Putney High School: 11 Plus entry

A independent school in South London for girls, with entry at 11+. Here is the test it uses, what is in it and how to prepare.

At a glance

Type
Independent school
Pupils
Girls
Area
South London, London
Entry
11+
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.

StagePaperQuestionsTime
11+ assessmentMaths2560 minutes
11+ assessmentEnglish1260 minutes
11+ assessmentReasoning4040 minutes
11+ assessmentPuzzles & Problem Solving1530 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 1Aim for about 60 seconds

Round 968,249 to the nearest 100.

Show the worked answer

Answer: D, 968200

How to work it out

  1. Look at the digit to the right of the 100s column.
  2. 5 or more rounds up, less rounds down.
  3. 968,249 rounds to 968,200.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds

What does the word “distinct” mean?

Show the worked answer

Answer: B, clearly different or easy to notice

How to work it out

  1. “Distinct” (adjective) means clearly different or easy to notice.
  2. For example: There was a distinct smell of burning toast.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds

Which word is closest in meaning to “permit”?

Show the worked answer

Answer: C, allow

How to work it out

  1. “allow” has a similar meaning to “permit”.
  2. “forbid” is the opposite, a common trap.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds

Which figure is the odd one out?

Show the worked answer

Answer: E

How to work it out

  1. In each figure the number of dots matches the number of sides of the shape, except the odd one out.
  2. Shading and angle are distractors.

Other selective schools in South London

Questions parents ask

What entrance test does Putney High School use?

Putney High School 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 Putney High School?

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 Putney High 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 January.

Preparing for Putney High 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 Putney High School. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.