Everything you need to know about grammar school entry — from exam types and local schools to a year-by-year preparation plan. And if you have questions, our team offers a free 11+ consultation to every family.

Not sure where to start? Book a free session with our expert tutors. We’ll assess your child’s current level, identify the right schools and tests, and create a personalised preparation plan — at no cost to you.

Edmonton, Enfield  |  Co-educational  |  ~4 miles

A highly regarded co-educational grammar school. E17 postcodes are in its catchment area, so Walthamstow children are eligible to apply. 192 Year 7 places.

• Own bespoke 11+ test
• Registration: 17 Mar – 2 Jun 2026
• Test date: Early September 2026
• Results: Mid-October 2026
• CAF deadline: 31 October 2026

Woodford Green, Redbridge  |  Girls only  |  ~4 miles

Selective girls’ grammar, consistently among the top schools nationally. Entry via the joint Redbridge 11+ test.

• Redbridge 11+ (GL Assessment)
• Pass mark: 104 standardised score
• Registration: 1 May – 15 Jun 2026
• Test date: 18 September 2026
• CAF deadline: 31 October 2026

Ilford, Redbridge  |  Boys only  |  ~5 miles

Selective boys’ grammar, one of the most oversubscribed schools in London. Entry via the same Redbridge 11+ test as Woodford County High.

• Redbridge 11+ (GL Assessment)
• Pass mark: 104 standardised score
• Registration: 1 May – 15 Jun 2026
• Test date: 18 September 2026
• CAF deadline: 31 October 2026

Used by Woodford County High and Ilford County High via the joint Redbridge 11+. Four separate timed papers:

• English — reading, grammar, vocabulary (~50 questions)
• Mathematics — arithmetic, algebra, geometry (~50 questions)
• Verbal Reasoning — word patterns, analogies, codes (~80 questions)
• Non-Verbal Reasoning — shapes, sequences, spatial logic (~80 questions)

A bespoke test unique to The Latymer School covering the same four subjects. Past papers are not publicly available, making expert tuition especially valuable.

For families willing to travel. 10 Essex grammar schools share one test (English & Verbal Reasoning + Maths & Non-Verbal Reasoning). Qualifying score: 303+. Registration: 12 May – 19 Jun 2026. Test: 19 Sep 2026.

The most successful candidates start 12–18 months before the exam. Starting in Year 4 gives your child time to build skills without pressure.

Build foundations. Read widely every day — fiction and non-fiction. Master times tables to 12×12. No formal 11+ prep yet.

Begin light structured prep from the autumn term. Around 20–30 minutes, 3–4 times a week. Introduce all four 11+ subjects through gentle familiarisation — no time pressure yet.

Ramp up to full-length timed practice. Introduce mock exams from mid-Year 5. Aim for 30–45 minutes daily. Research schools, attend open days, and register for tests (deadlines are typically May–June).

The 11+ takes place in September of Year 6. Focus on exam technique, timing, and staying calm under pressure. Submit your Common Application Form by 31 October.

• Read every day. Wide reading — fiction, non-fiction, newspapers — builds the vocabulary and comprehension skills that underpin every part of the 11+.
• Little and often. 20–30 minutes four times a week beats a 2-hour session once a week. Consistency builds real confidence.
• Familiarise before timing. Let your child understand the question types before introducing time pressure.
• Sit mock exams. Mock exams build stamina, reduce anxiety, and identify weak areas before the real test day.
• Focus on Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. These are rarely taught in school — they need the most dedicated practice time.
• Keep it positive. Praise effort, not just results. A supported child will consistently outperform a pressured one.
• Visit schools. Attend open days so your child can picture themselves there — motivation matters enormously.

We have supported many local families through the 11+ journey and know exactly what these schools are looking for.

• All four 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
• Tailored study material aligned to your target schools
• Regular mock exams with detailed written feedback
• Face-to-face sessions at Walthamstow Academy — Saturdays & Sundays
• Small groups and one-to-one options available
• Structured programmes starting as early as Year 4
• OFSTED-registered, local to Higham Hill and Walthamstow

Ideally in Year 4 or early Year 5 — giving 12 to 18 months. Starting in Year 4 allows steady, stress-free progress. Year 5 is still very achievable with the right support.

Yes. Your child can register independently for multiple schools’ tests. The Latymer test and the Redbridge 11+ (covering both Woodford County High and Ilford County High) are separate registrations with separate test dates.

For the Redbridge 11+, the qualifying score is 104 (standardised). For The Latymer School, the top 700 applicants are deemed selective — only those are considered for the 192 places available.

For The Latymer School, yes — your child must be in the Inner Area, which explicitly includes E17 (Walthamstow). For Redbridge grammar schools there is no strict catchment, but distance can be used as a tiebreaker once the selective threshold is met.

The 11+ is not the only route to a great education. The skills, confidence, and study habits built through 11+ preparation will benefit your child throughout their entire education — whatever the outcome.

Our tutors will give you a personalised roadmap for your child — completely free. No obligation.