Townley Grammar 11+ Exam (11plus) | Math&Reason
- Oct 10, 2025
- 3 min read
Securing a place at Townley Grammar through the 11+ exam is one of the most competitive challenges for families in Bexleyheath and the wider London Borough of Bexley. With thousands of applicants competing for just 224 places each year, success in the Townley Grammar 11plus exam requires early preparation, strategy, and the right resources.
Table of Contents
Understanding the Townley Grammar 11+ Exam (11plus) Structure
The Townley Grammar 11+ exam / 11plus exam forms part of the Bexley Selection Tests, administered by GL Assessment. It consists of two multiple-choice papers, each lasting around 50 minutes:
Paper 1: Verbal Skills
Reading comprehension with detailed questioning
Technical English (spelling, punctuation, grammar)
Verbal reasoning (word relationships and patterns)
Paper 2: Mathematics & Non-Verbal Reasoning
Mathematical problem-solving
Non-verbal reasoning (visual and abstract challenges)
Spatial reasoning (mental rotation and logic)
Scoring:
Verbal ability – 50%
Numerical ability – 25%
Non-verbal reasoning – 25%
Minimum qualifying score: 216
Top applicants often achieve 246+
Key Dates for Townley Grammar 11+ Exam
Registration Opens: 1 May (Year 5)
Registration Closes: 31 May (midnight, Year 5)
Exam Dates: 8–11 September (Year 6)
Results Released: Mid-October (Year 6)
Application Deadline: 31 October (Year 6)
National Offer Day: 2 March (following year)
Note: Early awareness of these dates is crucial for planning.
Admissions Criteria & Competition
Every year, over 5,700 pupils sit the Bexley Selection Tests, but only around 1,700 achieve selective status. For Townley Grammar specifically, only 224 places are available, roughly 8 applicants per place.
When oversubscribed, places are allocated based on:
Looked-after or previously looked-after children
Pupil Premium recipients (with qualifying score)
Top 180 scoring girls across Bexley
Siblings of current students
Children of permanent Odyssey Trust staff
Proximity to the school (straight-line distance)
Outstanding Academic Standards
Success in the Townley Grammar 11plus exam opens doors to excellent academic outcomes.
GCSE results (recent years):
47% grade 9–8
70% grade 9–7
88% grade 9–6
96% grade 9–5
Over 98% of sixth-form leavers progress to higher education, including Russell Group universities.
Preparation Strategies for the 11+ Exam
Success requires more than just ability, it needs structure and practice.
Recommended steps:
Start early – ideally from Year 4 or early Year 5
Practice papers – use GL Assessment-style mocks
Core skills focus – comprehension, vocabulary, reasoning, maths
Timed mocks – replicate real exam conditions
Specialist tuition providers such as Math & Reason | Affordable 11+ tutor UK and Mock Tests have strong track records, students gaining places at top grammar schools
School Facilities & Environment
Townley Grammar offers a vibrant environment across a 17-acre campus with:
Modern science labs
A theatre and recording studio
ICT suites
Sports facilities including a large hall
Its strengths in performing arts, mathematics, and computing give students a well-rounded education, supported by extensive extracurricular activities.
Location & Transport
📍 Address: Townley Road, Bexleyheath, DA6 7AB
While there is no formal catchment area, distance plays a major role when places are oversubscribed.
Families should carefully consider daily transport routes before applying.
Alternative Pathways
If your child does not gain immediate entry through the Townley Grammar 11+ exam, options include:
In-year admissions – waiting lists are maintained
Other Bexley grammar schools – depending on score and preference
Making Your Application Count
To apply successfully, parents must complete both:
Bexley Selection Test registration
Listing Townley Grammar on the Common Application Form (CAF)
Missing either requirement will automatically exclude your child, even with a high score.
Conclusion
The Townley Grammar 11+ / 11plus exam is highly competitive but achievable with the right preparation. By planning early, using high-quality resources, and following timelines carefully, families can maximise their child’s chance of success at one of Bexley’s most prestigious schools.
