Kendrick's 11+ tests maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, and the school selects on the combined result. Preparation should be spread across all four - families typically over-prepare maths and English and lose marks on the reasoning papers, where format familiarity is worth the most. Confirm the current structure on the school's own admissions page before buying practice material.

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

Kendrick Grammar School, a prestigious selective girls' grammar school located in Reading, Berkshire, offers a rigorous academic environment for girls aged 11-18. Admission to this esteemed institution is primarily through the 11+ Secondary Transfer Test (STT), which evaluates the academic prowess of prospective students across various disciplines. This blog post aims to delve into the specifics of the STT, offering insights and preparation tips to help candidates succeed.

What Is the 11+ Secondary Transfer Test (STT)?

The 11+ STT at Kendrick Grammar School is structured to assess students in four key areas: Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Each section aims to evaluate different skills essential for academic success at the grammar school level.

What is the maths section?

- Focus: Numerical and problem-solving skills.

- Expectations: Students must demonstrate a solid understanding of basic mathematical principles and their application in various problem-solving scenarios.

What is the English section?

- Focus: Reading and writing proficiency.

- Expectations: The test challenges students to show their grasp of grammar, punctuation, and text analysis, ensuring they can comprehend and critique written material effectively.

What is the verbal reasoning section?

- Focus: Language understanding and manipulation.

- Expectations: This part of the test requires critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, asking students to identify relationships between words and concepts through various language tasks.

What is the non-verbal reasoning section?

- Focus: Spatial awareness and diagrammatic reasoning.

- Expectations: Candidates need to solve visual puzzles, demonstrating their ability to interpret and think critically about information presented in graphic formats.

How Do You Prepare for the Test?

To optimally prepare for the Kendrick Grammar School 11+ STT, prospective students should engage extensively with past exam papers. These are available on the school's official website and other educational resources online. Regular practice with these materials will help familiarize students with the test format and question types, enhancing their confidence and performance on the actual test day.

What are additional considerations?

Beyond academic performance, Kendrick Grammar School also takes into account other factors in its selection process, such as the student's primary school report and attendance record. The school hosts open days and other informational events, providing valuable opportunities for prospective students and their families to explore the school environment and understand its offerings more comprehensively.

What should you do next?

The Kendrick Grammar School 11+ Secondary Transfer Test is a challenging yet rewarding examination designed to identify students with high academic potential across various disciplines. By preparing thoroughly through practice tests and familiarizing themselves with the exam's structure, students can enhance their chances of success. Additionally, attending open days and reviewing additional school criteria will provide a well-rounded approach to the admissions process.

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: