Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds
What is the range of these numbers?
15, 7, 13, 9
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, 8
How to work it out
Range = largest − smallest = 15 − 7 = 8.
St Olave’s Grammar School: 11 Plus entry
A state grammar school in Bromley 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
- Bromley, London
- Entry
- 11+
- Entrance test
- London superselective tests
- Tested
- Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning
- Competition
- Super-selective
- Prism’s suggested target
- 90% 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 “legible” mean?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, clear enough to read
How to work it out
- “Legible” (adjective) means clear enough to read.
- For example: Please make your handwriting legible.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
Choose one word from each group. Which two words are closest in meaning?
( rude, helmet, meadow ) ( impolite, blanket, teapot )
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, rude and impolite
How to work it out
- “rude” and “impolite” are synonyms: they mean nearly the same.
- Try each word from the first group with each word from the second.
Why the other options are wrong
- A (rude and blanket): “rude” is right, but “blanket” is not linked to it.
- C (helmet and blanket): These two words are not linked in meaning.
- D (helmet and impolite): “impolite” is right, but “helmet” is not linked to it.
- E (meadow and teapot): These two words are not linked in meaning.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
Which figure completes the grid?
?
Show the worked answer
Answer: E
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 Bromley
Questions parents ask
What entrance test does St Olave’s Grammar School use?
St Olave’s 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 Olave’s Grammar School?
Schools do not publish pass marks. As a guide, Prism suggests a child aims to score around 90% 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 St Olave’s 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 Olave’s 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 Olave’s Grammar School. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.