Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds
Which fraction is the largest?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, 5/6
How to work it out
Change each into a decimal and compare: 7/10 = 0.7, 2/3 = 0.667, 2/5 = 0.4, 5/6 = 0.833, 1/4 = 0.25.
Townley Grammar School: 11 Plus entry
A state grammar school in Bexley 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
- Bexley, London
- Entry
- 11+
- Entrance test
- Bexley Selection 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 Bexley Selection Tests
Bexley grammar schools use GL papers in maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
| Stage | Paper | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selection Tests | English & Maths | 50 | 60 minutes |
| Selection Tests | Verbal & Non-verbal | 50 | 60 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 Bexley Selection 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 “hesitate” mean?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, to pause before doing something because you are unsure
How to work it out
- “Hesitate” (verb) means to pause before doing something because you are unsure.
- For example: She hesitated at the edge of the diving board.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
Which word is closest in meaning to “frail”?
Show the worked answer
Answer: B, feeble
How to work it out
“feeble” has a similar meaning to “frail”.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
The first figure changes into the second. Which option changes the third figure in the same way?
?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D
How to work it out
- The figure turns 180°, and then turns 90° clockwise.
- Apply both changes to the third figure.
Other selective schools in Bexley
Questions parents ask
What entrance test does Townley Grammar School use?
Townley Grammar School uses the Bexley Selection 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 Townley 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 Townley 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 Townley 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 Townley Grammar School. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.