Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds
What is the mean of these numbers?
22, 21, 24, 41
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, 27
How to work it out
- Add them: 108.
- Divide by how many there are (4): 27.
Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School: 11 Plus entry
A state grammar school in Medway for boys, 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
- Boys
- Area
- Medway, South East
- Entry
- 11+
- Entrance test
- Medway Test
- Tested
- Maths, verbal reasoning and English
- Competition
- Selective
- Prism’s suggested target
- 78% in practice (our estimate, not a school figure)
About the Medway Test
Medway’s selection test covers verbal reasoning, mathematical reasoning and an extended writing task.
| Stage | Paper | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medway Test | Verbal Reasoning | 40 | 40 minutes |
| Medway Test | Mathematical Reasoning | 40 | 40 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 Medway Test covers maths, verbal reasoning and English. 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.
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 35 seconds
Find the next number in this series.
13, 55, 20, 53, 27, 51, ?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, 34
How to work it out
- Two series take turns: 13, 20, 27 (add 7) and 55, 53, 51 (take away 2).
- The next number continues the first: 34.
Question 3Aim for about 45 seconds
Which part has a punctuation mistake? Choose “No mistake” if there is none.
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, Mrs okaforkafor
How to work it out
“Okafor” is a proper noun (the name of a particular person, place or thing), so it needs a capital letter.
Why the other options are wrong
- A (“Please be quiet in): This part is punctuated correctly.
- B (the library,” whispered): This part is punctuated correctly.
- D (to the noisy group.): This part is punctuated correctly.
- E (No mistake): There is a mistake: “Okafor” is a proper noun (the name of a particular person, place or thing), so it needs a capital letter.
Other selective schools in Medway
Questions parents ask
What entrance test does Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School use?
Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School uses the Medway Test, which tests maths, verbal reasoning and English and includes a piece of writing. Check the school’s admissions page for the current arrangements.
What score does my child need for Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School?
Schools do not publish pass marks. As a guide, Prism suggests a child aims to score around 78% consistently in practice for a 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 Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical 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 Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical 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 assessmentPrism Learning is not affiliated with Sir Joseph Williamson’s Mathematical School. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.