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Grammar Schools with Their Own Test: format, schools and practice papers
A plain summary of how the Grammar Schools with Their Own Test works and how to prepare for it. Each detail says whether it is published by the organisers, reported by other sources, or not published at all. We last checked these details in November 2026.
What the test involves
Subjects: maths, English, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and a writing task.
- Reported
- These schools set their own entrance test rather than an area-wide one. Most are reported to use multiple-choice papers with a separate answer sheet, sat in September of Year 6; each school chooses its own subjects, timings and qualifying score.
- Reported
- Subjects vary by school: Kendrick, Bishop Wordsworth’s and Ripon are reported to test all four of English, verbal reasoning, maths and non-verbal reasoning, Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet English and maths, and Newstead Wood verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
- Reported
- St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School’s English paper is reported to be written rather than multiple choice. These details were collected from third-party sources in November 2026; schools’ own pages could not be checked.
- Not published
- The number of questions and the time for each subject (English about 30 minutes, verbal reasoning 25, maths 30, non-verbal 20) and five answer options. These are not published for each school.
The writing task
Most of these tests have no writing task (Kendrick is reported to have no creative writing), but St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School’s English paper is reported to be written, so its applicants should also practise comprehension and writing.
Schools that use this test
- Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, Rossendale
- Bishop Wordsworth’s Church of England Grammar School, Salisbury
- Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, Clitheroe
- Kendrick School, Reading
- Lancaster Royal Grammar School, Lancaster
- Loreto Grammar School, Altrincham
- Newstead Wood School, Orpington
- Queen Elizabeth’s School, Barnet, Barnet
- St Ambrose College, Hale Barns
- Ripon Grammar School, Ripon
- South Wilts Grammar School, Salisbury
- St Joseph’s College, Stoke-on-Trent
- St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School, London (Barnet)
- Upton Hall School FCJ, Wirral
How to prepare
- Practise filling in a separate answer sheet, so marking the right box becomes automatic and no time is lost on test day.
- Practise writing answers in full, showing working in maths and using evidence from the text in English: marks are given for method and explanation, not just the final answer.
- Learn the verbal reasoning question types one at a time, then mix them. Vocabulary grows fastest through wide reading.
- For non-verbal reasoning, check one feature at a time (shape, number, shading, size, position, direction) and rule options out.
- Spatial questions (rotations, reflections, cube nets) improve with hands-on practice: fold paper nets and turn shapes on the table.
- Practise a timed piece of writing every week or two: five minutes planning, then a clear opening, middle and ending.
- Sit full mock tests under timed conditions only every week or two, and spend the time in between on the question types that cost marks.
Practice papers for the Grammar Schools with Their Own Test
Every question is original, written to the same types and level as the published format. Each option has a free sample, so you can check it suits your child first.
Four mock tests as separate English, verbal reasoning, maths and non-verbal booklets, for grammar schools that set their own multiple-choice test (for example Kendrick, Bishop Wordsworth’s, South Wilts, QE Barnet, Newstead Wood, Upton Hall, Ripon, Lancaster Royal). The parent guide shows which booklets match each school.
Four more full mock tests in the same format as Set 1, with new questions throughout, answer sheets, answers and the parent guide.
A revision handbook for the Grammar Schools with Their Own Test: 95 lessons teaching the methods for maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, with worked examples, practice questions, must-know lists and a 12-week plan.
Everything for this test in one download: Set 1 and Set 2 (eight full mock tests) and the revision handbook. £39.97 if bought separately.
Questions parents ask
What does the Grammar Schools with Their Own Test test?
It covers maths, English, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and a writing task. These schools set their own entrance test rather than an area-wide one. Most are reported to use multiple-choice papers with a separate answer sheet, sat in September of Year 6; each school chooses its own subjects, timings and qualifying score.
Is there a writing task?
Most of these tests have no writing task (Kendrick is reported to have no creative writing), but St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School’s English paper is reported to be written, so its applicants should also practise comprehension and writing.
Are these the real Grammar Schools with Their Own Test papers?
No. Real past papers are not usually published. Our papers are original and set out like the published format, so children know what to expect.
Where do I check dates and registration?
Always check with your school’s own admissions page. Dates and arrangements change from year to year.
Helpful guides
- When should my child start preparing for the 11+?
- What is verbal reasoning in the 11+?
- How to use 11+ mock tests well
- A balanced Year 5 summer 11+ revision plan
- 11+ test day checklist for parents
No practice material can promise a pass or a place. Places depend on scores, the school's rules and often distance.