11+ Preparation for Bromley's Super-Selective Grammar Schools

Targeted practice for St Olave's Grammar School and Newstead Wood School — two of the most competitive grammar schools on the south-east London and Kent border.

Own school entrance tests: key facts

Typical test date: Autumn of Year 6, with an initial stage typically in September and a further stage following
Papers: Typically 2–4 papers across the stages depending on school
Duration: Approximately 45–60 minutes per paper, varying by school
Subjects: English, Maths and reasoning (Verbal and Non-Verbal)
Indicative qualifying threshold: Varies by school and year; as super-selectives, both schools typically require a very high standardised score with places offered strictly in rank order
Registration window: Spring–summer of Year 5 (varies by school; check current deadlines)

Why Bromley is different

Bromley sits on the south-east London and Kent border and is home to two super-selective grammar schools: St Olave's Grammar School for boys and Newstead Wood School for girls. Both are academically outstanding and attract applications from across south London, Kent and beyond.

Because both schools are super-selective, places are offered in strict order of test performance rather than by distance, and in practice each runs a multi-stage process to identify the strongest candidates. The schools set their own tests, so preparation should reflect each school's specific format.

The result is one of the most competitive 11+ landscapes in the country. The margin between a strong score and a qualifying score is narrow, so consistent, well-targeted preparation across English, Maths and reasoning is what gives children the best chance.

How the Own school entrance tests is structured

Own-school entrance tests set independently by St Olave's and Newstead Wood.
Assessments cover English, Maths and reasoning (Verbal and Non-Verbal).
Both schools typically operate a two-stage process, with a further stage for the highest scorers.
Places are allocated in strict rank order of score, reflecting the super-selective model.
Registration is handled directly by each school, so families apply to each separately.

Notable grammar schools in Bromley

2 super-selective grammar schools.

St Olave's Grammar School (boys)
Newstead Wood School (girls)
Bromley High School (nearby, independent)
Ravensbourne School (nearby, non-selective)

How to prepare your child for the Bromley 11+

Begin early and cover all core areas. With English, Maths and reasoning all assessed, children benefit from steady practice across each strand from Year 5, and reasoning especially rewards regular exposure to different question types rather than last-minute cramming.

Prepare for the two-stage structure. Because both schools shortlist the strongest candidates for a further stage, stamina and consistency matter as much as raw ability — a child needs to perform well in an initial sitting and again in a more demanding follow-up.

Prioritise accuracy under time pressure. At super-selective level, careless slips cost as much as knowledge gaps, so teaching a calm, methodical checking routine in the months before the test is one of the most valuable things you can do.

Frequently asked questions about the Bromley 11+

Which grammar schools are in Bromley?

The two super-selective grammar schools are St Olave's Grammar School for boys and Newstead Wood School for girls, both highly competitive.

Are Bromley's grammar schools super-selective?

Yes. Both St Olave's and Newstead Wood offer places strictly in order of test score, which is why they draw applicants from across south London and Kent.

What exam do Bromley grammar schools use?

Both schools set their own entrance tests rather than using a single external board, so preparation should be tailored to each school's specific format.

Is there a two-stage test in Bromley?

In practice both schools operate a multi-stage process, with an initial test followed by a further stage for the strongest candidates. Check each school's current guidance.

What subjects are tested for the Bromley 11+?

Assessments generally cover English, Maths and reasoning (Verbal and Non-Verbal), though the balance and format differ between the two schools.

When should we register for the Bromley 11+?

Registration typically opens in the spring or summer of Year 5, with tests in the autumn of Year 6. Deadlines vary by school, so apply to each one directly and early.