Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds
What is 25% of 120?
Show the worked answer
Answer: E, 30
How to work it out
- Find 10% first: 120 ÷ 10 = 12.
- Build 25% from that: 30.
Cheltenham Ladies’ College: 11 Plus entry
A independent school in South West for girls, with entry at 11+ and 13+. Here is the test it uses, what is in it and how to prepare.
At a glance
- Type
- Independent school
- Pupils
- Girls
- Area
- South West, South West
- Entry
- 11+ and 13+
- Entrance test
- Independent school 11+ (own papers)
- Tested
- Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning
- Competition
- Super-selective
- Prism’s suggested target
- 88% in practice (our estimate, not a school figure)
About the Independent school 11+ (own papers)
Most independent schools set their own maths and English papers in January of Year 6, often with a reasoning test, creative writing and an interview.
| Stage | Paper | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11+ assessment | Maths | 25 | 60 minutes |
| 11+ assessment | English | 12 | 60 minutes |
| 11+ assessment | Reasoning | 40 | 40 minutes |
| 11+ assessment | Puzzles & Problem Solving | 15 | 30 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
The Independent school 11+ (own papers) 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 January.
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.
This test includes a piece of writing, so practise planning and writing a short story or description in a set time.
Practice questions in the style of the test
Written by Prism in the style of the test, not taken from any school’s papers.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
Which part has a punctuation mistake? Choose “No mistake” if there is none.
Show the worked answer
Answer: E, No mistake
How to work it out
- There is no mistake: the whole sentence is punctuated correctly.
- Check every part before choosing “No mistake”.
Why the other options are wrong
- A (Is it possible): This part is punctuated correctly.
- B (to guarantee that): This part is punctuated correctly.
- C (the equipment will): This part is punctuated correctly.
- D (arrive in February?): This part is punctuated correctly.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
Three of these words go together. Which two words do not belong with them?
copper, bronze, rectangle, oval, square
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, copper and bronze
How to work it out
oval, square, rectangle are all shapes. bronze and copper are metals.
Why the other options are wrong
- B (bronze and rectangle): rectangle belongs with the shapes.
- C (copper and square): square belongs with the shapes; only bronze and copper do not.
- D (oval and square): These are both shapes, like rectangle.
- E (bronze and oval): oval belongs with the shapes; only bronze and copper do not.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
Which figure completes the grid?
?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D
How to work it out
- Across each row the shading changes in the same way; down each column the shape changes.
- The missing figure needs the bottom row’s shape and the right column’s shading.
Other selective schools in South West
Questions parents ask
What entrance test does Cheltenham Ladies’ College use?
Cheltenham Ladies’ College uses the Independent school 11+ (own papers), which tests maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning and includes a piece of writing. Check the school’s admissions page for the current arrangements.
What score does my child need for Cheltenham Ladies’ College?
Schools do not publish pass marks. As a guide, Prism suggests a child aims to score around 88% consistently in practice for a super-selective school. This is Prism’s own estimate, not a figure from the school, and no score guarantees a place.
When should my child start preparing for Cheltenham Ladies’ College?
Most families start in Year 4 or early Year 5, then practise timed papers during the summer before the test, which usually takes place in January.
Preparing for Cheltenham Ladies’ College?
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 assessmentPrism Learning is not affiliated with Cheltenham Ladies’ College. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.