11+ Preparation for Redbridge Grammar Schools

Practice for Ilford County High School and Woodford County High School — two selective grammar schools in north-east London.

Selective entrance tests (consortium / own testing): key facts

Typical test date: Autumn of Year 6, typically September–October
Papers: Typically 2–4 papers depending on school
Duration: Approximately 45–60 minutes per paper
Subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning
Indicative qualifying threshold: Varies by school and year; selective places are offered on the basis of a high standardised score alongside each school's published admissions criteria
Registration window: Spring–summer of Year 5 (varies by school; check current deadlines)

Why Redbridge is different

Redbridge is home to two well-regarded selective grammar schools: Ilford County High School for boys and Woodford County High School for girls. Both draw strong applications from across north-east London and neighbouring Essex, making entrance genuinely competitive.

The schools use selective entrance testing covering English, Maths and reasoning, and arrangements can involve consortium or own-school papers depending on the year. Because formats can vary, families should always confirm the current arrangements directly with each school before starting focused preparation.

With demand consistently high, a strong standardised score is important but not the whole story — each school ranks and offers places according to its published admissions criteria, so understanding those rules is part of a sensible application strategy.

How the Selective entrance tests (consortium / own testing) is structured

Selective entrance tests covering English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Testing may be arranged through a consortium or set by the school directly, depending on current arrangements.
Assessments are designed to identify children working above age-related expectations.
Qualifying candidates are ranked and offered places according to each school's admissions criteria.
Families apply to each school directly, separate from the main secondary transfer application.

Notable grammar schools in Redbridge

2 selective grammar schools.

Ilford County High School (boys)
Woodford County High School (girls)
Chigwell School (nearby, independent)
Bancroft's School (nearby, independent)

How to prepare your child for the Redbridge 11+

Develop all four core strands — English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning — from Year 5. Because Redbridge schools assess reasoning as well as core subjects, breadth of practice matters, and regular short sessions help children retain technique across the different question types.

Confirm the current test format before you commit to specific materials. Arrangements can shift between consortium and own-school testing, so checking each school's latest guidance ensures your child practises the right style of paper rather than material that no longer matches.

Practise under realistic timed conditions and teach steady checking habits. At selective level, accuracy and pacing often separate qualifying scores from near-misses, so building calm exam technique in the months before the test is time well spent.

Frequently asked questions about the Redbridge 11+

Which grammar schools are in Redbridge?

The two selective grammar schools are Ilford County High School for boys and Woodford County High School for girls, both in north-east London.

Are Redbridge grammar schools single-sex?

Yes. Ilford County High School admits boys and Woodford County High School admits girls, each through its own selective entrance testing.

What exam board do Redbridge grammar schools use?

Testing may be arranged through a consortium or set by each school directly, and can vary by year, so confirm the current format with each school before preparing.

What subjects are tested for the Redbridge 11+?

Assessments typically cover English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, so children benefit from practising across all four strands.

How competitive is entry to Redbridge grammar schools?

Both schools are genuinely competitive, drawing applicants from across north-east London and Essex. A high standardised score and the school's admissions criteria both matter.

When should we register for the Redbridge 11+?

Registration usually 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 directly and early.