St Olave's Secondary Transfer Test covers English, mathematics and reasoning, so preparation starts from the format rather than from content. Timed practice papers build pace and expose the weak section; reviewing errors is where the improvement happens. Exam technique - reading each question twice, skipping and returning to hard items - recovers more marks at this stage than extra topic coverage.

For context: 83.6% of families in England were offered their first-preference secondary school for September 2026 entry, and 92.4% their first-preference primary. — DfE, School applications and offers, 2026

St. Olave's Grammar School, located in Orpington, Kent, is renowned for its rigorous academic standards and traditions of success. Admission into this prestigious institution requires passing the Secondary Transfer Test (STT), which assesses a student's academic capabilities. This blog post aims to equip prospective students with essential tips to excel in the STT.

What Is the Exam Format?

Understanding the structure and content of the STT is crucial for effective preparation. The exam is divided into three main sections:

What is the English section?

- Multiple-choice questions

- Essay or short piece of creative writing

What is the mathematics section?

- Multiple-choice questions

- Problem-solving tasks

What does reasoning section involve?

- Verbal reasoning

- Non-verbal reasoning

What does test-taking strategies involve?

To perform well in the STT, students should develop and practice specific test-taking strategies:

- Reading Comprehension: Employ skimming and scanning techniques.

- Multiple-Choice Questions: Utilize elimination methods to narrow down choices.

- Mathematics and Reasoning: Enhance problem-solving abilities.

How Do You Develop Study Habits?

Effective study habits are foundational for success in the STT:

- Set a consistent study schedule.

- Focus on weaker subjects.

- Ensure regular breaks and maintain a balanced diet for optimal brain function.

How Do You Seek Guidance and Support?

St. Olave's offers various resources to aid students in their STT preparation:

- Consult with teachers and staff for academic advice.

- Attend revision classes and practice sessions.

- Utilize sample papers and mock exams for practice.

How Do You Stay Positive and Motivated?

Maintaining a positive outlook is essential during the preparation phase:

- Concentrate on strengths and set realistic goals.

- Celebrate small successes to stay motivated.

- Adopt a growth mindset to view challenges as learning opportunities.

What should you do next?

Preparing for the St. Olave's Grammar School Secondary Transfer Test demands meticulous planning, commitment, and perseverance. By comprehending the exam format, applying strategic test-taking techniques, cultivating robust study habits, seeking necessary support, and maintaining a positive attitude, students can significantly enhance their chances of success and achieve their academic aspirations at one of the UK's top schools.

What else is worth reading?

What can this guide not tell you about a particular school?

There is no national 11+ exam. Each school or local authority sets its own test, dates and admissions criteria, and republishes them every year, so the detail here can go out of date within a cycle. Confirm against the school’s own admissions policy and gov.uk school admissions before you rely on any date.

Every school publishes its own rule, and the national position is short:

“All schools have admission criteria to decide which children get places.” — gov.uk, School admissions

Where can you check this at source?

There is no national 11+ exam. Each grammar school or local authority sets its own test, dates and admissions criteria, and publishes them in an admissions policy that changes year to year. Always confirm with the school directly, then check the national rules: