Wandsworth Selective Schools – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Wandsworth, a borough in South West London, is home to several academically selective secondary schools that are among the most popular and high-performing state schools in London. These schools operate a partially selective admissions system, usually allocating a percentage of Year 7 places based on academic ability via the Wandsworth Year 6 Test.
🏫 Main Selective Schools in Wandsworth
The key selective (or partially selective) state-funded schools in Wandsworth include:
1. Graveney School
- Location: Tooting
- Type: Co-educational comprehensive with partial selection
- Founded: 1986 (merger of Furzedown and Ensham Schools)
- Pupil Numbers: ~2,100 (including ~600 in Sixth Form)
- Selective Intake: ~70 places per year are allocated based on academic performance in the Wandsworth Test
- Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Academic Reputation & Awards:
- Among the top-performing state schools in London
- Strong GCSE and A-Level results (Progress 8 well above average)
- Known for success in maths challenges, debating, sciences, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award
- Large, high-achieving Sixth Form with excellent university progression
2. Burntwood School
- Location: Earlsfield
- Type: Girls-only comprehensive with partial academic selection
- Founded: 1950s; modernised in the 2010s
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,800
- Selective Intake: Some places via the Wandsworth Test
- Ofsted Rating: Outstanding (2016)
- Awards: Winner of the RIBA Stirling Prize (2015) for architecture
Academic Reputation:
- Very strong academic outcomes for a non-fully selective school
- Emphasis on STEM and arts
- Large and thriving Sixth Form, excellent progression to Russell Group universities and art colleges
3. Ashcroft Technology Academy
- Location: Putney
- Type: Co-educational academy (non-faith, partially selective)
- Founded: 2007 (on the site of former ADT College)
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,400
- Selective Intake: Partial; admissions based on academic ability and distance
- Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Academic Reputation:
- Known for its focus on technology, sciences, and business
- Excellent GCSE and A-Level results (particularly in STEM)
- Successful Sixth Form, with high UCAS success and strong university and apprenticeship destinations
- Strong record in discipline and behaviour
4. Chestnut Grove Academy
- Location: Balham
- Type: Co-educational comprehensive with partial selection for Art & Design
- Founded: 1986 (first Arts College in the UK)
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,000
- Ofsted Rating: Good
- Selective Intake: Some students admitted based on Art Aptitude test (not academic ability)
Academic Reputation:
- Well-rounded school with strengths in creative arts and core academic subjects
- Strong performance at GCSE and A-Level
- Successful in art, design, drama, and fashion pathways, with pupils going on to top art colleges
- Inclusive and diverse, with a nurturing environment
🧠 Wandsworth Year 6 Test (Selective Test)
- Administered to all Year 6 students in Wandsworth primary schools
- Format includes verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning
- Determines eligibility for selective places at:
- Graveney School
- Burntwood School
- Ashcroft Technology Academy (to some extent)
Note: Performance in the test does not guarantee a place — schools also consider distance, siblings, and school-specific criteria.
🏆 Overall Reputation of Wandsworth Selective Schools
- Among the highest-performing state schools in South London
- Known for:
- Academic excellence
- Strong university progression
- High-quality pastoral care
- Broad and inclusive co-curricular programmes
- Strong uptake from ambitious families across South London, and often oversubscribed
Wandsworth’s selective and partially selective schools — particularly Graveney, Burntwood, Ashcroft, and Chestnut Grove — offer exceptional state education options, combining academic excellence with diversity, inclusion, and enrichment. Their strong results, extensive extracurricular offerings, and pathways to top universities make them highly competitive and sought-after schools in London.
📝 Exam Board: GL Assessment
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for the Wandsworth Selective Schools 11+ Entrance Exam
Admission to Year 7 at Wandsworth Selective 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 Wandsworth Selective 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 Wandsworth Selective 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 Wandsworth Selective 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.
Wandsworth Selective 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 Wandsworth Selective Schools.
📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀
Wandsworth Selective Schools – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
In the London Borough of Wandsworth, several state secondary schools offer selective or partially selective places for Year 7 entry. These schools use either academic selection, aptitude tests, or fair banding to admit students.
Here’s a breakdown of how admissions work and which schools are selective in Wandsworth:
🏫 Selective and Partially Selective Schools in Wandsworth
| School | Type | Selection Method |
|---|---|---|
| Graveney School | Partially Selective | Academic (25%) + Fair Banding |
| Ashcroft Technology Academy | Non-Selective | Fair Banding (no academic selection) |
| Chestnut Grove Academy | Partially Selective | Art Aptitude + Fair Banding |
| Ark Bolingbroke Academy | Non-Selective | Banding used if oversubscribed |
| Burntwood School | Girls’ School | Fair Banding + Some Music & Sports Aptitude |
✅ Admissions Criteria Overview
1. Academic Selection (e.g. Graveney School – 70 selective places)
- Students can sit a separate selective test in English and Maths.
- Selection is based on test performance.
- You must register directly with the school for this test.
2. Fair Banding Test (Wandsworth Year 6 Test)
- Used by most Wandsworth secondary schools to ensure a balanced intake of ability.
- Students are placed in one of five ability bands, based on the test results.
- Places are allocated evenly across bands.
- You must register separately for this test via Wandsworth Council.
3. Aptitude Tests (e.g. Art at Chestnut Grove, Music/Sport at Burntwood)
- Schools may offer a small number of places based on specific talents.
- These require supplementary forms and attendance at aptitude assessments.
📝 How to Apply for Year 7 at Wandsworth Selective Schools
Step 1: Register for Tests
-
Wandsworth Year 6 Test
- Registration opens: June–July
- Test date: September
- Register via: www.wandsworth.gov.uk
-
School-Specific Tests
- E.g. Graveney School (Selective Test), Chestnut Grove (Art Aptitude)
- Register directly with the school (check individual school deadlines)
Step 2: Attend Tests/Auditions
- Take the Wandsworth Test and any school-specific tests during September–October
Step 3: Submit the Common Application Form (CAF)
- Submit to your home local authority
- Deadline: 31st October
- List your preferred schools in rank order
Step 4: National Offer Day
- 1st March
ℹ️ Additional Information & Links
-
Wandsworth Council Admissions:
www.wandsworth.gov.uk/admissions -
Graveney School:
www.graveney.org -
Ashcroft Technology Academy:
www.atacademy.org.uk -
Chestnut Grove Academy:
www.chestnutgrove.wandsworth.sch.uk -
Burntwood School:
www.burntwoodschool.com -
Ark Bolingbroke Academy:
arkbolingbrokeacademy.org
