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Bexley, Slough, Wirral, Bournemouth and Poole: format, schools and practice papers
A plain summary of how the Bexley, Slough, Wirral, Bournemouth and Poole 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 and non-verbal reasoning.
- Reported
- Slough, from the September 2027 test: two papers of about 50 minutes in one session, Paper 1 English comprehension and verbal reasoning, Paper 2 non-verbal reasoning and maths. Wirral: two papers of about 50 minutes on one day, Paper 1 verbal reasoning, Paper 2 maths and non-verbal reasoning; the Catholic grammar schools set their own tests.
- Reported
- Bexley: two multiple-choice papers of about 50 minutes with a mixture of subjects, weighted verbal 50%, numerical 25%, non-verbal 25%. Bournemouth and Poole: the new test is announced for September 2028 entry, and one source describes three papers of about 40 minutes (maths, English and verbal reasoning), but sources conflict.
- Reported
- Answers are multiple choice on a separate answer sheet, marked with one horizontal line through the box. There is no penalty for wrong answers, and scores are standardised.
- Reported
- Slough: registration opens May 2027, test September 2027, results mid-October 2027. Wirral and Bexley expect 2028-entry registration in spring 2027 (Wirral from May 2027) and the test in September 2027; Bournemouth and Poole 2028-entry dates are not yet published.
- Not published
- The number of questions in each booklet (English 25, verbal reasoning 30, maths 25, non-verbal 20), the time for each booklet and five answer options. Timings and question counts are set by each area.
Schools that use this test
- Beths Grammar School, Bexley
- Bexley Grammar School, Welling
- Bournemouth School, Bournemouth
- Bournemouth School for Girls, Bournemouth
- Calday Grange Grammar School, Wirral
- Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School, Sidcup
- Herschel Grammar School, Slough
- Langley Grammar School, Langley
- Parkstone Grammar School, Poole
- Poole Grammar School, Poole
- St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School, Slough
- Townley Grammar School, Bexleyheath
- Upton Court Grammar School, Slough
- West Kirby Grammar School, Wirral
- Wirral Grammar School for Boys, Wirral
- Wirral Grammar School for Girls, 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.
- 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.
- 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 Bexley, Slough, Wirral, Bournemouth and Poole
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 full mock tests as separate English, verbal reasoning, maths and non-verbal booklets, with answer sheets, explanations and a guide to each area's format.
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 Bexley, Slough, Wirral, Bournemouth and Poole: 87 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 Bexley, Slough, Wirral, Bournemouth and Poole test?
It covers maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Slough, from the September 2027 test: two papers of about 50 minutes in one session, Paper 1 English comprehension and verbal reasoning, Paper 2 non-verbal reasoning and maths. Wirral: two papers of about 50 minutes on one day, Paper 1 verbal reasoning, Paper 2 maths and non-verbal reasoning; the Catholic grammar schools set their own tests.
Are these the real Bexley, Slough, Wirral, Bournemouth and Poole 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 each area’s council or school admissions pages (Bexley, Slough, Wirral, Bournemouth and Poole). Dates and arrangements change from year to year.
Helpful guides
- 11+ test providers explained: GL, Quest, FSCE and more
- 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
No practice material can promise a pass or a place. Places depend on scores, the school's rules and often distance.