St. Olave’s Grammar School | 11+

St. Olave’s Grammar School – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations

St. Olave’s Grammar School is a selective grammar school for boys aged 11–18, with a co-educational Sixth Form, located in Orpington, Greater London (Bromley). It was originally founded in 1571 by royal charter granted by Queen Elizabeth I, making it one of the oldest grammar schools in England.

The school was initially situated in Southwark, London, and served the parish of St. Olave’s Church. It later merged with St. Saviour’s Grammar School, and its sister school, St. Saviour’s and St. Olave’s, continues to operate as a girls’ school in Southwark.
In 1968, St. Olave’s relocated to its current Orpington campus in the London Borough of Bromley.

Today, St. Olave’s is renowned for its academic excellence, rich history, and tradition of producing high-achieving students, especially in STEM and humanities.

👨‍🎓 Pupil Numbers

• Approximately 1,200 students
  • Years 7–11: Boys only
  • Sixth Form (Years 12–13): Co-educational, with both boys and girls
• Entry at 11+ and 16+ is highly competitive, with thousands of applicants for a limited number of places
• Admission is based on St. Olave’s own entrance tests, not the standard regional 11+

🎓 Academic Reputation

St. Olave’s Grammar School is consistently ranked among the top-performing grammar schools and state schools in the UK, both at GCSE and A-Level. The school is known for its rigorous academic culture, and students are expected to meet high performance standards, especially at Sixth Form level.

📈 Academic Highlights

• GCSE Results
  • Well over 90% of all grades are 7–9 (A–A equivalent)*
  • Most students take 10–12 GCSE subjects with very high attainment across core subjects
• A-Level Results
  • In recent years, over 90% of A-Level grades have been A–B*, with many students taking 4 subjects
  • Students regularly gain entry to Oxford, Cambridge, and Russell Group universities
• University Progression
  • A significant number of students go on to study Medicine, Law, Engineering, and Economics
  • Regular success in securing places at Oxbridge and top international universities

🏆 Awards & Recognition

• Consistently ranked among the top 10 grammar schools in the UK
• Multiple years ranked in the top 3 UK state schools by academic league tables (The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide)
• Rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted
• Students achieve success in:
  • UKMT Maths Challenges
  • British Science Olympiads
  • Debating and MUN competitions
  • National Physics and Chemistry challenges
• Music and Choral Excellence – with school choirs regularly performing at high-profile venues
• Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Award Centre, with strong participation at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels

St. Olave’s Grammar School is a top-tier selective grammar school, known for its exceptional academic performance, rich heritage, and a strong emphasis on developing independent, intellectually curious, and high-achieving students. It is particularly well-suited for academically ambitious pupils who thrive in a competitive and challenging environment.

🏫 St. Olave’s Grammar School – Contact Information

School Name: St. Olave’s and St. Saviour’s Grammar School
Commonly Known As: St. Olave’s Grammar School
Type: Selective State Grammar School for Boys (Co-educational in Sixth Form, Ages 11–18)

📍 Address:

St. Olave’s Grammar School
Goddington Lane
Orpington
Kent
BR6 9SH
United Kingdom

☎️ Telephone:

+44 (0)1689 820101

📧 Email:

office@saintolaves.net

🌐 Website:

https://www.saintolaves.net

📱 Social Media:

• Twitter/X: @stolaves

📝 Exam Board: School’s own test

You can view the school’s location on the map below:

How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for St. Olave’s Grammar School in the 11+ Entrance Exam

St. Olave’s Grammar 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 St. Olave’s Grammar 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 St. Olave’s Grammar School 11+ Exam Preparation

1. Understand the Exam Format

📌St. Olave’s Grammar 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 St. Olave’s Grammar 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 St. Olave’s Grammar School 11+ Entrance Exam.

📌 Start practicing today to help your child achieve a top score and secure a place at St. Olave’s Grammar School! 🚀

St. Olave’s Grammar School – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply

St. Olave’s Grammar School is a prestigious and highly selective boys’ grammar school (with a co-educational Sixth Form) located in Orpington, Greater London (Bromley). Entry into Year 7 is extremely competitive and is based on a two-stage entrance test process.

✅ Admissions Criteria for Year 7 Entry 

St. Olave’s admits 124 boys into Year 7 based on academic merit via the two-stage selection test.

1. Stage 1 Test

• Multiple-choice Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
• Held at the school (usually in September)
• Approximately 450–500 highest scorers progress to Stage 2

2. Stage 2 Test

• Written papers in:
  • English (Comprehension and Creative Writing)
  • Mathematics (based on KS2 curriculum)
• Held in October
• Final ranking is based on a combined standardised score from both stages

3. Final Ranking & Offers

• Offers are made strictly in rank order of total score
• No catchment area, but proximity is used as a tiebreaker in some cases

🎯 Eligibility

To be considered, applicants:

• Must be age 11 by 31 August 2025
• Must sit both Stage 1 and Stage 2 tests
• Must complete both the school’s registration form and the local authority’s Common Application Form (CAF)

📝 How to Apply for Year 7 at St. Olave’s Grammar School

Step 1: Register for the Entrance Test

• Registration opens: May 
• Deadline to register: Early July 
• Register online via: www.saintolaves.net

Step 2: Take the Tests

• Stage 1 Test: September 
• Stage 2 Test: October  (only for shortlisted candidates)

Step 3: Submit the Common Application Form (CAF)

• Submit via your local authority
• Deadline: 31st October 
• You must list St. Olave’s Grammar School as one of your choices

Step 4: National Offer Day

• Offers sent on 1st March 

ℹ️ Additional Information

• Website: www.saintolaves.net
• Admissions Info: St. Olave’s Year 7 Admissions
• School Type: Grammar, selective, state-funded
• Address: Goddington Lane, Orpington, Kent BR6 9SH