Reading grammar schools: preparing for Reading School and Kendrick

Reading School and Kendrick are two of the most academically competitive grammar schools in England. Here's how the test works and what strong preparation looks like.

Reading Consortium Grammar Schools test: key facts

Typical test date: Mid-to-late September of Year 6
Papers: 2-3 papers depending on current consortium arrangements
Duration: Each paper is typically 45-50 minutes
Subjects: English, Mathematics, Verbal reasoning, and Non-verbal reasoning
Indicative qualifying threshold: Super-selective — effective cut-offs require standardised scores in the top few percent of the applicant pool
Registration window: Register directly with each school; the window usually closes in early July of Year 5

Why Reading is different

Reading has just two grammar schools — Reading School for boys and Kendrick School for girls — but they are both super-selective and among the most academically competitive state schools in the country. Because they are super-selective, there is no catchment area: children can apply from anywhere, and places are allocated purely by rank order of test score.

The consortium has historically used CEM, but the arrangements have shifted in recent years alongside CEM's withdrawal from paper-based primary testing. Always check each school's current admissions page for the exact provider and format — it is the single most important piece of research before you begin preparation.

Because preparation must cover a range of question types (English comprehension, Mathematics, Verbal reasoning, Non-verbal reasoning), Reading preparation is broader than areas that test only two subjects. That breadth is good news for building a well-rounded academic foundation — it also means rushing preparation in the final year rarely works.

How the Reading Consortium Grammar Schools test is structured

Multiple papers covering English, Mathematics, Verbal reasoning, and Non-verbal reasoning — the exact mix is confirmed by the consortium each year.
Scores are age-standardised.
Applicants are ranked across the full cohort and places are offered in rank order, with no catchment protection.
Children apply directly to each school — Reading School and Kendrick each have their own admissions page.
Out-of-area applicants make up a significant portion of the cohort and sit on the same rank list as local children.

Notable grammar schools in Reading

2 main grammar schools in Reading itself, plus several in neighbouring Berkshire catchment areas.

Reading School (boys, super-selective)
Kendrick School (girls, super-selective)
The Langley Academy Sixth Form (grammar stream alternatives in Slough)
Herschel Grammar School (Slough)
Langley Grammar School (Slough)
Upton Court Grammar School (Slough)

How to prepare your child for the Reading 11+

Because Reading is super-selective, preparation needs to aim for the top of the curve, not the pass threshold. Start in Year 4 with steady fundamentals (reading, mental Maths) and shift to 11+-specific practice from mid-Year 4 or start of Year 5.

Build strong vocabulary through wide reading. Reading School and Kendrick English papers test comprehension and inference well above Year 5 level, and vocabulary depth is the single highest-leverage preparation activity.

Use timed mock exams from the summer term of Year 5. Super-selective cohorts are typically well prepared, so the differentiator in the top rankings is composure under time pressure — not raw knowledge.

Frequently asked questions about the Reading 11+

Does Reading School or Kendrick have a catchment area?

Neither school restricts entry by catchment. They are super-selective and admit in rank order of test score. Children can apply from anywhere in the country.

Which exam board do Reading School and Kendrick use?

The consortium has used CEM in the past but the exact provider and mix of papers is confirmed each year. Check each school's current admissions page before buying preparation materials.

How do I register my child for the Reading grammar schools test?

Registration is directly with each school via their admissions page, during the summer term of Year 5. There is no central Reading application — if you are applying to both Reading School and Kendrick, register with both.

What is the effective pass mark for Reading School and Kendrick?

Because both schools are super-selective and uncapped by catchment, the effective cut-off is a rank position rather than a fixed score. In recent years successful candidates have scored in the top few percent of the applicant pool — aim high.

Is the test all multiple choice?

Format has varied in recent years. Expect a combination of multiple-choice and short-answer papers. Always verify against the current year's admissions information before buying past papers.

How much preparation is realistic for Reading's grammar schools?

Most successful candidates have 18-24 months of structured preparation: regular reading and mental Maths from Year 3-4, then targeted 11+ practice across Year 5. A rushed final year rarely closes the gap with children who have built skills steadily.