Bexley 11+ Guide (2027 Entry): Everything Parents Need to Know
The Bexley 11+, officially known as the Bexley Selection Test, is the entrance exam used by grammar schools in the London Borough of Bexley for Year 7 entry.
Each year, thousands of pupils sit the test — including both in-borough and out-of-borough candidates — for a limited number of places, making it one of the most competitive 11+ exams in London.
If your child is preparing for the Bexley 11+ for 2027 entry, understanding the format, timeline and scoring system is key to preparing effectively.
In this guide, we cover:
- What the Bexley 11+ is
- Which schools use it
- Key dates for 2027 entry
- Exam format and structure
- How scoring works
- How competitive the test is
- How to prepare effectively
What Is the Bexley 11+?
The Bexley Selection Test is used by grammar schools in Bexley to determine whether a child is suitable for a selective education.
It is written by GL Assessment and is typically sat in Year 6.
Unlike independent school exams such as the ISEB Pre-Test, the Bexley 11+ is part of the state grammar school system, and results are used to determine whether a child is assessed as:
👉 Selective (grammar school suitable)
👉 or Non-selective
Which Schools Use the Bexley 11+?
The Bexley Selection Test is used by the four grammar schools in the borough:
- Beths Grammar School
- Bexley Grammar School
- Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School
- Townley Grammar School
These schools are consistently well-regarded academically and attract a large number of applicants each year.
Bexley 11+ Key Dates (2027 Entry)
The confirmed timeline for 2027 entry is:
Registration opens
1 March 2026
Registration deadline
31 March 2026
Bexley Selection Test
2–10 September 2026
(each child is allocated a specific date within this window)
Results released
October 2026 (exact date TBC)
CAF deadline
31 October 2026
National Offer Day
1 March 2027
Bexley 11+ Exam Format
The Bexley 11+ consists of two multiple-choice papers, taken in a single test session.
Each paper assesses different skill areas.
Paper 1: Verbal Ability & English
This paper typically includes:
- Reading comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Verbal reasoning (codes, sequences, relationships)
Children must be comfortable working with language quickly and accurately.
Paper 2: Numerical & Non-Verbal Reasoning
This paper assesses:
- Maths (arithmetic and problem solving)
- Non-verbal reasoning (patterns, shapes, sequences)
Strong problem-solving skills and visual reasoning are key.
What Makes the Bexley 11+ Challenging?
- Mixed subjects within each paper
- Strict time pressure
- Reasoning questions unfamiliar to many pupils
Many children find verbal and non-verbal reasoning particularly difficult without targeted preparation.
How Is the Bexley 11+ Scored?
The test uses standardised scoring, also known as a Standard Age Score (SAS).
Scores are adjusted based on:
- age
- test difficulty
- overall cohort performance
This ensures a fair comparison across all candidates.
👉 For a full explanation, see our SAS guide here.
What Is the Pass Mark?
Children are assessed as “selective” if they reach a certain threshold.
Typically:
👉 Around the top 25% of candidates are deemed selective
👉 This usually equates to a standardised score of around 121
However, this can vary slightly each year.
How Competitive Is the Bexley 11+?
Competition is high.
- Thousands of pupils sit the test each year
- Only a proportion achieve a selective score
- Grammar school places are limited
As with other 11+ exams:
👉 Passing the test does not guarantee a place
Admissions also depend on:
- school preferences
- distance from the school
- oversubscription criteria
How to Prepare for the Bexley 11+
Preparation should be consistent and structured.
1. Build Strong Foundations
Children should be confident in:
- maths fundamentals
- reading comprehension
- grammar and vocabulary
2. Practise Reasoning Skills
Reasoning is not heavily taught in schools.
Children need to:
- learn question types
- practise techniques
- develop speed and accuracy
3. Practise Under Timed Conditions
Timing is one of the biggest challenges.
Children should regularly practise:
- full papers
- mixed question sets
- working under pressure
Practising for the Bexley 11+
One of the most effective ways to prepare is through realistic mock exams.
At White Dot Education, we provide Bexley 11+ practice designed to mirror:
- real exam structure
- question difficulty
- timed conditions
Students can:
- sit full-length mock tests
- practise individual subjects
- receive instant feedback
- track progress over time
👉 Explore Bexley 11+ practice here.
Final Thoughts
The Bexley 11+ is a structured and competitive exam that plays a key role in grammar school admissions.
Success depends on:
- strong academic foundations
- familiarity with reasoning questions
- consistent practice
By understanding the format early and preparing effectively, children can approach the exam with confidence.
