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 1Aim for about 60 seconds
Which list is in order from smallest to largest?
34 0.7 72%
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, 0.7, 72%, 34
How to work it out
Change them all to the same form, such as decimals: 34 = 0.75, 0.7 = 0.7, 72% = 0.72.
Smallest to largest: 0.7, 72%, 34.
Why the other options are wrong
B (0.7, 34, 72%): Compare them as decimals (34 = 0.75, 0.7 = 0.7, 72% = 0.72): this list is not smallest to largest.
C (34, 0.7, 72%): Compare them as decimals (34 = 0.75, 0.7 = 0.7, 72% = 0.72): this list is not smallest to largest.
D (34, 72%, 0.7): Compare them as decimals (34 = 0.75, 0.7 = 0.7, 72% = 0.72): this list is not smallest to largest.
E (72%, 34, 0.7): Compare them as decimals (34 = 0.75, 0.7 = 0.7, 72% = 0.72): this list is not smallest to largest.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
Which part has a punctuation mistake? Choose “No mistake” if there is none.
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, asked grandmarandma
How to work it out
“Grandma” is used as a name here, so it needs a capital letter.
Why the other options are wrong
A (“Have you seen): This part is punctuated correctly.
B (my stomach medicine?”): This part is punctuated correctly.
D (from the bedroom.): This part is punctuated correctly.
E (No mistake): There is a mistake: “Grandma” is used as a name here, so it needs a capital letter.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
Which word is most opposite in meaning to “humble”?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, arrogant
How to work it out
“arrogant” is the opposite of “humble”.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
Which figure completes the grid?
?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D
How to work it out
In each row, the third frame holds every line from the first two frames put together.
Why the other options are wrong
A: The other diagonal is missing. Every line from both frames goes in.
B: This adds a diagonal that is in neither frame.
C: This has only the lines from the second frame. The first frame’s lines must be added too.
E: This has only the lines from the first frame. The second frame’s lines must be added too.
What entrance test does The Henrietta Barnett School use?
The Henrietta Barnett 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 Henrietta Barnett 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 Henrietta Barnett 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 Henrietta Barnett 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.