Redbridge 11+ Guide for Parents
The Redbridge 11+ test is the selection test used for the two grammar schools in the London Borough of Redbridge: Ilford County High School for Boys and Woodford County High School for Girls.
This guide explains which schools use the Redbridge 11+, what the test assesses, how the common catchment area affects admissions, and how to use the Scholars Tutorial online platform and printed paper sets to prepare effectively.
What Is the Redbridge 11+?
The Redbridge 11+ is the selective entrance test for grammar school entry in Redbridge.
Children who want to be considered for either Redbridge grammar school must register for and sit the Redbridge 11+ test. Passing the test or achieving a high score does not automatically guarantee a place, because grammar school offers are made according to the published admissions criteria.
Redbridge Council advises parents to discuss with their child’s primary school headteacher whether a selective grammar school education would be appropriate before registering for the 11+ test.
Which Grammar Schools Use the Redbridge 11+?
Redbridge has two grammar schools. Both use the Redbridge 11+ selection test.
| Redbridge Grammar School | School Type | Entrance Route |
|---|---|---|
| Ilford County High School for Boys | Boys’ grammar school | Redbridge 11+ test |
| Woodford County High School for Girls | Girls’ grammar school | Redbridge 11+ test |
Parents should read the admissions information for both schools before applying. Although the test is shared, school places are still allocated according to the formal Redbridge admissions criteria.
Who Provides the Redbridge 11+ Test?
The Redbridge 11+ test is provided by GL Assessment.
Redbridge Council also warns that the 11+ test can vary between areas. Free familiarisation materials can help children understand the style of questions, but they may not match the exact Redbridge test in number of questions, question types or difficulty.
What Does the Redbridge 11+ Assess?
The Redbridge 11+ consists of two papers:
- English and Verbal Reasoning
- Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning
In practical preparation terms, pupils should build confidence across:
- English comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Spelling, punctuation and grammar
- Verbal Reasoning
- Maths arithmetic
- Maths word problems
- Numerical reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Shape patterns and sequences
- Spatial and visual reasoning
- Multiple-choice technique
- Working accurately under timed conditions
Redbridge 11+ Test Format
The Redbridge 11+ test has two papers. One paper combines English and Verbal Reasoning, and the other combines Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
| Paper | Main Areas | Preparation Focus |
|---|---|---|
| English and Verbal Reasoning | English comprehension, language accuracy, vocabulary and verbal problem solving | Reading comprehension, inference, vocabulary, SPAG, synonyms, antonyms, word relationships and VR question types. |
| Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning | Maths problem solving and visual reasoning | Arithmetic, word problems, fractions, decimals, percentages, geometry, NVR, shape patterns, sequences and spatial reasoning. |
Important Preparation Point
Redbridge preparation should be balanced across all four areas: English, Verbal Reasoning, Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Pupils should not prepare only with Maths papers or only with English comprehension papers.
Common Catchment Area
Redbridge grammar schools have a Common Catchment Area. Parents should check the official Redbridge map for the current catchment boundary before registering or applying.
The published Redbridge admissions arrangements explain that if parents live outside the Common Catchment Area, consideration for a place is given after requests from children within the Common Catchment Area have been met.
Redbridge also advises that only children living in the Common Catchment Area have been admitted to the grammar schools in recent years. This means location is very important, even if a child performs strongly in the test.
Registration, Photo ID and Test Attendance
Parents must register their child for the Redbridge 11+ test within the official registration window for the relevant admissions year.
Redbridge Council makes clear that no late registrations are accepted. Parents are responsible for finding out how to register and ensuring the registration has been completed on time.
Children must bring the required photo ID form to the test. If a child arrives without the correct identification, they may not be allowed to sit the test and further arrangements may not be made.
Redbridge also warns that if a child misses the Redbridge test because they are taking another grammar school entrance test on the same day, Redbridge cannot offer a different test date for that reason.
Access Arrangements and Medical Needs
If a child needs special arrangements for tests such as SATs, parents should declare this during the Redbridge 11+ registration process.
Parents may need to provide information from the child’s primary school, such as a care plan or evidence of the child’s usual test setting, so the correct support and environment can be considered.
Access-arrangement requests are time-sensitive. Parents should check the current Redbridge deadline and raise any needs early.
School Application Is Separate from Test Registration
Registering for the Redbridge 11+ test is not the same as applying for a grammar school place.
Parents must also complete the formal secondary school application through the normal Common Application Form process and list the grammar school as a preference.
Redbridge Council states that, to be offered a place at a grammar school, the child must meet the admissions criteria and pass the 11+ exam.
Scores, Thresholds and Offers
Redbridge provides parents with advice about the child’s overall position before the secondary preference deadline, but this is not a guarantee of any offer.
The formal admissions arrangements may include a minimum threshold score and ranking by total standardised score. Because score thresholds and admissions rules can change, parents should check the current admissions arrangements for the year of entry.
If more children qualify than there are places available, the published oversubscription criteria are applied. This can include catchment, Pupil Premium priority, score ranking, looked-after or previously looked-after child priority, distance and tie-break rules.
Scholars Tutorial Preparation Route for Redbridge
On the Scholars Tutorial platform, Redbridge preparation should focus on English, Verbal Reasoning, Mathematics, Non-Verbal Reasoning, vocabulary, SPAG and mixed exam-style practice.
Recommended Scholars Tutorial Online Route
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ English
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths : Word Problems
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ VR
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ NVR
- 11+ Mock Exams → 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE
- 11+ Mock Exams → 11+ SPAG
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced VOCAB
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced English, for stronger pupils
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced Maths, for stronger pupils
The Scholars Tutorial 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE mixed sets are useful because they combine:
- English + Verbal Reasoning
- Maths + Non-Verbal Reasoning
This mirrors the Redbridge paper structure of English with Verbal Reasoning and Mathematics with Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Scholars Tutorial Online Categories
Scholars Tutorial organises 11+ preparation into clear categories. For Redbridge, the most relevant areas are Core Subjects, Mock Exams, Foundation and selected Advanced practice.
11+ Core Subjects
- 11+ English
- 11+ Maths
- 11+ Maths : Word Problems
- 11+ VR
- 11+ NVR
11+ Mock Exams
- 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE — useful for mixed English + VR and Maths + NVR practice.
- 11+ SPAG — useful for English accuracy, vocabulary and language confidence.
11+ Foundation
- 11+ Foundation English
- 11+ Foundation Maths
- 11+ Foundation VR
11+ Advanced
- 11+ Advanced English
- 11+ Advanced Maths
- 11+ Advanced VOCAB
- 11+ Advanced SPAG
English and Vocabulary Preparation
English is tested alongside Verbal Reasoning. Pupils should build strong reading accuracy, vocabulary and language knowledge.
Your child should practise:
- Reading comprehension
- Inference
- Retrieving information from a passage
- Vocabulary in context
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Spelling accuracy
- Grammar and punctuation
- Sentence structure
- Careful reading of instructions
- Multiple-choice English questions
Useful Scholars Tutorial subjects include:
- 11+ English
- 11+ SPAG
- 11+ Advanced VOCAB
- 11+ Advanced English
Verbal Reasoning Preparation
Verbal Reasoning tests how pupils work with words, meanings, patterns and logic.
Your child should practise:
- Word relationships
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Letter codes
- Word codes
- Compound words
- Hidden words
- Logical word sequences
- Vocabulary-based reasoning
Useful Scholars Tutorial subjects include:
- 11+ VR
- 11+ Foundation VR
- 11+ Advanced VOCAB
- 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE mixed sets
Maths Preparation for Redbridge
Mathematics is tested alongside Non-Verbal Reasoning. Pupils should practise both arithmetic and problem solving.
Your child should practise:
- Times tables and mental maths
- Written calculations
- Fractions
- Decimals
- Percentages
- Ratio and proportion
- Measurement
- Geometry
- Statistics and data handling
- Algebra basics
- Number patterns
- Word problems
- Multi-step reasoning
- Checking calculations
Useful Scholars Tutorial subjects include:
- 11+ Maths
- 11+ Maths : Word Problems
- 11+ Foundation Maths
- 11+ Advanced Maths
Non-Verbal Reasoning Preparation
Non-Verbal Reasoning assesses visual logic, pattern recognition and problem solving.
Your child should practise:
- Shape patterns
- Sequences
- Matrices
- Odd-one-out questions
- Rotation
- Reflection
- Symmetry
- 2D and 3D shape reasoning
- Spatial awareness
- Visual problem solving
Useful Scholars Tutorial subjects include:
- 11+ NVR
- 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE mixed sets
Printed Paper Sets for Redbridge 11+ Preparation
Printed paper sets are useful because they help pupils practise concentration, timing, answer selection and full-paper discipline.
Useful Scholars Tutorial printed paper sets include:
- 11+ Mixed Practice Papers
- 11+ English Practice Papers
- 11+ Maths Practice Papers
- 11+ Maths : Word Problems Practice Papers
- 11+ Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers
- 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers
- 11+ SPAG Practice Papers
- 11+ Foundation English Practice Papers
- 11+ Foundation Maths Practice Papers
- 11+ Foundation Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers
- 11+ Advanced English Practice Papers
- 11+ Advanced Maths Practice Papers
- 11+ Advanced VOCAB Practice Papers
For Redbridge, mixed papers are particularly useful because the test structure combines English with Verbal Reasoning and Mathematics with Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Multiple Choice Format and Answer Technique
Redbridge 11+ preparation should include regular multiple-choice practice because pupils need to work accurately through answer options under time pressure.
Scholars Tutorial printed paper sets support Multiple Choice Format practice.
This helps pupils learn how to:
- read each question carefully
- identify key information
- use rough working effectively
- eliminate incorrect options
- avoid rushing
- check calculations and reasoning
- mark answers accurately
- manage time across two mixed papers
Suggested Weekly Redbridge 11+ Preparation Plan
A balanced weekly plan could include:
- 2 days per week: English comprehension, vocabulary or SPAG
- 1 to 2 days per week: Verbal Reasoning
- 2 days per week: Maths or word problems
- 1 day per week: Non-Verbal Reasoning
- 1 day per week: mixed practice, printed paper practice or mistake review
Pupils closer to the test can gradually increase timed practice and printed paper work. Pupils still building foundations should use shorter, focused sessions.
Common Redbridge 11+ Preparation Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Preparing only for English and Maths while ignoring reasoning
- Leaving Non-Verbal Reasoning until the final weeks
- Ignoring vocabulary development
- Doing papers without reviewing mistakes
- Starting timed work before the child understands the question types
- Focusing only on speed instead of accuracy
- Missing the registration deadline
- Forgetting the required photo ID form on test day
- Assuming a clash with another 11+ test will lead to an alternative Redbridge date
- Forgetting that the school application is separate from test registration
- Ignoring the Common Catchment Area
- Assuming a high score guarantees a place at a specific grammar school
How Parents Can Support at Home
Parents can make Redbridge preparation more effective by keeping it balanced and by checking admissions details early.
Helpful habits include:
- Check the Common Catchment Area before registering or applying
- Read the latest Redbridge admissions arrangements
- Register for the 11+ test within the official window
- Prepare the required photo ID form for test day
- Encourage daily reading and vocabulary discussion
- Practise mental maths and word problems regularly
- Practise Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning consistently
- Review mistakes after each test
- Use online practice to target gaps
- Use printed papers for exam discipline
- Submit the Local Authority secondary application separately
- Focus on confidence as well as scores
Frequently Asked Questions
Which schools use the Redbridge 11+?
The Redbridge 11+ is used for Ilford County High School for Boys and Woodford County High School for Girls.
Who provides the Redbridge 11+ test?
The test is provided by GL Assessment.
What papers are in the Redbridge 11+?
The Redbridge 11+ consists of two papers: English and Verbal Reasoning, and Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Does Redbridge have a common catchment area?
Yes. The two Redbridge grammar schools have a Common Catchment Area. Parents should check the current Redbridge catchment map before registering or applying.
Can children outside the catchment area apply?
The published admissions arrangements explain that children outside the Common Catchment Area are considered after requests from those within the Common Catchment Area have been met. Parents should check the current admissions arrangements carefully.
Is registering for the Redbridge 11+ the same as applying for a school place?
No. Parents must register for the 11+ test and also complete the formal secondary school application process.
What should children bring on test day?
Parents should follow the current Redbridge test-day instructions. Redbridge Council requires the completed 11+ photo ID form, and children without the correct identification may not be allowed to sit the test.
Will Redbridge offer another date if the test clashes with another grammar school exam?
Redbridge Council states that it cannot offer a different test date if a child misses the Redbridge test because they are taking another entrance test on the same day.
Which Scholars Tutorial subjects are best for Redbridge preparation?
Useful subjects include 11+ English, 11+ Maths, 11+ Maths : Word Problems, 11+ VR, 11+ NVR, 11+ SPAG, 11+ Advanced VOCAB and 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE mixed sets.
Are printed paper sets useful for Redbridge 11+ preparation?
Yes. Printed paper sets help pupils practise English, Maths, VR, NVR, multiple-choice technique, timing and full-paper discipline. They work best when combined with online topic practice.
Final Advice
Redbridge 11+ preparation should be balanced across English, Verbal Reasoning, Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Pupils should build strong comprehension, vocabulary, SPAG, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning and multiple-choice skills, supported by regular mistake review.
Parents should also pay close attention to the Common Catchment Area, registration rules, photo ID requirements and the separate secondary school application process.
The Scholars Tutorial online platform helps pupils strengthen these areas through organised subject categories, while printed paper sets help children practise with realistic exam discipline.
For Redbridge preparation, the 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE mixed sets under 11+ Mock Exams are useful because they combine English with Verbal Reasoning and Maths with Non-Verbal Reasoning.
By combining online practice, printed paper sets, timed work, careful mistake review and up-to-date admissions checking, pupils can build the confidence and accuracy needed for the Redbridge 11+.