Townley Grammar School 11+ Test & Preparation Guide
Townley Grammar School is a selective girls’ grammar school in Bexley. For Year 7 entry, pupils are considered through the Bexley Selection Test, the same 11+ test used across Bexley’s grammar schools.
This guide explains the Townley Grammar School 11+ test route, what the Bexley Selection Test assesses, and how parents can use Scholars Tutorial online subjects and printed paper sets to prepare effectively.
What Is the Townley Grammar School 11+ Test?
Townley Grammar School uses the Bexley Selection Test for Year 7 grammar school selection. Children who want to be considered for Townley must take the Bexley Selection Test and achieve the selective standard.
The Bexley Selection Test is commonly known as the 11 Plus because pupils normally take it at the start of Year 6 for secondary school entry the following year.
Achieving the selective standard makes a child eligible to be considered for a Bexley grammar school place. It does not by itself guarantee a place at Townley Grammar School.
Which Test Does Townley Grammar School Use?
Townley Grammar School is one of the four Bexley grammar schools that use a single shared selection test.
| School | School type | 11+ test used |
|---|---|---|
| Townley Grammar School | Girls’ grammar school | Bexley Selection Test |
A child who is preparing for Townley should therefore prepare for the Bexley test structure rather than a separate Townley-only paper.
Who Provides the Bexley Selection Test?
The Bexley Selection Test provider is Quest Assessments.
This is important because families should avoid relying on outdated Bexley 11+ assumptions or generic test-provider labels. Preparation should match the current Bexley assessment areas: verbal ability and English comprehension, numerical reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
What Does the Townley Grammar School 11+ Assess?
Because Townley uses the Bexley Selection Test, preparation should cover the following official assessment areas:
- Verbal ability and English comprehension
- Numerical reasoning
- Non-verbal reasoning
In practical preparation terms, pupils should build confidence across:
- English comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Verbal Reasoning
- Grammar, punctuation and spelling
- Maths arithmetic
- Numerical reasoning
- Maths word problems
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Pattern recognition
- Multiple-choice technique
- Working accurately under timed conditions
Townley Grammar School 11+ Test Format
The Bexley Selection Test consists of two test papers. Both papers are taken in the same test session.
The papers contain timed sections and most questions are multiple choice. Answers are marked on a separate machine-readable answer sheet.
Important Preparation Point
Townley preparation should be balanced. Pupils need strong English comprehension and vocabulary, but they must also practise Maths, numerical reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning consistently.
Scoring and Selective Standard
The Bexley Selection Test uses a total weighted age-standardised score to decide whether a child meets the selective standard.
The score weighting is:
- 50% verbal ability
- 25% numerical ability
- 25% non-verbal ability
For preparation, this means verbal ability and English comprehension deserve particular attention, while Maths and Non-Verbal Reasoning still need regular weekly practice.
Is There Creative Writing in the Townley 11+?
The official Bexley Selection Test information describes verbal ability and English comprehension, numerical reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. It does not describe a Creative Writing paper as part of the Bexley Selection Test.
Creative Writing is therefore not a core Townley 11+ preparation area. Pupils should focus on comprehension, vocabulary, Verbal Reasoning, Maths, numerical reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning instead.
Scholars Tutorial Preparation Route for Townley Grammar School
On the Scholars Tutorial platform, Townley Grammar School preparation should follow the Bexley route: English comprehension, vocabulary, Verbal Reasoning, Maths, word problems, numerical reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Recommended Scholars Tutorial Online Route
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ English
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ VR
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths : Word Problems
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ NVR
- 11+ Mock Exams → 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE
- 11+ Mock Exams → 11+ SPAG
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced VOCAB
The Scholars Tutorial 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE mixed sets are useful as broader mixed practice because they combine English and reasoning skills with Maths and Non-Verbal Reasoning practice. They should be used to support the verified Bexley subjects rather than to imply a different test provider.
Scholars Tutorial Online Categories
Scholars Tutorial organises 11+ preparation into clear public categories. For Townley Grammar School, the most relevant areas are Core Subjects, Mock Exams, Foundation and selected Advanced practice.
11+ Core Subjects
These are essential for Townley preparation.
- 11+ English
- 11+ VR
- 11+ Maths
- 11+ Maths : Word Problems
- 11+ NVR
11+ Mock Exams
This category supports mixed exam-pattern practice and language accuracy.
- 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE — broader mixed GL-style, CEM-style and ISEB-style practice.
- 11+ SPAG — spelling, punctuation, grammar and language accuracy practice.
11+ Foundation
Foundation subjects are useful for pupils who need to strengthen basics before harder practice.
- 11+ Foundation English
- 11+ Foundation Maths
- 11+ Foundation VR
11+ Advanced
Advanced subjects are useful for pupils who need extra challenge.
- 11+ Advanced English
- 11+ Advanced Maths
- 11+ Advanced VOCAB
- 11+ Advanced SPAG
English Comprehension and Vocabulary Preparation
Verbal ability and English comprehension carry the largest weighting in the Bexley Selection Test. Townley candidates should build strong reading, vocabulary and reasoning skills.
Your child should practise:
- Reading comprehension
- Inference
- Retrieving information from a passage
- Vocabulary in context
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Word meanings
- Understanding question wording
- Eliminating incorrect answer choices
- Working quickly but accurately
Useful Scholars Tutorial subjects include:
- 11+ English
- 11+ Advanced VOCAB
- 11+ SPAG
- 11+ Advanced English, for stronger pupils
Verbal Reasoning Preparation
Verbal Reasoning supports the verbal ability part of the Townley 11+ route. It tests how well pupils can 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 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 and Numerical Reasoning Preparation
Numerical reasoning requires pupils to solve mathematical problems accurately and efficiently. Questions may be based on familiar primary school Maths but require careful reasoning under time pressure.
Your child should practise:
- Times tables and mental maths
- Written calculations
- Fractions
- Decimals
- Percentages
- Ratio and proportion
- Measurement
- Geometry
- Data handling
- 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, for stronger pupils
Non-Verbal Reasoning Preparation
Non-Verbal Reasoning assesses a child’s ability to recognise patterns, understand visual relationships and make logical deductions from shapes and diagrams.
Your child should practise:
- Shape patterns
- Sequences
- Matrices
- Odd-one-out questions
- Rotation
- Reflection
- Symmetry
- Spatial reasoning
- Visual problem solving
Useful Scholars Tutorial subjects include:
- 11+ NVR
- 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE mixed sets
SPAG Support for Townley Preparation
SPAG is not listed as a separate Bexley Selection Test paper, but it supports English accuracy, vocabulary awareness and careful reading.
Useful areas include:
- Spelling accuracy
- Grammar knowledge
- Punctuation rules
- Sentence structure
- Word classes
- Understanding how language works
Useful Scholars Tutorial subjects include:
- 11+ SPAG
- 11+ Advanced SPAG
- 11+ English
Printed Paper Sets for Townley Grammar School 11+ Preparation
Printed paper sets are useful because they help pupils practise concentration, timing, multiple-choice answer selection and full-paper discipline.
Useful Scholars Tutorial printed paper sets include:
- 11+ Mixed Practice Papers
- 11+ English Practice Papers
- 11+ Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers
- 11+ Maths Practice Papers
- 11+ Maths : Word Problems 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
- 11+ Advanced SPAG Practice Papers
Printed papers should be used alongside online practice. Online practice helps target weak areas, while printed papers help pupils apply skills in a realistic paper format.
Multiple Choice Format
The Bexley Selection Test is made up of timed sections, with most questions in multiple-choice format. Pupils need to solve questions accurately and mark answers carefully on the answer sheet.
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 answer choices accurately
- Manage time across timed sections
Suggested Weekly Townley 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 numerical reasoning
- 1 day per week: Non-Verbal Reasoning
- 1 day per week: Mixed practice, printed paper practice or mistake review
Pupils at an earlier stage should use shorter, topic-focused sessions. Pupils closer to the test can gradually increase timed mixed practice and printed paper work.
Common Townley 11+ Preparation Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Preparing for a separate Townley-only paper instead of the Bexley Selection Test
- Practising only Maths and ignoring verbal ability
- Leaving vocabulary development too late
- Ignoring English comprehension
- Leaving Non-Verbal Reasoning until the final weeks
- Doing papers without reviewing mistakes
- Starting timed work before the child understands the question types
- Focusing only on speed instead of accuracy
- Not practising answer-sheet accuracy
- Assuming that a selective result automatically guarantees a Townley place
How Parents Can Support at Home
Parents can make Townley Grammar School 11+ preparation more effective by keeping it steady, calm and balanced.
Helpful habits include:
- Check the current Bexley Selection Test registration guidance
- Read the current Townley Grammar School Year 7 admissions information
- Encourage daily reading and vocabulary discussion
- Practise mental maths regularly
- Review mistakes after each test
- Keep a notebook of weak topics
- Use online practice to target gaps
- Use printed papers for exam discipline
- Practise VR and NVR consistently
- Avoid last-minute cramming
- Focus on confidence as well as scores
Frequently Asked Questions
What 11+ test does Townley Grammar School use?
Townley Grammar School uses the Bexley Selection Test for Year 7 grammar school selection.
Is Townley Grammar School a girls’ grammar school?
Yes. Townley Grammar School is a girls’ grammar school in Bexley.
Who provides the Bexley Selection Test?
The Bexley Selection Test provider is Quest Assessments.
What does the Townley 11+ assess?
The test assesses verbal ability and English comprehension, numerical reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
How many papers are in the Townley 11+ route?
Because Townley uses the Bexley Selection Test, pupils take two test papers in the same session. The papers contain timed sections and most questions are multiple choice.
How is the Bexley Selection Test weighted?
The total weighted age-standardised score uses 50% verbal ability, 25% numerical ability and 25% non-verbal ability.
Does Townley Grammar School have Creative Writing in the 11+?
The official Bexley Selection Test information does not describe a Creative Writing paper. Creative Writing should not be treated as a core Townley 11+ preparation area.
Which Scholars Tutorial subjects are best for Townley preparation?
Useful subjects include 11+ English, 11+ VR, 11+ Maths, 11+ Maths : Word Problems, 11+ NVR, 11+ SPAG, 11+ Advanced VOCAB and 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE mixed sets.
Are printed paper sets useful for Townley Grammar School 11+ preparation?
Yes. Printed paper sets help pupils practise multiple-choice technique, timed sections, concentration and full-paper discipline. They work best when combined with online topic practice and careful mistake review.
Final Advice
Townley Grammar School 11+ preparation should follow the Bexley Selection Test route. The core areas are verbal ability and English comprehension, numerical reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
Pupils should build strong vocabulary, comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, Maths, word problem, Non-Verbal Reasoning, SPAG and multiple-choice skills, supported by regular mistake review.
The Scholars Tutorial online platform helps pupils strengthen these areas through organised public subject categories, while printed paper sets help children practise with realistic exam discipline.
For Townley Grammar School preparation, the 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE mixed sets under 11+ Mock Exams are useful broader mixed practice because they combine English with reasoning skills and Maths with Non-Verbal Reasoning.
By combining online practice, printed paper sets, timed work, careful mistake review and up-to-date official guidance, pupils can build the confidence and accuracy needed for the Bexley Selection Test.