The 11+ exam is one of the most significant academic milestones for students in Slough. With four prestigious grammar schools in the area — Langley Grammar, Herschel Grammar, St Bernard's Catholic Grammar, and Upton Court Grammar — competition is fierce and preparation is essential.
What is the 11+ exam?
The 11+ is a selective entrance examination used by grammar schools to identify academically able students. In Slough, schools use the GL Assessment format, which tests four areas: Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Mathematics, and English.
When should preparation begin?
We recommend starting structured preparation in Year 5 (age 9–10). This gives students 12–18 months to build skills gradually without pressure. Students who begin in Year 6 can still succeed, but the timeline is tighter and the preparation must be more intensive.
What does the exam cover?
Verbal Reasoning: 21 question types including word relationships, codes, and sequences
Non-Verbal Reasoning: Shapes, patterns, matrices, and spatial reasoning
Mathematics: Problem-solving, mental arithmetic, and applied maths
English: Comprehension, grammar, punctuation, and creative writing
How TopGrade prepares students
Our 11+ programme covers all four components systematically. We run weekly timed mock exams from six months before the exam date, and provide school-specific preparation for each of the four Slough grammar schools. Our 90% success rate speaks for itself.
Timeline for 2025–26
Registration: Typically opens in Spring of Year 6
Exam date: Usually September of Year 6
Results: October/November of Year 6
Secondary school applications: October 31st deadline
If your child is in Year 5 or early Year 6, now is the ideal time to begin preparation. Contact us for a free assessment.
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