Slough Grammar Schools – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Slough, in Berkshire, is home to four selective grammar schools that are part of the Slough Consortium of Grammar Schools. These schools are non-fee-paying, state-funded, and admit students based on performance in the 11+ entrance exam. They consistently rank among the top-performing state schools in the UK, attracting students from across Berkshire, West London, and surrounding areas.
🏫 List of Slough Grammar Schools
- Herschel Grammar School
- Langley Grammar School
- St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School
- Upton Court Grammar School
🔍 Individual School Overviews
1. Herschel Grammar School
- Founded: 1952
- Type: Co-educational
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,000 (including ~300 in Sixth Form)
- Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Reputation & Awards:
- Top Progress 8 and Attainment 8 scores in Slough
- Excellent GCSE & A-Level results; high Russell Group university entry
- Strong STEM focus with success in national competitions
2. Langley Grammar School
- Founded: 1956
- Type: Co-educational
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,200
- Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Reputation & Awards:
- Regularly ranked among the top 100 state schools in the UK
- High academic performance at both GCSE and A-Level
- Specialises in STEM and digital learning, with modern facilities
- DfE designated Teaching School Hub
- Eco-Schools Green Flag Award holder
3. St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School
- Founded: 1897
- Type: Co-educational (Catholic faith-based)
- Pupil Numbers: ~950
- Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Reputation & Awards:
- Strong academic outcomes with a distinctive faith-based ethos
- Excellent university progression, including Oxbridge
- High-performing in languages, humanities, and sciences
- Known for exceptional pastoral care and character development
4. Upton Court Grammar School
- Founded: Formerly Slough Grammar School, renamed in 2013
- Type: Co-educational
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,200
- Ofsted Rating: Good (with outstanding features)
Reputation & Awards:
- Rapidly improving school with strong GCSE and A-Level results
- Focus on global citizenship and cultural awareness
- Modern campus with advanced learning spaces and tech integration
- Success in national STEM and public speaking competitions
📊 Academic Performance (Consortium-Wide Overview)
-
GCSE Results:
- 80–95% of students typically achieve grades 7–9 (A–A)*
- Core strengths in Sciences, Maths, English, and Languages
-
A-Level Results:
- Majority of students achieve A-B grades*
- High entry rate into Russell Group and Oxbridge universities
- Popular subjects: Medicine, Engineering, Law, Computer Science, Economics
-
University Progression:
- Strong support for UCAS and personal statements
- Dedicated career teams and higher education advisors
🏆 Common Awards & Achievements Across Slough Grammar Schools
- Top rankings in The Sunday Times Parent Power league tables
- Frequent winners of:
- UKMT Maths Challenges
- British Olympiads (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- Young Enterprise Awards
- Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Awards
- Participation in:
- Model United Nations
- Public Speaking Competitions
- STEM Research Projects
✍️ Slough Consortium – 11+ Admissions
- All four grammar schools use the Slough Consortium 11+ Entrance Exam
- Format includes:
- Verbal reasoning
- Non-verbal reasoning
- Numerical reasoning
- Administered by GL Assessment
- Tests usually held in September of Year 6
Note: Competition is intense, with thousands of applicants for a limited number of places.
The Slough grammar schools provide elite-level state education, combining academic excellence, leadership development, and a broad enrichment programme. With Outstanding Ofsted ratings, strong exam results, and excellent progression to top universities, they remain among the best selective schools in the South East of England.
📝 Exam Board: GL Assessment
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for the Slough Grammar Schools 11+ Entrance Exam
Admission to Year 7 at Slough 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 Slough 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 Slough 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 Slough 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.
Slough 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 Slough Grammar Schools.
📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀
Slough Grammar Schools – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
There are 4 selective grammar schools in Slough, all part of the Slough Consortium of Grammar Schools. Admission into Year 7 is based on performance in the 11+ Entrance Test, also known as the Consortium Admissions Test.
🏫 Grammar Schools in the Slough Consortium
- Herschel Grammar School
- Langley Grammar School
- St. Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School
- Upton Court Grammar School
✅ Year 7 Admissions Criteria
All four schools follow the same test process and registration system. However, each school has its own admissions policy, so oversubscription criteria may vary slightly.
1. 11+ Entrance Test (Consortium Admissions Test)
- The test is provided by GL Assessment
- It includes two papers testing:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- English
- Mathematics
- The test is standardised, and applicants receive a ranked score.
- The qualifying score (pass mark) is determined each year based on overall results and demand.
2. Oversubscription Criteria
If more applicants qualify than there are places, schools use the following criteria in order of priority (varies slightly by school):
- Looked After or Previously Looked After Children
- Pupil Premium (Free School Meals) applicants
- Siblings of pupils currently attending the school
- Applicants living within the designated catchment area
- Highest scoring candidates
- Proximity to the school (tie-breaker)
📝 How to Apply for Year 7 at a Slough Grammar School
Step 1: Register for the Slough Consortium 11+ Test
- Register online via the Slough Consortium website
- Opens: April/May
- Closes: June
- One test covers all four schools
🔗 Register at: www.sloughconsortium.org.uk
Step 2: Sit the 11+ Test
- Test Date: September
- Takes place at one of the Slough grammar schools
Step 3: Receive Results
- Results are released in October before the CAF deadline
- You will receive your child’s standardised score and info on whether they reached the qualifying score
Step 4: Submit the Common Application Form (CAF)
- Submit via your local authority (e.g. Slough Borough Council)
- Deadline: 31st October
- List your preferred grammar schools in order
Step 5: National Offer Day
- Date: 1st March
ℹ️ Useful Links
-
🔗 Slough Consortium Website
www.sloughconsortium.org.uk -
🔗 Slough Borough Council – School Admissions
www.slough.gov.uk/school-admissions -
Individual School Websites:
