Leighton Park School | 11+

Leighton Park School – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations

1. History of the School

Leighton Park School is a prestigious independent co-educational day and boarding school for students aged 11-18, located in Reading, Berkshire. It is known for its academic excellence, strong Quaker values, and emphasis on creativity and leadership.

Founded in 1890, Leighton Park was established as a Quaker school, promoting values of integrity, simplicity, peace, and equality.
The school remains true to its Quaker ethos, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for students of all faiths and backgrounds.
It has built a reputation for academic success, music, and innovation in education, particularly in STEM subjects and creative arts.

2. Pupil Numbers

Leighton Park educates approximately 550 students, ensuring a close-knit and supportive school community.
The school is structured into:
- Middle School (Years 7-9, ages 11-14).
- Senior School (Years 10-11, ages 14-16, leading to GCSEs).
- Sixth Form (Years 12-13, ages 16-18, offering A-Levels and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme [IBDP]).
Around 30% of students are boarders, with students coming from over 40 nationalities.
Small class sizes (typically 12-15 students per class) allow for individualised attention and personalised learning.

3. Academic Achievements and Awards

Leighton Park is academically strong, offering a broad and flexible curriculum designed to cater to a range of learning styles and ambitions.

📌 Strong GCSE, A-Level & IB Diploma Performance

Students achieve excellent GCSE, A-Level, and IB results, with a high percentage earning grades 9-7 at GCSE and A-B at A-Level*.
The school offers two academic pathways:
- A-Levels (traditional UK route).
- IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) (for international academic rigour).

📌 STEM & Innovation Excellence

The school has a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Students frequently participate in Maths Olympiads, Science Challenges, and Engineering Competitions.

📌 National Recognition

Rated “Excellent” by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) for both academic achievement and personal development.
Recognised as one of the UK’s top-performing independent schools for its progressive education model and outstanding music programme.

🏫 Leighton Park School – Contact Information

School Name: Leighton Park School
Type: Independent Co-educational Day and Boarding School (Ages 11–18)
Ethos: Quaker values

📍 Address:

Leighton Park School
Shinfield Road
Reading
Berkshire
RG2 7ED
United Kingdom

☎️ Telephone:

+44 (0)118 987 9600

📝 Exam Board: School’s own test

How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for Leighton Park School in the 11+ Entrance Exam

Leighton Park School uses its own 11+ entrance test for admission to Year 7. To secure a place, students must perform well in the exam, which assesses English, Mathematics, and Reasoning skills.

Why Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations?

✔ Designed for Independent School Entrance Exams – Covers question types that may appear in the Leighton Park School entrance test.
✔ Video Explanations for Every Question – Helps students understand mistakes and improve problem-solving skills.
✔ Identifies Strengths & Weaknesses – Tailored practice to improve weaker areas.
✔ Boosts Confidence & Exam Performance – Familiarisation with exam-style questions reduces anxiety.

How to Use ExamTutor for Leighton Park School 11+ Exam Preparation

1. Understand the Exam Format

📌Leighton Park School 11+ entrance test typically includes:

English – Reading comprehension, creative writing, and grammar.
Mathematics – Problem-solving, arithmetic, and numerical reasoning.
Reasoning (Verbal & Non-Verbal) – Logical thinking, pattern recognition, and spatial awareness.

✔ Start by introducing your child to each section and understanding what is tested.

2. Create a Structured Study Plan

✔ Allocate dedicated study time for each subject every week.
✔ Use ExamTutor practice papers to track progress.
✔ Practice under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy.

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.

4. Develop Exam Strategies & Time Management

✔ Teach skimming and scanning techniques for comprehension questions.
✔ Use mental maths tricks to speed up calculations.
✔ Practice logical reasoning techniques to improve accuracy in reasoning questions.

5. Take Practice Exams & Review Performance

✔ Schedule practice exams close to the real test date.
✔ Analyse results and focus on weak areas.
✔ Use ExamTutor’s tutor-led video explanations for targeted revision.

6. Boost Confidence & Reduce Exam Stress

✔ Maintain a positive and encouraging learning environment.
✔ Encourage regular breaks and revision balance.
✔ Use mindfulness techniques to stay calm before the exam.

Final Tips for Success

✔ Start preparation early – At least 6-12 months before the exam.
✔ Use ExamTutor’s practice tests regularly – Build confidence with real exam-style questions.
✔ Practice writing skills – Creative writing is often a key component in independent school exams.
✔ Stay consistent – Small daily practice sessions are more effective than last-minute cramming.
✔ Attend an open day or taster session at Leighton Park School – Familiarity with the school environment can boost confidence.

By using ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations, your child will gain strong exam skills, improve accuracy, and build confidence—increasing their chances of success in the Leighton Park School 11+ Entrance Exam.

📌 Start practicing today to help your child achieve a top score and secure a place at Leighton Park School! 🚀

Leighton Park School – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply

Leighton Park School is a prestigious independent co-educational day and boarding school in Reading, known for its academic excellence, strong pastoral care, and emphasis on creativity, leadership, and innovation. The school follows Quaker values, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where students are encouraged to develop their individuality and academic potential.

Admission to Year 7 (11+ entry) is competitive, requiring students to perform well in the entrance assessment, interview, and school reference evaluation.

This guide outlines the Year 7 admissions criteria and explains how to apply.

Year 7 Admissions Criteria

To gain admission to Leighton Park School for Year 7, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Entrance Assessment

All applicants take part in an entrance assessment, which typically includes:

📌 English – Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and creative writing.
📌 Mathematics – Arithmetic, problem-solving, algebra, and numerical reasoning.
📌 Cognitive Ability Tests (CAT4) – Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Spatial Reasoning.

The entrance assessment is designed to evaluate both academic ability and potential.

2. Interview

Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview with senior staff, which assesses:
✔ Communication skills and confidence
✔ Curiosity, enthusiasm for learning, and creativity
✔ Problem-solving abilities
✔ Personal interests, extracurricular involvement, and alignment with the school’s values

The interview is informal and designed to assess the student’s suitability for Leighton Park’s unique educational environment.

3. School Reference

Leighton Park School will request a confidential reference from the candidate’s current school, covering:
✅ Academic performance and ability
✅ Behaviour, attitude, and work ethic
✅ Participation in extracurricular activities

4. Scholarships & Bursaries

Academic Scholarships are awarded based on strong entrance assessment and interview performance.
Music, Drama, Dance, Art, and Sports Scholarships are available for students with outstanding ability in these areas.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Scholarships are also available.
Means-tested bursaries are offered to families who require financial assistance.

How to Apply for Year 7 Admission

The application process follows a structured timeline, so it’s important to apply on time and prepare in advance.

Step 1: Register Your Child

📅 Deadline: Typically in November of the year before entry.

Complete the online registration form on the Leighton Park School website.
Pay the non-refundable registration fee.

Step 2: Attend an Open Event (Optional but Recommended)

Leighton Park School holds Open Mornings and Taster Days for prospective students and parents.
These events provide an opportunity to explore the school, meet teachers, and understand the curriculum and extracurricular activities.

Step 3: Entrance Assessment

📅 Assessment Date: Typically in January or February.

Candidates take tests in English, Mathematics, and Cognitive Ability (CAT4).
Preparation using past papers and reasoning exercises is highly recommended.

Step 4: Interview & School Reference

📅 January – February

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview with senior staff.
The school will request a reference from the candidate’s current school.

Step 5: Offer Letters Sent

📅 February – March

Successful applicants receive an offer letter.
Parents must accept the offer by the deadline and pay a deposit to secure the place.

Step 6: Transition & Induction

📅 Summer Term (before joining in September)

The school provides orientation and transition events for new students.
These sessions help students adjust to the school environment and meet their future classmates.

Key Dates to Remember

📌 Registration Deadline: November (Year before entry)
📌 Assessment & Interviews: January – February
📌 School Reference Requests: January – February
📌 Offer Letters Sent: February – March
📌 Acceptance Deadline: March

(Exact dates may vary, so always check the Leighton Park School admissions page for the latest updates.)

Final Tips for a Successful Application

✔ Prepare for the entrance assessment early – Use practice papers and reasoning exercises to improve performance.
✔ Encourage reading and writing practice – Strong literacy skills are essential for the English and reasoning sections.
✔ Practice interview skills – Confidence, enthusiasm, and clear communication are key.
✔ Highlight extracurricular activities – The school looks for well-rounded students with a passion for learning and creativity.
✔ Attend open events – Gain insights into the school environment and ethos.

Admission to Leighton Park School Year 7 is competitive, but with early preparation, strong academic performance, and a well-rounded application, your child can maximize their chances of success.

For the most up-to-date information and to apply, visit the official Leighton Park School website.

Leighton Park School | 11+

11+

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