Redbridge 11+ Guide (2027 Entry): Complete Parent Guide
The Redbridge 11+ is the entrance exam used for grammar school admission in the London Borough of Redbridge.
Unlike larger 11+ areas such as Kent, Buckinghamshire or Trafford, Redbridge has a more focused grammar school system, with the test used for entry to just two selective schools:
- Ilford County High School for Boys
- Woodford County High School for Girls
For families in East London and surrounding areas, the Redbridge 11+ can offer an academically selective state school route, and may be considered alongside independent school options or other London grammar school exams.
If your child is preparing for the Redbridge 11+ for 2027 entry, understanding the format, key dates, catchment rules and preparation process is essential.
In this guide, we cover:
- What the Redbridge 11+ is
- Which schools use it
- Key dates for 2027 entry
- Catchment and eligibility
- Exam format and subjects
- How scoring works
- Whether passing guarantees a place
- How to prepare effectively
What Is the Redbridge 11+?
The Redbridge 11+ is the selective entrance test used to help decide which children are offered places at Redbridge’s grammar schools.
Children register for the test in Year 5 and sit the exam in Year 6, ahead of entry into Year 7 the following September.
The test is provided by GL Assessment and is designed to assess a child’s ability across English, verbal reasoning, mathematics and non-verbal reasoning.
As with other 11+ exams, the Redbridge 11+ is not simply a test of school knowledge. It also assesses reasoning ability, speed, accuracy and confidence under timed conditions.
Which Schools Use the Redbridge 11+?
The Redbridge 11+ is used for entry to two grammar schools:
Ilford County High School for Boys
Ilford County High School is a selective boys’ grammar school in Barkingside, Ilford. It is one of London’s long-established state grammar schools and admits boys into Year 7 through the Redbridge 11+ selection process.
Woodford County High School for Girls
Woodford County High School is a selective girls’ grammar school in Woodford Green. Like Ilford County, it uses the Redbridge 11+ as part of its Year 7 admissions process.
Because there are only two grammar schools in Redbridge, competition for places is high.
Redbridge 11+ Key Dates for 2027 Entry
For 2027 entry, the key dates are:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration opens | 1 May 2026 |
| Registration closes | 5pm on Monday 15 June 2026 |
| Special arrangements deadline | 15 June 2026 |
| Invitation and photo ID form sent | Start of September 2026 |
| Redbridge 11+ test date | Friday 18 September 2026 |
| Results released | Middle of October 2026 |
| CAF deadline | 31 October 2026 |
| National Offer Day | 1 March 2027 |
Parents must register within the published window. If a child requires special arrangements, these must also be requested during registration and supported by the necessary documentation.
Catchment and Eligibility
One of the most important parts of the Redbridge 11+ process is the common catchment area.
Before registering, families should check whether their address falls within the Redbridge 11+ common catchment area. Redbridge Council provides an online map where parents can select “education” and then “11+ common catchment area” to check their postcode.
This matters because your child must live within the blue-lined area shown on the map.
For Woodford County High School, pupils living in the common catchment area have priority in the allocation of places. The school states that places are only awarded outside the catchment area if there are not enough applicants within the common catchment area.
Parents should therefore treat catchment as a central part of the admissions process, not a minor detail.
Redbridge 11+ Exam Format
The Redbridge 11+ is provided by GL Assessment and consists of two papers.
The two papers are:
- English and Verbal Reasoning
- Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning
The exact number of questions and timings can vary, but the test is multiple choice and designed to assess a range of academic and reasoning skills.
Paper 1: English and Verbal Reasoning
This paper assesses language-based skills.
It may include:
- reading comprehension
- vocabulary
- grammar
- spelling
- verbal reasoning
- word relationships
- codes and sequences
Children need to read accurately, understand meaning quickly and apply logic to language-based problems.
Strong vocabulary is particularly important, as verbal reasoning questions often depend on recognising relationships between words.
Paper 2: Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning
This paper assesses numerical and visual reasoning skills.
It may include:
- arithmetic
- problem solving
- numerical reasoning
- shape sequences
- rotations and reflections
- pattern recognition
- spatial reasoning
The maths content is broadly based on upper Key Stage 2 knowledge, but the questions often require children to apply skills quickly and accurately under time pressure.
Non-verbal reasoning can be especially unfamiliar because it is not usually taught directly in school.
What Makes the Redbridge 11+ Challenging?
The Redbridge 11+ is challenging for several reasons.
First, competition is high because only two grammar schools use the test.
Second, the exam includes reasoning sections that many children will not have encountered in normal schoolwork.
Third, children must perform under timed conditions and answer multiple-choice questions accurately.
For many pupils, the challenge is not one single subject, but the combination of:
- English
- maths
- verbal reasoning
- non-verbal reasoning
- speed
- accuracy
- exam confidence
This is why structured preparation can make a real difference.
How Is the Redbridge 11+ Scored?
The Redbridge 11+ uses standardised scoring.
This means raw marks are converted into standardised scores to help compare candidates fairly. Standardisation usually takes account of factors such as the child’s age and the performance of the wider cohort.
A child’s final score is then used as part of the admissions process for Ilford County High School or Woodford County High School.
For a full explanation of standardised scoring, see our guide:
What is an SAS Score? Understanding Standardised Scores in the 11+ and ISEB Pre-test
Does Passing the Redbridge 11+ Guarantee a Place?
No. Performing well in the Redbridge 11+ does not automatically guarantee a place.
Schools still apply their published admissions arrangements. These may include:
- score
- catchment
- looked-after and previously looked-after children
- pupil premium criteria
- distance from school
- tie-break rules
For example, Woodford County High School states that its Year 7 places are offered according to score order among girls living in the common catchment area, subject to the school’s published oversubscription criteria.
This means that families should not think of the Redbridge 11+ as a simple “pass or fail” process. A strong score matters, but so do address, school preference order and the admissions rules for each school.
Redbridge 11+ as an Alternative to London Independent Schools
One of the reasons the Redbridge 11+ is interesting is its position within London.
For families considering academically selective education, Redbridge offers a state grammar school route that may be considered alongside:
- London independent school 11+ exams
- other grammar school areas
- selective state schools in neighbouring boroughs
This gives Redbridge a distinct place in the London admissions landscape.
However, the process is also highly competitive. With only two grammar schools and clear catchment considerations, families need to understand the admissions rules carefully before making plans.
Redbridge 11+ vs Other 11+ Exams
The Redbridge 11+ shares similarities with other GL-style assessments, but there are also important differences.
| Redbridge 11+ | Other 11+ Areas |
| Used by two grammar schools | Some areas cover many schools |
| GL Assessment test | Provider varies by region |
| Two papers | Format varies |
| Strong catchment importance | Catchment rules vary |
| London grammar school route | County-wide or consortium systems elsewhere |
Compared with Kent, Buckinghamshire or Trafford, the Redbridge system is smaller and more focused. That can make the process easier to understand in one sense, but competition for the limited number of places remains significant.
How to Prepare for the Redbridge 11+
Preparation should be balanced across all four areas of the test: English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
1. Build Strong English Skills
Children should practise:
- reading comprehension
- vocabulary
- grammar
- spelling
- punctuation
Regular reading is one of the most effective ways to build vocabulary and comprehension confidence over time.
2. Strengthen Maths Foundations
The maths section rewards pupils who are accurate, fluent and confident with problem solving.
Useful areas to practise include:
- arithmetic
- fractions, decimals and percentages
- measurement
- geometry
- worded problems
- numerical reasoning
Children should be comfortable applying familiar maths in unfamiliar ways.
3. Practise Verbal Reasoning
Verbal reasoning can feel unusual at first because many question types are not taught directly in school.
Children should practise:
- word relationships
- synonyms and antonyms
- letter and number codes
- sequences
- logic-based word problems
A strong vocabulary can make a significant difference.
4. Practise Non-Verbal Reasoning
Non-verbal reasoning tests visual problem-solving.
Children should become familiar with:
- shape sequences
- rotations
- reflections
- odd-one-out questions
- pattern completion
- spatial reasoning
These question types often improve with regular exposure and review.
5. Work Under Timed Conditions
Timing is one of the biggest challenges in the 11+.
Children need to practise:
- working at pace
- moving on from difficult questions
- using multiple-choice answer sheets
- maintaining focus across both papers
Timed mock exams are particularly useful for building stamina and confidence.
Redbridge 11+ Practice Tests
At White Dot Education, we provide realistic Redbridge 11+ practice tests designed to help children prepare for the structure and style of the exam.
Our Redbridge practice tests help pupils build confidence across:
- English
- verbal reasoning
- mathematics
- non-verbal reasoning
Students can sit full mock exams online, receive instant feedback and track progress over time.
Explore Redbridge 11+ practice tests here.
Common Mistakes Parents Make
Ignoring the Catchment Area
Before investing heavily in preparation, families should confirm whether they live within the Redbridge 11+ common catchment area.
Leaving Reasoning Too Late
Verbal and non-verbal reasoning skills take time to develop. Short bursts of practice close to the exam are rarely enough.
Focusing Only on Maths and English
Maths and English are important, but reasoning makes up a significant part of the test.
Forgetting the CAF Deadline
The 11+ test is only part of the admissions process. Parents still need to submit the Common Application Form by the national deadline.
Assuming a Good Score Guarantees a Place
A strong score is important, but admissions criteria and catchment rules also matter.
Final Thoughts
The Redbridge 11+ is a focused but competitive grammar school entrance exam used for entry to Ilford County High School for Boys and Woodford County High School for Girls.
For 2027 entry, families should pay close attention to:
- the May–June registration window
- the Friday 18 September 2026 test date
- the GL Assessment format
- the two-paper structure
- the common catchment area
- each school’s admissions policy
The most effective preparation combines strong academic foundations, regular reasoning practice and timed mock exams.
With a clear understanding of the process and consistent preparation, children can approach the Redbridge 11+ with greater confidence.
