School-Specific Tests
Some grammar schools set their own entrance examinations rather than using a consortium test. These bespoke tests vary in format, subjects, and timing from school to school.
Varies — typically 1 to 3 hours
Duration
1–3
Papers
No
Neg. Marking
Overview
A number of grammar schools — particularly standalone schools not part of a regional consortium — design and administer their own entrance examinations. These tests reflect each school's individual admissions priorities and educational ethos. Formats range from traditional papers in English and Maths to interviews, group activities and portfolio assessments. If you're applying to a school with its own test, check that school's admissions page for specific details.
Subjects & Weightage
English
Varies by schoolMost school-specific tests include an English component, typically comprehension and sometimes creative or extended writing.
Question Types
What's Covered
Reading & Comprehension
- Close reading of an unseen passage (fiction, non-fiction or poetry)
- Literal and inferential questions
- Vocabulary definitions in context
- Comment on language, structure and effect
Writing (if included)
- Creative writing (story or description) from a prompt
- Extended writing — argumentative, persuasive or discursive
- Spelling, punctuation and grammar accuracy
- Range and ambition of vocabulary and sentence structures
Tip: Check the school's website for any published specimen papers or guidance on what the English test covers.
Mathematics
Varies by schoolUsually covers KS2 curriculum but some schools include stretch questions or problem-solving challenges.
Question Types
What's Covered
Core KS2 Content
- Number: place value, four operations, BODMAS, factors, multiples, primes
- Fractions, decimals and percentages — all operations and conversions
- Geometry: properties of shapes, angles, perimeter, area, volume
- Measurement: unit conversions, time, money
- Statistics: mean, charts, graphs, tables
Stretch & Problem Solving
- Multi-step and unfamiliar word problems
- Mathematical reasoning — explaining your method
- Algebra: sequences, simple equations, unknowns
- Puzzles, logic problems and investigation-style questions
Tip: Contact the school admissions office for guidance on the scope and difficulty level of their maths paper.
Reasoning (if included)
Varies by schoolSome school-specific tests include verbal and/or non-verbal reasoning. Others do not test reasoning at all.
Question Types
What's Covered
Verbal Reasoning (if tested)
- Word analogies, codes, hidden words and letter patterns
- Logic and deduction questions
- Style varies — may follow GL, CEM or bespoke format
Non-Verbal Reasoning (if tested)
- Shape sequences, analogies and matrices
- Odd one out and spatial reasoning
- May include 3D spatial tasks or paper folding
Tip: If the school tests reasoning, ask which style — GL-style or CEM-style — most closely matches their approach.
Test Format & Scoring
Total Duration
Varies — typically 1 to 3 hours
Papers
1–3 papers (varies by school)
Question Format
Mix of multiple-choice, short answer, and extended writing depending on the school.
Scoring
Each school has its own scoring system and qualifying threshold.
No negative marking — always attempt every question, even if you're unsure.
Test Day Information
What to Bring
- Check with the specific school
- Usually: pencils, pen, eraser
- No calculators unless specified
Breaks
Varies by school — check your test invitation letter.
Test Centres
Usually at the school itself. Some larger schools use multiple venues.
Special Arrangements
Apply directly to the school with supporting professional evidence well before the test date.
Preparation Advice
When to Start
Check the school's admissions timeline — some test as early as autumn of Year 5, others in January of Year 6.
Key Resources
The school's own specimen papers (if available) are the best resource. General 11+ practice is also helpful.
Practice Tips
Focus preparation on the specific format used by the school. Contact the admissions office for guidance if specimen papers aren't available.
Important Notes
Each school has its own registration process and deadline — there is no central registration
Test dates vary widely — some are in autumn, others in January
Some schools include an interview or activity day as part of assessment
Check whether the school accepts results from other tests (e.g. if you're also sitting a consortium test)
School-specific tests may have different access arrangement processes
Ready to check your chances?
Enter your postcode to see which School-Specific Tests schools you could realistically get into — with distance, score and selection method analysis.