11+ entrance exam, while Sixth Form places require strong GCSE results.
3. Academic Reputation & Results
Ilford County High School is one of the top-performing grammar schools in London, with a reputation for academic excellence, leadership development, and university success.
📈 Exam Performance & National Rankings
- A-Level Results:
- Over 85% of grades were A–B*.
- Many students secure places at Russell Group universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London.
- GCSE Results:
- *Over 90% of grades were 9–7 (A–A equivalent)**.
- Consistently ranked among the top 100 grammar schools in England based on academic performance.
- Particularly strong in STEM subjects, with students excelling in mathematics, computing, and sciences.
🏆 Awards & Achievements
- Rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted, with high praise for teaching quality, student progress, and leadership development.
- STEM Excellence – ICHS students regularly participate in UK Maths Challenges, Science Olympiads, and national computing competitions.
- Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Programme – Many students achieve Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.
- Music & Performing Arts Success – The school has a strong tradition in choirs, orchestras, and drama productions.
- Sporting Achievements, with teams competing at county and national levels in football, cricket, athletics, and table tennis.
- National Debating & Public Speaking Champions, with success in Model United Nations (MUN) and national essay competitions.
Ilford County High School is one of London’s leading selective grammar schools, offering exceptional academic results, top university placements, and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. With its rich history, modern facilities, and commitment to excellence, ICHS provides an ideal learning environment for ambitious and high-achieving students.
🏫 Ilford County High School – Contact Information
School Name: Ilford County High School (ICHS)
Type: Selective State Grammar School for Boys (Co-educational in Sixth Form, Ages 11–18)
📍 Address:
Ilford County High School
Fremantle Road
Barkingside
Ilford
Essex
IG6 2JB
United Kingdom
☎️ Telephone:
+44 (0)20 8551 6496
📧 Email:
🌐 Website:
📱 Social Media:
-
Twitter/X: @IlfordCounty
📝 Exam Board: GL Assessment
You can view the school’s exact location on the map below:
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for the Ilford County High School (ICHS) 11+ Entrance Exam
Admission to Year 7 at Ilford County High School (ICHS) 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 Ilford County High School (ICHS) 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 Ilford County High School (ICHS) 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 Ilford County High School (ICHS) 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.
Ilford County High School (ICHS) 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 Ilford County High School (ICHS).
📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀
Ilford County High School – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
Ilford County High School (ICHS) is a highly selective grammar school for boys, located in Ilford, Greater London. The school is known for its academic excellence, strong extracurricular opportunities, and consistently outstanding GCSE and A-Level results.
Admission to Year 7 at Ilford County High School is based on performance in the 11+ entrance exam, which is part of the Redbridge Grammar Schools Consortium and follows the GL Assessment format.
Year 7 Admissions Criteria
To gain admission to Ilford County High School for Year 7, students must meet the following requirements:
1. 11+ Entrance Examination (GL Assessment)
All applicants must sit the Redbridge 11+ Exam, which assesses:
📌 English – Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation.
📌 Mathematics – Numerical reasoning, arithmetic, and problem-solving.
📌 Verbal Reasoning – Tests logic, language, and problem-solving skills.
📌 Non-Verbal Reasoning – Assesses pattern recognition and spatial awareness.
✔ The test is provided by GL Assessment and is used by all grammar schools in the London Borough of Redbridge.
✔ The exam is standardised to ensure fairness across different age groups.
✔ Only students who achieve the required qualifying score will be considered for admission.
2. Oversubscription Criteria
If more students pass the 11+ test than the number of available places, the following priority order is applied:
1️⃣ Looked After or Previously Looked After Children (children in foster care or adopted from care).
2️⃣ Students eligible for Free School Meals/Pupil Premium (who meet the required academic standard).
3️⃣ Students living within the school’s priority admission area.
4️⃣ Students with the highest scores in the 11+ test.
📌 Catchment Area:
Ilford County High School gives priority to students who live within the London Borough of Redbridge. Students outside this area may still be considered based on their test scores.
How to Apply for Year 7 Admission
Since Ilford County High School is part of the Redbridge Grammar Schools Consortium, applications follow a two-step process through the school’s admissions system and the local authority (London Borough of Redbridge).
Step 1: Register for the 11+ Exam
📅 Registration Opens: May (Year 5)
- Parents must complete the Redbridge 11+ registration form via the Redbridge Council website.
- A confirmation email will be sent with test details.
Step 2: Attend Open Events (Optional but Recommended)
- Ilford County High School holds Open Evenings and Taster Days for prospective students and parents.
- These events provide an opportunity to tour the school, meet teachers, and learn about the curriculum.
Step 3: Sit the 11+ Entrance Exam
📅 Exam Date: September (Year 6)
- The test is conducted at designated Redbridge grammar school test centres.
- Results are standardised to ensure fairness.
Step 4: Receive 11+ Results
📅 Mid-October (Year 6)
- Parents receive their child’s 11+ results before submitting the school preference form.
Step 5: Submit Secondary School Preference Form
📅 Deadline: October 31st (Year 6)
- Parents must list Ilford County High School as their preferred school on the London Borough of Redbridge Secondary School Admissions Form.
Step 6: National Offer Day – Receive Admission Decision
📅 March 1st (Year 6)
- Parents are informed whether their child has secured a place at Ilford County High School.
- If successful, parents must accept the offer to confirm their child’s place.
Step 7: Transition & Induction
📅 Summer Term (before September start)
- Induction Days are held to help students settle in.
Key Dates to Remember
📌 11+ Registration Opens: May (Year 5)
📌 11+ Exam Date: September (Year 6)
📌 11+ Results Sent: Mid-October (Year 6)
📌 Secondary School Application Deadline: October 31st (Year 6)
📌 National Offer Day: March 1st (Year 6)
📌 Year 7 Induction: Summer Term before September entry
(Exact dates may vary each year, so always check the Ilford County High School website or Redbridge Council Admissions Office for updates.)
Scholarships & Bursaries
Ilford County High School does not offer academic scholarships, but some financial assistance may be available through Pupil Premium funding.
✔ Pupil Premium students may receive priority in admissions.
✔ Free School Meals (FSM) eligibility can support applications.
📌 Parents should indicate eligibility when applying.
Final Tips for a Successful Application
✔ Prepare for the 11+ exam early – Use past papers and reasoning exercises to improve performance.
✔ Encourage reading and problem-solving practice – Strong reasoning skills are essential for the test.
✔ Practice exam techniques – Focus on time management and accuracy under timed conditions.
✔ Attend Open Events – Get familiar with the school environment and ethos.
✔ Check eligibility for Free School Meals/Pupil Premium – This can help if the school uses it as a selection criterion.
Admission to Ilford County High School Year 7 is highly competitive, but with early preparation and strong academic performance, your child can maximise their chances of success.
For the most up-to-date information and to apply, visit:
🔗 Ilford County High School Website
🔗 Redbridge Council Admissions
