St Olave's application runs in six steps: check eligibility, obtain the form, register for the 11+, sit the test, attend any further stage, then await the decision. Registration closes in the summer before Year 6, and you must also name the school on your local authority application. The school's admissions page carries this year's exact dates.

Roughly one family in six missed their first-choice secondary school for September 2026: 83.6% were offered it. — DfE, School applications and offers, 2026

St. Olave's Grammar School in Orpington, Kent, stands as a beacon of academic excellence and tradition. Gaining admission into this prestigious institution involves passing the challenging 11+ Secondary Transfer Test. This blog post aims to guide prospective students and their parents through the application process for 11+ entry, ensuring clarity and readiness at every step.

What Is the Admission Process?

How do you check eligibility criteria?

Before embarking on the application journey, it's crucial to verify if the student meets the following eligibility criteria:

- Must be 11 years old as of September 1 in the year of admission.

- Should possess a strong academic record with exemplary grades from primary education.

- Must be a UK resident at the time of application with the right to study in the country.

What is obtain an application form?

Application forms are essential for the admission process and can be acquired through these methods:

- Directly downloading from the St. Olave's Grammar School website.

- Contacting the admissions office to request a form.

Ensure the form is filled out accurately to avoid any negative impact on the application.

How do you register for the 11+ secondary transfer test?

Registration for this pivotal test generally opens in May of the year preceding admission. Key points include:

- Register promptly to secure a testing slot.

- A registration fee is required at the time of application.

How do you attend the 11+ secondary transfer test?

The test usually occurs in September of the year prior to admission. Applicants must:

- Appear in person for the examination.

- Bring necessary items such as identification and writing utensils.

How do you attend an interview?

Successful test performers may be invited for an interview, which is a critical component of the selection process. The interview assesses:

- Personal qualities and attributes.

- Interests and extracurricular activities.

- Overall motivation and suitability for the school environment.

What happens while you wait for the admission decision?

Post-interview, the admission decision will be conveyed through:

- An offer letter, or

- A rejection letter.

If offered a place, it is imperative to accept within the designated timeframe to secure the admission.

What should you do next?

Applying for 11+ entry to St. Olave's Grammar School is a detailed process that demands meticulous preparation and attention to detail. By systematically following each step—from checking eligibility to attending an interview—applicants can enhance their chances of acceptance into one of the UK's most esteemed educational institutions.

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: