Townley Grammar School 11+ Guide

A detailed look at Townley Grammar School including past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers.

About Townley Grammar School

Townley Grammar School is a selective secondary school in Bexley, London. For children to get into Townley Grammar School they need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Hence, Townley Grammar School is a traditional grammar school, one of only 163 remaining in England.

Nestled in the suburban haven of Bexleyheath, Townley Grammar School stands as a beacon of academic excellence for young women seeking an unparalleled educational experience. This prestigious selective girls' academy has carved a niche for itself by seamlessly blending a rigorous academic curriculum with a vibrant arts program, creating a unique learning environment that nurtures both intellectual prowess and creative expression.

All images © Townley Grammar School.
All images © Townley Grammar School.

At Townley, students embark on a transformative journey, guided by a dedicated faculty who are committed to unlocking the full potential of each individual. The school's comprehensive range of subjects at both GCSE and A-level allows students to explore their passions and cultivate their talents across various disciplines. From the intricate world of mathematics and computing to the expressive realms of performing and visual arts, Townley provides a well-rounded education that equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world.

All images © Townley Grammar School.
All images © Townley Grammar School.

Beyond the classroom, Townley Grammar School offers an array of extracurricular activities designed to enrich the lives of its students. Whether it's engaging in thought-provoking debates, showcasing their artistic prowess on stage, or collaborating with renowned institutions such as the Tate Modern and the Royal Ballet, students have ample opportunities to explore their interests and develop their skills. These experiences not only foster personal growth but also instill a sense of community and camaraderie among the student body.

Townley's commitment to excellence is evident in its outstanding Ofsted rating and the consistent achievement of its students in both GCSE and A-level examinations. The school's success is rooted in its unwavering dedication to its core values, which emphasize the development of intellectual curiosity, emotional resilience, and physical confidence. By cultivating a supportive and inclusive environment, Townley empowers its students to become confident, compassionate, and forward-thinking individuals who are ready to make a positive impact on the world.

Townley Grammar School is a girls-only grammar school.
Townley Grammar School is a girls-only grammar school.

School Information

Below you will find further information about Townley Grammar School together with their admissions contact details.

Address
Townley Grammar School,
Townley Road,
Bexleyheath,
Kent
DA6 7AB
School Website
Telephone 02083048311
Email Address admissions@townleygrammar.org.uk
Gender Girls only
Total Year 7 Places 224
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys) 1574 (1487 Girls / 87 Boys)
Headteacher Mrs Nevita Pandya

Townley Grammar School is a girls only school. It is also an academy, meaning the school is run independently by a trust or sponsor and is directly funded by the central government (not the local authority).

In total 1,574 pupils attend Townley Grammar School and it's led by the Headteacher, Mrs Nevita Pandya.

Townley Grammar School Location

Below you will find a map showing the school's location:

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at Townley Grammar School for the 2022-23 academic year.

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • Chemistry (222 pupils)
  • Physics (222 pupils)
  • English Language (222 pupils)
  • English Literature (222 pupils)
  • Biology (222 pupils)
  • Mathematics (222 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (219 pupils)
  • French (120 pupils)
  • Geography (116 pupils)
  • Classical Civilisation (90 pupils)
  • History (85 pupils)
  • Spanish (85 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (77 pupils)
  • Art & Design (56 pupils)
  • Design & Technology (55 pupils)
  • Drama & Theatre Studies (48 pupils)
  • Applied Engineering (40 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (27 pupils)
  • Dance (24 pupils)
  • German (16 pupils)
  • Music (15 pupils)
  • Latin (6 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Mathematics (116 pupils)
  • Chemistry (98 pupils)
  • Biology (94 pupils)
  • Sociology (66 pupils)
  • Economics (62 pupils)
  • English Literature (49 pupils)
  • Physics (38 pupils)
  • History (31 pupils)
  • Government and Politics (31 pupils)
  • Computer Studies / Computing (26 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (25 pupils)
  • Classical Civilisation (24 pupils)
  • Geography (15 pupils)
  • Design and Technology (Product Design) (14 pupils)
  • Art and Design (11 pupils)
  • Spanish (11 pupils)
  • Film Studies (11 pupils)
  • Mathematics (Further) (10 pupils)
  • French (7 pupils)

Bexley Selection Test 11+ Information

In order to get into Townley Grammar School, children need to pass the Bexley Selection Test 11+. This 11+ test is written by GL Assessment for use by the school's admissions process.

Bexley Selection Test 11+ Subjects & Structure

The Bexley Selection Test 11+ requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:

  • English Comprehension
  • Maths
  • Verbal Reasoning
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning

The Bexley Selection Test is the entrance examination for admission to Townley Grammar School. This rigorous assessment is designed to evaluate the academic potential of prospective students across a range of key subjects.

The test comprises two papers, each lasting one hour. These papers cover essential areas of learning, including English comprehension, mathematics, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. The questions in the Bexley Selection Test are presented in a multiple-choice format, allowing for efficient and standardized evaluation of the candidates' abilities.

Success in the Bexley Selection Test requires a solid foundation in the assessed subjects, as well as strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students who perform well in this examination demonstrate their readiness for the academically challenging environment provided by Townley Grammar School.

Other Schools using Bexley Selection Test 11+

As well as Townley Grammar School, several other schools also use Bexley Selection Test 11+. These are:

Bexley Selection Test 11+ Marking Process

The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Townley Grammar School is that only children with particularly high marks are admitted. Hence why it is important that children perform well in their 11+ papers.

Different schools (and different 11+ tests) have different marking processes. Some tests are marked in person, some remotely, while others utilise computer-based optical recognition technologies for quickly marking multiple-choice answer sheets.

Most 11+ tests are multiple-choice and marked electronically but still some remain that are marked by teachers or examiners.
Most 11+ tests are multiple-choice and marked electronically but still some remain that are marked by teachers or examiners.

Many 11+ tests are age-standardised to ensure younger children are not disadvantaged (i.e. their marks may be moderated depending on the month in which they were born). While creative writing papers can be used as tie-breakers, multiple-choice tests in Maths, Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning normally make up the bulk of a child's marks. The specific details and weightings can vary from year to year.

It's worth remembering that once children's 11+ tests are being marked, the admissions process is completely outside of the parents' control. Hence, parents should not worry themselves about whether their child has got a place!

Bexley Selection Test 11+ Pass Mark

The pass mark for the Bexley Selection Test 11+ changes every year and isn't generally made public knowledge. This is due to the academic strength of the children taking the test varying and how challenging the test ends up being (as well as plenty of other smaller variables).

Stop worrying! Once the 11+ marking has started the admissions process is out of your control.
Stop worrying! Once the 11+ marking has started the admissions process is out of your control.

Hence, as a vague rule-of-thumb, it's recommended that children aim for roughly 75-80% in their practice tests. Whilst this won't guarantee them a place at Townley Grammar School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Bexley Selection Test 11+ Key Dates for your Diary

Here are all the important dates for the Bexley Selection Test 11+ tests (to get into Townley Grammar School) as well as other relevant dates.

Date Event Calendar Link
01/05/2024 11+ Registration Opens
31/05/2024 11+ Registration Closes
09/09/2024 11+ Exam Date
Mid October 11+ Results Released
31/10/2024 Secondary School Application Deadline
03/03/2025 School Allocations

Although the utmost care has been taken to gather these dates, parents should treat them as a guide and check with Townley Grammar School as they may well change.

Ofsted Information

Townley Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 28/02/2023 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 27/04/2023, declaring that the school was 'Outstanding'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Townley Grammar School obtained <strong>Outstanding</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2023.
Townley Grammar School obtained Outstanding in their last Ofsted inspection in 2023.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date Inspected Inspection Duration (Days) Reporting Date Rating Full Report
28/02/2023 1 27/04/2023 Outstanding Full Report

Ofsted Report Summary

Townley Grammar School was inspected by Ofsted on 28 February 2023 and received an Outstanding rating in all areas. The school demonstrated exceptional performance in the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth form provision.

The inspection report highlights the school's outstanding quality of education, which is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the teaching staff. The school's approach to behaviour and attitudes was also deemed outstanding, creating a positive learning environment that fosters student growth and success. Additionally, the school's commitment to personal development was recognized as outstanding, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for life beyond the classroom.

The leadership and management of Townley Grammar School were also rated as outstanding, demonstrating the effectiveness of the school's governance and strategic planning. Finally, the sixth form provision was deemed outstanding, providing students with excellent opportunities for further education and career development. Overall, Townley Grammar School has proven itself to be an exceptional educational institution, setting a high standard for academic excellence and student well-being.

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Townley Grammar School per subject. Note that this may include children taking GCSEs early (e.g. taking a language GCSE in Year 10) or indeed a child in Year 12 retaking a GCSE.

GCSE Results Information (2022-23)

Subject Total Pupils Grades Achieved
U 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Art & Design 56 - - 1 1 6 8 19 8 9 3
Biology 222 - - - 1 4 25 41 54 54 43
Chemistry 222 - - - - 3 19 38 50 56 56
Classical Civilisation 90 - - - 1 8 15 20 20 16 10
Computer Studies/Computing 77 - - 1 3 5 3 17 17 20 11
Design & Technology 55 - - - - 1 5 11 17 15 6
Dance 24 - - - - 1 3 9 5 4 2
Applied Engineering 40 - - - 2 - 3 9 7 14 5
English Language 222 - - - - 5 9 43 54 69 42
English Literature 222 - - - - 2 13 41 52 61 53
French 120 1 - - 6 18 16 21 25 17 16
Geography 116 - - - - 1 2 17 31 34 31
German 16 1 - 1 2 - 5 3 - 1 3
History 85 - - - - 2 4 9 15 24 31
Latin 6 - - - - - - - 4 1 1
Mathematics 222 - - - - 2 14 35 79 62 30
Music 15 - - - 3 1 - 2 1 3 5
Physics 222 1 - - - 1 22 53 51 46 48
Religious Studies 219 - - - - 1 4 22 38 64 90
Spanish 85 - 1 1 5 5 18 20 19 9 7
Drama & Theatre Studies 48 - - - - 2 5 18 8 8 7
Physical Education/Sports Studies 27 - - - 1 - 6 6 5 6 3

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

Subject Total Pupils Grades Achieved
U E D C B A A*
Art and Design 11 - 1 - 2 3 4 1
Biology 94 - 2 9 26 19 27 10
Chemistry 98 - 6 15 26 30 15 5
Classical Civilisation 24 - - - 2 7 13 2
Computer Studies / Computing 26 - 1 2 10 8 3 2
Design and Technology (Product Design) 14 - - 1 6 5 2 -
Economics 62 - 2 5 5 27 17 5
English Literature 49 - - 1 12 11 13 11
Film Studies 11 - - - 1 3 5 2
French 7 - - - 2 2 2 1
Geography 15 - - 2 1 5 5 2
Government and Politics 31 - 1 4 2 8 9 7
History 31 - 1 2 1 9 14 4
Mathematics 116 - 9 13 24 19 40 9
Mathematics (Further) 10 - - - 3 3 4 -
Physics 38 - 6 6 11 10 4 -
Religious Studies 25 - - 3 3 9 8 2
Sociology 66 - - 6 9 23 19 9
Spanish 11 - - 3 4 2 1 1

Past 11+ Paper Downloads

Here are all available past 11+ papers for Townley Grammar School. Please note that this may include past 11+ papers, past familiarisation booklets, past practice materials published by third parties and past 11+ exam guides written by the school. These materials are provided 'as-is' and may no longer reflect the subjects, format, structure or exam board that Townley Grammar School currently uses.

The exam board that Townley Grammar School chooses to use for their 11+ entrance tests can change and we encourage you to check directly with the school.

Exam Board Subject 11+ Past Paper
GL AssessmentMaths

Practice 11+ Paper Downloads

Here are some superb free 11+ practice papers that children can download and use to help prepare for the Bexley Selection Test 11+ Ensure you double-check with Townley Grammar School which subjects and topics your child's 11+ tests are in to ensure you prepare for the right tests.

GL Assessment

These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by GL Assessment themselves. They remain useful and we would encourage parents to download and use them with their children.

Exam Board Subject Answer Sheet Question Booklet Marking Scheme (Answers)
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning

CGP

These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. They are up to date and extremely useful.

Exam Board Subject Answer Sheet Question Booklet Marking Scheme (Answers)
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning

These Free CEM 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. Grammar schools no longer use CEM for any of their 11+ entrance tests. However, as a general practice tool these tests remain useful.

Exam Board Subject Answer Sheet Question Booklet Marking Scheme (Answers)
CEMMaths
CEMVerbal Reasoning
CEMNon-Verbal Reasoning

FAQ

Is Townley Grammar School hard to get into?

Yes, Townley Grammar School is hard to get into! Children need to pass their challenging 11+ entrance test (with a high pass mark) and there's tough competition with many other children trying to get a place for Year 7.

Is Townley Grammar School a private school?

No, Townley Grammar School is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.

Is Townley Grammar School free?

Yes, Townley Grammar School is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to Townley Grammar School won't cost you any money.

How do I get my child into Townley Grammar School?

You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Townley Grammar School for how up to date information on how to apply (it may be automatic or it may require some forms to be filled in). More information on their 11+ entrance test can be found here.

Is Townley Grammar School a girls-only school?

Yes, Townley Grammar School is a girls-only school.

Success!

We have sent %%email%% a confirmation email.

Check your Emails

You will receive the email within 2 minutes.
Open it and click on the confirmation link to enable access.

Not received the email?

Check your Spam/Junk folder
...it could have fallen in there by accident!