Decide if your child should take the test

The secondary selection process is extremely competitive, and only about 30% of children get a high enough mark to be able to apply to grammar school. Last year, 6301 pupils sat the test, and 2028 were deemed selective.

Achieving the selective standard does not guarantee a grammar school place, but it does mean the grammar schools will look at your child’s application first.

It is worth chatting with your child to find out how they feel about taking the test and whether they know that passing is not the be-all and end-all. They will get a quality secondary school education in Bexley, whatever happens.

Selection test in September 2024 for children transferring to secondary school in September 2025

Children who were born between 1 September 2013 and 31 August 2014 can sit the Bexley selection test in September 2024 when they are in Year 6 of primary school.

During the registration process, it is your responsibility to register your child online. This includes all children who attend primary schools in Bexley.

The test sessions are planned for week commencing Monday 9 September 2024. All children registered for the test will be invited to one of these sessions, whether in their own school or at a test centre. There will be two test papers containing a mixture of questions on verbal reasoning and comprehension, non-verbal reasoning, and mathematical reasoning. Each paper will be divided into timed sections, and instructions will be given. All questions are multiple-choice, and all answers are marked on a separate machine-readable answer sheet. There will be a short break between the two test papers.

Information for Parents/Carers leaflet

All parents/carers who register their child for the test will be sent a link to the Selection Test Familiarisation Guide.

Apply for special arrangements

You can apply for special arrangements if your child has a disability or special needs.

• View the special arrangements policy for the application form and details about how to apply

Registering for the secondary selection test

We will not automatically sign up your child to take the test, even if they go to a Bexley primary school.

How to apply?

The registration period closed at midnight on Friday 31 May 2024.

Registration for the 2024 Bexley Selection Test will open on Wednesday 1 May, and close at midnight on Friday 31 May, for children due to start secondary school in September 2025. We cannot accept late registrations.