🇬🇧 Limited Time — UK Only·🎓 Free Learning for 1 Month·🤖 Free AI Training Included·📚 4,000+ Lessons · 35,000+ Quizzes·🏆 GCSE Mocks · Olympiad Papers·⚡ Selected Students Only · Limited Places·🎁 Free Value Worth £2,000·🇬🇧 Limited Time — UK Only·🎓 Free Learning for 1 Month·🤖 Free AI Training Included·📚 4,000+ Lessons · 35,000+ Quizzes·🏆 GCSE Mocks · Olympiad Papers·⚡ Selected Students Only · Limited Places·🎁 Free Value Worth £2,000·🇬🇧 Limited Time — UK Only·🎓 Free Learning for 1 Month·🤖 Free AI Training Included·📚 4,000+ Lessons · 35,000+ Quizzes·🏆 GCSE Mocks · Olympiad Papers·⚡ Selected Students Only · Limited Places·🎁 Free Value Worth £2,000·
Nottingham selective schools

11 Plus and selective school preparation for Nottingham families

With no state grammars in Nottinghamshire and Nottingham High School attracting top applicants from across the East Midlands and beyond, families who begin preparation late or rely on generic resources are placing their child at a serious competitive disadvantage.

Nottingham presents a distinctive and genuinely challenging landscape for families pursuing selective secondary education: unlike many English counties, neither the city nor the broader county of Nottinghamshire operates state grammar schools, meaning the most academically rigorous selective pathways run through prestigious independent schools such as Nottingham High School and Nottingham Girls' High School. Competition for Year 7 places at these schools is intense, with multiple applicants — many prepared by specialist tutors or independent prep schools — vying for each available seat. The Becket School and South Nottinghamshire Academy offer limited partially selective places in the state sector, but even these require focused preparation beginning well before Year 6. Applaa's AI-powered adaptive practice platform gives Nottingham children the structured, personalised preparation they need — covering the bespoke Maths, English, and Verbal Reasoning content required by each school's specific examination format.

Start Free PracticeSee Mock Tests
Child preparing for selective school entrance exam in Nottingham
Free
Practice access
4
Subject areas
AI
Explanation support

Selective Schools in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire: What Families Need to Know

Nottingham occupies an unusual position in England's selective education landscape. Unlike counties such as Kent or Buckinghamshire, Nottinghamshire does not operate a traditional state grammar school system, meaning families seeking academically selective places must look primarily to independent schools. Nottingham High School stands as the most academically prestigious option, drawing applicants from across the East Midlands and, in some cases, nationally. The Becket School operates a partially selective intake for Catholic families under a faith-based admissions process, while South Nottinghamshire Academy and a handful of other schools offer limited partially selective streams. This patchwork of provision means that Nottingham families navigating selective education face a more complex, less standardised journey than peers in grammar-heavy counties, making early, informed preparation absolutely essential.

  • ✓Nottingham High School (independent, co-ed from 2021) is ranked among the top 50 independent schools nationally and admits boys and girls at 11+ based on bespoke academic assessments in Maths, English, and Verbal Reasoning
  • ✓The Becket School is a Catholic voluntary-aided secondary that reserves a portion of Year 7 places for academically selective applicants, assessed separately from its faith-based criteria
  • ✓South Nottinghamshire Academy in Radcliffe on Trent operates a partially selective admissions process for up to 10% of its intake, assessed in Maths and English
  • ✓Nottingham Girls' High School (GDST) selects entirely on academic merit at 11+ using its own entrance examination, typically held in January of Year 6
  • ✓There are no state grammar schools within the City of Nottingham local authority boundary; families wanting state-funded selective education must consider schools in neighbouring Lincolnshire or Leicestershire
  • ✓Independent preparatory schools in the city, including Nottingham High Junior School and The Grange School, actively prepare pupils for 11+ entrance from Year 4 onwards
  • ✓Demand for places at Nottingham High School and Nottingham Girls' High School significantly exceeds supply each year, with multiple applicants competing for every available Year 7 place
  • ✓Some Nottinghamshire families also register for selective independent schools in Derby, Leicester, or Loughborough Grammar School (state selective), extending preparation requirements across multiple exam formats

Nottingham High School 11+ Entrance Exam: Format, Timing, and Standards

Nottingham High School is the benchmark for selective secondary education in the city and sets its own bespoke entrance examination rather than using a standardised provider such as GL Assessment or CEM. The admissions process is demanding by design: the school targets pupils capable of achieving top GCSE and A-Level results, with many going on to Russell Group and Oxbridge universities. Registration typically opens in the autumn term of Year 5 and closes by January of Year 6, with assessments held between November and January. The examination papers test Maths, English comprehension and writing, and in some years Verbal Reasoning. Successful candidates are usually invited to an interview or further assessment day before final offers are made in early spring of Year 6. Parents should not underestimate the linguistic and mathematical sophistication expected even at the initial paper stage.

  • ✓Nottingham High School entrance papers are set in-house, meaning past papers from GL or CEM providers do not replicate the exact format — school-specific preparation is necessary
  • ✓The Maths paper at Nottingham High typically requires fluency with fractions, ratio, algebra foundations, and multi-step word problems well above standard Year 6 national curriculum expectation
  • ✓English assessment includes extended reading comprehension with inference and evaluation questions, plus a timed creative or discursive writing task — accuracy, range of vocabulary, and structural control are all marked
  • ✓Verbal Reasoning is tested in a format closer to sophisticated word-play and logical deduction than the simple code-cracking exercises found in many GL papers
  • ✓Registration for the Year 7 entrance assessment at Nottingham High School opens in September–October of Year 5 and families are strongly advised to register by November to avoid missing deadlines
  • ✓The school offers means-tested bursaries covering up to 100% of fees, meaning the examination is relevant to a wider range of families than the headline fee level might suggest
  • ✓Scholarship assessments for academic, music, and sport awards run alongside or shortly after the main 11+ examination, with additional papers or auditions required
  • ✓Successful applicants typically score in the top 5–10% of all 11-year-olds nationally in standardised Maths and English benchmarks, reflecting the highly competitive nature of the pool

Nottingham Girls' High School 11+ Process and Preparation Strategy

Nottingham Girls' High School, part of the Girls' Day School Trust (GDST), is the other major academically selective independent school in the city and conducts its own distinct entrance process. Registration for Year 7 entry typically opens in the autumn term of Year 5, with the main entrance examination held in January of Year 6 — slightly later than Nottingham High School's timetable, which can allow families to use outcomes from one process to inform preparation for the other. The NGHS exam assesses English and Maths; the school does not routinely publish a Verbal Reasoning component, though strong reasoning skills underpin performance throughout both papers. Girls joining NGHS at 11 are expected to be confident, independent learners with strong written communication skills. The school achieves outstanding GCSE and A-Level results and consistently places students at leading universities.

  • ✓Nottingham Girls' High School entrance examination is typically held in January of Year 6, giving families slightly more preparation time than schools testing in November or December
  • ✓The NGHS English paper places particular emphasis on analytical reading — girls are expected to discuss authorial intent, identify literary techniques, and write with structured argument rather than simply retelling passages
  • ✓Maths at NGHS 11+ covers the full range of Year 6 curriculum content but requires speed and accuracy; time management in the exam itself is a key preparation focus
  • ✓NGHS is part of the GDST network, meaning its admissions philosophy prioritises identifying intellectual potential and curiosity, not merely rote accuracy — mock interviews and discussion skills matter
  • ✓Open mornings at NGHS are typically held in September and October of Year 5; attendance is strongly recommended as it allows girls to familiarise themselves with the school environment before examination day
  • ✓The school offers a range of GDST means-tested bursaries and there is a separate scholarship process for girls demonstrating exceptional academic or creative talent
  • ✓Girls joining NGHS from Nottinghamshire state primaries often find the biggest gap lies in extended writing stamina — practising 30-minute timed writing tasks regularly from Year 5 spring term is strongly advised
  • ✓NGHS and Nottingham High School examination dates rarely clash, allowing ambitious families to sit both without conflict, though preparation strategies need to address each school's specific expectations

Preparing for the Becket School and Partially Selective Academy Streams

For Catholic families in Nottingham, The Becket School offers an important route into selective education within the state-funded sector. A proportion of Year 7 places are allocated on academic ability through a separate selective assessment, alongside the school's faith-based admissions criteria. This dual-track system means that performing well academically is necessary but not sufficient — families must also satisfy Catholic practice requirements as evidenced through parish references and baptismal certificates. The selective assessment at The Becket School uses papers that test core Maths and English skills. South Nottinghamshire Academy in Radcliffe on Trent similarly uses a partially selective assessment for up to 10% of its Year 7 intake, with the test administered in the autumn term of Year 6. Both pathways reward thorough, curriculum-aligned preparation rather than the highly abstract reasoning skills prioritised by the leading independent schools.

  • ✓The Becket School's selective places sit within its Catholic voluntary-aided admissions framework; academic aptitude is assessed via internal papers in Maths and English rather than a third-party standardised test
  • ✓Families applying to The Becket School on selective grounds must still meet the faith criteria — typically baptism before the age of one and evidence of regular Mass attendance — independently of academic performance
  • ✓South Nottinghamshire Academy's selective stream assessment typically takes place in September or October of Year 6, earlier in the school year than most independent school examinations
  • ✓Preparation for The Becket School selective assessment should focus on mastery of the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum in Maths and secure, accurate extended writing — not on abstract VR codes or lateral puzzles
  • ✓The partially selective streams at state schools in Nottinghamshire are subject to School Admissions Code regulations, meaning the tests must be registered with the Local Authority and conducted before the 31 October Year 6 deadline
  • ✓Unlike independent school processes, state partially selective assessments in Nottinghamshire do not typically include interview stages; the written papers alone determine selective eligibility
  • ✓Families applying for The Becket School selective places frequently also register for Nottingham High School or NGHS, so preparation timelines must account for multiple examination formats across autumn and winter terms
  • ✓The number of selective places at both The Becket School and South Nottinghamshire Academy is strictly capped, meaning that even candidates who score well may not secure a place if higher-scoring applicants are more numerous than available seats

Nottingham 11 Plus Timeline: Year 5 to Year 6 Preparation Calendar

Succeeding in Nottingham's selective school landscape requires a disciplined, well-timed preparation calendar. Because the city's selective provision is dominated by independent schools with bespoke examinations, families cannot rely on a single standardised revision programme. The preparation journey ideally begins in Year 4 with a structured diagnostic to identify gaps, intensifies through Year 5 with systematic skills-building across Maths, English, and reasoning, and culminates in a focused mock-examination phase in the autumn term of Year 6 (or Year 5 for schools testing in November). Registration deadlines are earlier than many parents expect — Nottingham High School and NGHS both open registration in September of Year 5. Missing the registration window can mean losing the chance entirely, regardless of how well-prepared a child is. Below is the recommended term-by-term action plan for Nottingham families.

  • ✓Year 4 Spring/Summer: Complete a baseline diagnostic covering KS2 Maths, reading comprehension, and creative writing to establish the gap between current attainment and the standard required by Nottingham High School or NGHS
  • ✓Year 5 Autumn: Begin systematic weekly tuition or structured self-study; prioritise Maths fluency (fractions, percentages, ratio, problem-solving) and comprehension technique (inference, authorial language, paragraph response structure)
  • ✓Year 5 Autumn (September–October): Register for Nottingham High School 11+ and Nottingham Girls' High School entrance examinations before deadlines close — do not wait until January
  • ✓Year 5 Spring: Introduce timed writing practice at least twice weekly; work on varying sentence structures, precise vocabulary, and planning extended responses under exam conditions
  • ✓Year 5 Summer: Begin verbal reasoning if targeting Nottingham High School; use school-specific sample material where available rather than purely commercial GL/CEM packs
  • ✓Year 6 Autumn (September–October): Enter the intensive mock examination phase — at least 4 full-length timed mock papers per subject under realistic conditions, reviewed and corrected in detail
  • ✓Year 6 November–January: Sit entrance examinations at target schools; maintain a steady revision rhythm without burning out — focus on consolidating strengths rather than cramming new topics
  • ✓Year 6 February–March: Await offers; if interview or assessment day is required (Nottingham High, NGHS), practise verbal reasoning aloud, current-affairs awareness, and confident conversational engagement with adults

Practical plan

Nottingham 11 Plus preparation plan

Step 1

Year 4 Summer / Year 5 Autumn: Run a full diagnostic baseline in Maths, English comprehension, and creative writing to measure the gap against Nottingham High School and NGHS entry standards — then build a targeted weekly study plan around identified weaknesses

Step 2

Year 5 Autumn (September–October): Register for Nottingham High School and/or Nottingham Girls' High School entrance examinations before deadlines close; confirm The Becket School selective assessment registration if applicable, and begin school-specific preparation using past papers and sample materials published by each school

Step 3

Year 5 Spring through Year 6 Autumn: Sustain a structured weekly practice programme covering timed Maths problem-solving, analytical comprehension responses, extended writing under exam conditions, and verbal reasoning (for Nottingham High) — targeting at least three focused sessions per week with marked feedback

Step 4

Year 6 September–January: Complete a minimum of four full-length timed mock examinations per subject under realistic exam conditions, review every paper in detail, sit the actual entrance examinations at target schools between November and January, and prepare for any interview or assessment day required by Nottingham High School or NGHS

1 month free, then 50% off for 3 months — £4.99/mo

While Other Kids Get an AI Head Start, Is Yours Falling Behind?

Give your child the same AI app-building, exam prep and tutoring edge — free for the first month, no credit card needed.

Download ApplaaStart Building Free

Join 10,000+ students building their first AI-powered apps with Applaa

Frequently asked questions

Does Nottingham have any state grammar schools?

No. The City of Nottingham local authority does not contain any state grammar schools. Nottinghamshire as a county also has no traditional grammar school provision, unlike neighbouring Lincolnshire (which has several grammar schools within commuting distance for some north Nottinghamshire families). Families seeking selective state-funded secondary places must apply to partially selective academies such as South Nottinghamshire Academy in Radcliffe on Trent, or to The Becket School under its selective Catholic admissions strand. The most academically rigorous selective options in the city — Nottingham High School and Nottingham Girls' High School — are fee-paying independent schools, though both offer substantial means-tested bursaries that can cover a significant portion or all of the fees.

When should we register for Nottingham High School's 11+ entrance exam?

Registration for Year 7 entry at Nottingham High School opens in September of Year 5 and families are strongly advised to complete their registration by November of Year 5, well before the examination period of November–January. The school publishes its admissions timeline on its website each academic year and deadlines can vary slightly. Missing the registration window typically means forfeiting the chance to sit that year's entrance examination, regardless of the child's ability. NGHS (Nottingham Girls' High School) follows a similar autumn Year 5 registration window with its main examination in January of Year 6. Families should check both schools' admissions pages from September of Year 5 and register promptly.

What subjects are tested in the Nottingham High School entrance examination?

Nottingham High School sets its own bespoke entrance papers rather than using a national provider such as GL Assessment or CEM. The assessment typically includes papers in Mathematics, English (comprehension and writing), and Verbal Reasoning, though the exact format can be adjusted from year to year. The Maths paper is demanding, expecting fluency beyond the standard Year 6 curriculum, including ratio, algebraic thinking, and multi-step problem solving. The English paper requires sophisticated analytical reading and structured written response. Because the papers are set in-house, families should seek out school-specific preparation materials and sample questions published by the school itself, rather than relying solely on standard GL or CEM revision guides.

How competitive is Nottingham Girls' High School at 11+?

Nottingham Girls' High School (NGHS) is highly competitive at Year 7 entry. As a GDST school with strong A-Level results and university placement outcomes, it attracts applications from motivated girls across Nottingham, Rushcliffe, Broxtowe, and beyond. The number of applicants significantly exceeds the number of Year 7 places available each year. Girls sitting the NGHS entrance examination in January of Year 6 should expect the English paper in particular to test sophisticated comprehension, inference, and analytical writing well above typical primary school standard. Thorough preparation across both Maths and English from at least the start of Year 5 is recommended. The school also considers performance across both papers holistically, so consistent strength in both subjects is important.

Can we apply to both Nottingham High School and Nottingham Girls' High School?

Yes, and for families with a daughter this is a common strategy. Nottingham High School became co-educational in 2021 and now admits girls at all entry points, meaning a girl could sit both Nottingham High School's examination (typically November–December of Year 5 or early Year 6) and NGHS's examination (January of Year 6) without a scheduling conflict. Preparation for both schools overlaps substantially — both test Maths and English at a similarly demanding level — though Nottingham High's inclusion of Verbal Reasoning means candidates should also incorporate reasoning practice into their programme. Families should confirm the exact examination dates for the relevant admissions cycle each year, as dates shift slightly between years.

What is the selective admissions process at The Becket School?

The Becket School is a Catholic voluntary-aided secondary school that allocates a proportion of its Year 7 places on academic aptitude through its own selective assessment, conducted separately from its faith-based admissions criteria. To be considered for a selective place, applicants must both sit the academic assessment and satisfy the school's Catholic faith criteria, which typically include evidence of baptism and regular Mass attendance confirmed by a parish priest. The selective academic assessment focuses on Maths and English and is aligned more closely with the Key Stage 2 national curriculum than the advanced reasoning tested at Nottingham High or NGHS. Families should check the school's admissions policy directly each year, as the number of selective places and precise assessment arrangements can be updated.

How far in advance should Nottingham children start 11+ preparation?

For competitive entry to Nottingham High School or Nottingham Girls' High School, the most successful candidates typically begin structured preparation in Year 4 or the very start of Year 5 at the latest. This allows time to diagnose and address gaps in Maths and English, build stamina for timed extended writing, and — for Nottingham High — develop verbal reasoning skills from a low base. A Year 5 start is workable for a strong all-round learner but leaves little margin for addressing significant weaknesses. Families targeting partially selective streams at state schools such as South Nottinghamshire Academy can begin preparation in Year 5 and still succeed, as the standard required aligns more closely with the national curriculum. Applaa's adaptive practice tools allow children to begin at their current level and track progress precisely over a 12–18 month preparation window.

Are there bursaries available at Nottingham's selective independent schools?

Yes, both Nottingham High School and Nottingham Girls' High School offer means-tested bursaries that can reduce or eliminate fees for qualifying families. Nottingham High School's bursary programme can cover up to 100% of fees in cases of genuine financial need, and the school actively publicises this to widen access for academically talented children from lower-income households. NGHS, as part of the GDST network, similarly administers bursaries through the trust's central means-testing process. Both schools also offer merit-based scholarships (academic, music, sport, art) that provide a fee reduction but are awarded on performance rather than financial need. Families should apply for bursary consideration at the same time as registering for the entrance examination, as bursary assessment runs in parallel with academic selection.

Keep exploring Applaa

11 Plus Mock TestsGrammar School GuideLearning HubDownload Applaa