When does the Berkshire 11 Plus test take place?
The 11 Plus test for Berkshire grammar schools, including Reading School, Kendrick School, and Burnham Grammar School (via the Slough Consortium), is typically held in mid-September of Year 6. Exact dates are published by each school and the Berkshire admissions authority in the preceding spring term. Families should register their interest and check individual school websites from the spring of Year 5 to avoid missing registration windows. Results are usually released in mid-to-late September, allowing families to make informed choices before the secondary school application deadline in late October.
What subjects are covered in the Berkshire 11 Plus test?
All three Berkshire grammar schools use the GL Assessment format, which covers four subject areas: verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, mathematics, and English comprehension. Verbal reasoning tests the ability to solve word-based problems and understand language patterns. Non-verbal reasoning assesses spatial and logical thinking using shapes and diagrams. The mathematics paper covers the Year 5 and Year 6 National Curriculum. English comprehension involves reading a passage and answering questions testing inference, vocabulary, and understanding. Some schools weight these papers differently, so checking each school's specific marking scheme is advisable.
How competitive is entry to Reading School and Kendrick School?
Entry to Reading School and Kendrick School is among the most competitive of any state grammar school in England. Reading School receives approximately 1,800 applications for around 150 Year 7 places, representing roughly 12 applicants per place. Kendrick School faces a similarly high ratio. Both schools attract applicants from across Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, and beyond. Scoring in the top percentile is essential, and even high-achieving children benefit from structured preparation to ensure they perform at their best on test day. Families should treat these schools as aspirational targets alongside other realistic grammar options.
Can children from outside Berkshire apply to Berkshire grammar schools?
Yes, out-of-county applicants are eligible to sit the 11 Plus and apply to Berkshire grammar schools, but they may face a higher effective threshold than in-catchment applicants. Reading School and Kendrick School give priority to boys and girls respectively who live within defined catchment areas, meaning out-of-catchment applicants typically need a higher score to be offered a place. Burnham Grammar School operates within the Slough Consortium, and eligibility may depend on postcode. Families from neighbouring counties such as Oxfordshire, Hampshire, or Buckinghamshire should carefully read each school's admissions policy before applying.
What is the Slough Consortium and how does it affect Burnham Grammar School applications?
The Slough Consortium is a group of selective grammar schools in the Slough area that share a common GL Assessment entrance test. Burnham Grammar School is a member of this consortium. This means that by sitting one test, applicants can express preferences for multiple consortium schools on a single application. The shared test format covers verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, mathematics, and English. This is a practical advantage for families in western Berkshire and the South Bucks area, as it reduces the burden of sitting multiple separate tests while maximising the number of grammar school options available from one sitting.
How early should we start preparing for the Berkshire 11 Plus?
Most educational specialists recommend beginning structured preparation at the start of Year 5, approximately 18 months before the test. This allows enough time to build strong foundations in all four subject areas without cramming. In Year 5, the focus should be on vocabulary development, reading widely, and mastering the Year 5 maths curriculum. From around January of Year 6, families should introduce timed GL Assessment practice papers to build speed and exam confidence. The final three months before the September test should include regular full mock examinations under realistic conditions, with thorough review of errors after each sitting.
Are there any other documents or forms we need to submit alongside the test score?
Yes. In addition to sitting the GL Assessment test, most Berkshire grammar schools require families to complete a Supplementary Information Form (SIF). This form collects information such as the child's address, sibling connections, and in some cases confirmation of faith or medical circumstances. The SIF is separate from the Berkshire Local Authority secondary school application, which must also be submitted by the October deadline. Failing to complete the SIF can affect how a school processes the application even if the child achieves a qualifying score. Always download and read the individual admissions policies from each school's website well before the test date.
What is a realistic score target for Berkshire grammar schools?
GL Assessment scores are standardised to account for age, typically ranging from around 70 to 141 on each individual paper, with a combined or weighted total determining selection. Exact pass marks vary each year depending on overall cohort performance and are not published in advance. For Reading School and Kendrick School, competitive candidates typically score in the upper standardised range consistently across all four papers. Burnham Grammar School and the Slough Consortium schools have historically had a slightly lower effective threshold than Reading or Kendrick. Using mock examination data and comparing percentile rankings with a tutor or preparation programme gives the most reliable sense of readiness relative to the actual competition.
