Taking the 11+ in Redbridge (Essex)

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

• Ilford County High School for Boys
• Woodford County High School for Girls

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.

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

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. 

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. 

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

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.

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.