Herschel Grammar School: 11 Plus entry

A state grammar school in Slough for boys and girls, with entry at 11+. Here is the test it uses, what is in it and how to prepare.

At a glance

Type
Grammar school
Pupils
Mixed
Area
Slough, South East
Entry
11+
Entrance test
Slough Consortium Test
Tested
Maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning
Competition
Highly selective
Prism’s suggested target
85% in practice (our estimate, not a school figure)

About the Slough Consortium Test

Slough grammar schools share a GL test covering verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and maths.

StagePaperQuestionsTime
Consortium TestPaper 15050 minutes
Consortium TestPaper 2: Maths5050 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 Slough Consortium Test covers maths, 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.

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.

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 1Aim for about 60 seconds

Round 196,057 to the nearest 1,000.

Show the worked answer

Answer: B, 196000

How to work it out

  1. Look at the digit to the right of the 1,000s column.
  2. 5 or more rounds up, less rounds down.
  3. 196,057 rounds to 196,000.
Question 2Aim for about 35 seconds

Which word goes best with these three?

wrist, heel, elbow

Show the worked answer

Answer: B, thumb

How to work it out

wrist, heel, elbow are all body, and so is thumb.

Question 3Aim for about 45 seconds

Which figure completes the grid?

?
Show the worked answer

Answer: D

How to work it out

  1. Across each row the shading changes in the same way; down each column the shape changes.
  2. The missing figure needs the bottom row’s shape and the right column’s shading.

Other selective schools in Slough

Questions parents ask

What entrance test does Herschel Grammar School use?

Herschel Grammar School uses the Slough Consortium Test, which tests maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Check the school’s admissions page for the current arrangements.

What score does my child need for Herschel Grammar School?

Schools do not publish pass marks. As a guide, Prism suggests a child aims to score around 85% consistently in practice for a highly 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 Herschel Grammar School?

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 September.

Preparing for Herschel Grammar School?

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

Prism Learning is not affiliated with Herschel Grammar School. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.