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London superselective tests

Highly competitive London grammars (e.g. in Barnet, Bromley, Enfield and Redbridge) set their own one- or two-stage tests, usually maths, English and reasoning.

At a glance

Subjects
Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning
Usually held
September
Set by
The schools themselves
Schools
8

The papers

StagePaperQuestionsTime
Stage 1Reasoning4040 minutes
Stage 1Maths3030 minutes
Stage 2English1250 minutes
Stage 2Maths2550 minutes

Paper formats are indicative and change from year to year. Always check the current arrangements with the school or local authority.

How to prepare for the London super

The London superselective tests covers maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Most families start steady preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5, building accuracy first and speed later, then sit timed papers through the summer before the test, which usually takes place in September.

For maths, secure the Key Stage 2 arithmetic, fractions, ratio and problem solving before moving to the multi-step questions that separate the strongest candidates.

For English, read widely every day and practise comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar; selective tests reward precise word knowledge.

Verbal reasoning is a set of learnable question types, such as letter codes, hidden words and word analogies. Learning each type, then practising it against the clock, lifts scores quickly.

Non-verbal reasoning is about spotting patterns in shapes: rotations, reflections, sequences and matrices. Short, regular sessions work better than long ones.

Schools that use the London super

Try some London super style questions

Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds

Layla spends £3.21 and pays with a £5 note. What is the smallest number of coins Layla can get in change?

Show the worked answer

Answer: B, 6

How to work it out

  1. The change is £5.00 − £3.21 = £1.79.
  2. Use the biggest coin that fits each time: £1 + 50p + 20p + 5p + 2p + 2p.
  3. That is 6 coins.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A (8): Use £2 and £1 coins before smaller ones.
  • C (5): Check the change again: one of the amounts has been missed.
  • D (7): This splits one coin into two smaller ones. Use the biggest coin that fits each time.
  • E (4): Too few coins to make the change exactly.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds

Which sentence is punctuated correctly?

Show the worked answer

Answer: D, It's time for the children's lunch.

How to work it out

  1. The correct sentence is: It's time for the children's lunch.
  2. An apostrophe shows missing letters (can’t) or that something belongs to someone (the cat’s).
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds

Which word is most opposite in meaning to “major”?

Show the worked answer

Answer: E, minor

How to work it out

“minor” is the opposite of “major”.

Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds

Which figure comes next in the series?

?
Show the worked answer

Answer: C

How to work it out

The flag turns 135° clockwise each step and the shading alternates; one dot is added each time.

Questions parents ask

What subjects are in the London super?

The London super tests maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.

When is the London super?

The main test usually takes place in September. Dates change each year, so always confirm them with the school or local authority.

How should my child prepare for the London super?

Build the core skills in Year 4 and 5, learn each question type, then practise timed papers in the London super format. Prism builds this plan automatically from a free starting assessment.

Find out where your child stands today

Prism starts with a free assessment across maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, then builds a weekly plan for your target schools. Parents follow progress free.

Start the free assessment