Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds
Round 290,257 to the nearest 10.
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, 290260
How to work it out
- Look at the digit to the right of the 10s column.
- 5 or more rounds up, less rounds down.
- 290,257 rounds to 290,260.
St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School: 11 Plus entry
A state grammar school in Barnet for 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
- Girls
- Area
- Barnet, London
- Entry
- 11+
- Entrance test
- London superselective tests
- Tested
- Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning
- Competition
- Highly selective
- Prism’s suggested target
- 85% in practice (our estimate, not a school figure)
About the 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.
| Stage | Paper | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Reasoning | 40 | 40 minutes |
| Stage 1 | Maths | 30 | 30 minutes |
| Stage 2 | English | 12 | 50 minutes |
| Stage 2 | Maths | 25 | 50 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 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.
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
What does the word “tremble” mean?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, to shake slightly, often from fear or cold
How to work it out
- “Tremble” (verb) means to shake slightly, often from fear or cold.
- For example: Her hands trembled as she opened the letter.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
Find the next pair of letters in the series.
FH IF LD OB ?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, RZ
How to work it out
- Follow each letter on its own.
- The first letters move forward 3 each time; the second letters move back 2.
- So the next pair is RZ.
- Tip: write the alphabet with numbers above it.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
Which figure is the odd one out?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C
How to work it out
- In each figure the number of dots matches the number of sides of the shape, except the odd one out.
- Shading and angle are distractors.
Other selective schools in Barnet
Questions parents ask
What entrance test does St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School use?
St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School uses the London superselective tests, which tests maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Check the school’s admissions page for the current arrangements.
What score does my child need for St Michael’s Catholic 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 St Michael’s Catholic 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 St Michael’s Catholic 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 assessmentPrism Learning is not affiliated with St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.