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Taking the 11+ in Redbridge (Essex)

Redbridge, Essex 11+ parents' guide
If you're planning to apply for a place at one of Redbridge Borough's grammar schools, check out the facts you need to know about the 11+ in this area.

Which schools require an 11+ pass?

There are two grammar schools in the London Borough of Redbridge:
 

Their catchment areas include all of the Boroughs of Redbridge and Waltham Forest, along with parts of Essex, Newham and Barking and Dagenham. The competition for both schools is fierce, with as many as 850 applicants for 120 places at each school.

What do the tests involve?

Children are required to take two papers, each lasting about an hour. Each paper is made up of several individually timed sections, with a separate answer sheet. Both papers test three areas:
 

  • Verbal ability (including reading comprehension and vocabulary)
  • Numerical ability
  • Non-verbal ability

What version of the test is used?

Previously, CEM tests were used for the 11+ in this area. However, CEM will no longer be providing 11+ tests from September 2023. It has been reported that the schools will now use GL assessment. 

Exam Papers Plus & TheSchoolRun.com

If you're looking for practice papers for your child's 11+, our partners at Exam Papers Plus have papers for specific schools, as well as courses and mock exams for each area. 

And their Pretest Plus offers online tests and video courses to help your child succeed at CAT, ISEB PRETEST, CEM SELECT and UKISET examinations.

How do you arrange for your child to take the test?

Admission for both schools is organised by Redbridge Council (0208 708 3562/3140). You'll need to register your child online, and provide proof of their date of birth and three proofs of residence. 

Where are the tests held?

The tests are held at each of the two grammar schools. Boys will take their test at Ilford, and girls at Woodford.

What is the pass mark?

There is no set pass mark, as schools offer their places to the 120 boys and girls who achieve the highest scores. These scores will vary from year to year, depending on the range of ability of the children applying. The scores are adjusted to take account of your child's age at the time of taking the test. If there is more than one child with the same score, proximity to the school will be used to decide their priority. If your child’s test performance indicates they have a realistic chance of gaining a place at the Redbridge grammar schools, you are advised to list that school as one of your six preferences on your Local Authority application form for secondary school transfer, but this is not a guarantee of a place.

How can I help prepare my child?

Redbridge Council discourage tutoring, as they feel that children who have had extensive coaching may struggle with the academic demands of grammar school. You can download a familiarisation booklet to help give your child a flavour of what they might expect from the test; the question types on the day may not be the same, but it illustrates the kind of skills needed and the way in which questions should be answered.

Please note that, although we do our best to provide the most accurate information, the admissions arrangements for Year 7 entry change regularly and it is essential to check for the most up-to-date advice on schools' own websites. 

NB: TheSchoolRun receives a small commission from sales made through Exam Paper Plus. 

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