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
A counter is taken from the bag without looking. What is the probability that it is green?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, 813
How to work it out
There are 13 counters and 8 are green.
Probability = green counters ÷ all counters = 813.
Why the other options are wrong
A (85): This compares green with the other counters (a ratio). Probability is out of all 13 counters.
B (13): This treats each colour as equally likely, but there are different numbers of each.
C (113): This is the chance of one particular counter, not of any counter of that colour.
E (513): This is the probability of NOT getting green.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
What does the word “plummet” mean?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, to fall suddenly and fast
How to work it out
“Plummet” (verb) means to fall suddenly and fast.
For example: The temperature plummeted overnight.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
Complete the analogy.
pen is to write as knife is to ?
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, cut
How to work it out
Say the link between “pen” and “write” as a sentence.
The same sentence links “knife” and “cut”.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
Which figure completes the grid?
?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D
How to work it out
Each row keeps the same shape; each column keeps the same shading.
Combine the bottom row’s shape with the right column’s shading.
Why the other options are wrong
A: Right shape, but the shading comes from the middle column.
B: Right shading, but the shape comes from the middle row.
C: Right shape, but a shading that is not in the grid.
E: Right shading, but a shape that is not in the grid.
Questions parents ask
What entrance test does The Latymer School use?
The Latymer 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 Latymer 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 Latymer 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 Latymer 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.