Kendrick's 11+ Secondary Transfer Test has four sections: maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Knowing the split matters because families over-prepare maths and English and leave the two reasoning papers untouched, where format familiarity gains the most marks. Practise all four under timed conditions, and confirm the current structure on the school's own admissions page before buying materials.
Kendrick Grammar School, a prestigious girls' grammar school in Reading, Berkshire, selects students based on their performance in the 11+ Secondary Transfer Test (STT). This blog post delves into the structure of the Kendrick Grammar School 11+ STT, offering insights into each section of the exam to help prospective students and their parents understand what to expect.
What Is the Kendrick Grammar School 11+ STT?
The 11+ STT at Kendrick Grammar School is designed to evaluate a range of academic skills through four distinct sections: Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Each section targets specific abilities and plays a crucial role in the overall assessment.
What is the maths section?
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Focus Areas:
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Statistics
- Objective: To challenge students' mathematical problem-solving skills and their ability to apply concepts to real-world scenarios.
What is the English section?
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Focus Areas:
- Reading comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Punctuation
- Objective: To assess students' understanding of text and their ability to communicate effectively through writing.
What is the verbal reasoning section?
- Duration: 50 minutes
- Focus Areas:
- Word analogies
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Objective: To evaluate students' ability to manipulate and understand language in various contexts.
What is the non-verbal reasoning section?
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Focus Areas:
- Shape recognition
- Rotation
- Reflection
- Symmetry
- Objective: To test students' ability to analyze and interpret visual information.
What are preparation tips?
To excel in the Kendrick Grammar School 11+ STT, it is crucial for students to familiarize themselves with the exam format and practice extensively. Kendrick Grammar School offers past papers on their website, which are invaluable resources. Additionally, numerous online platforms provide practice materials that can help bolster students' confidence and proficiency in each section.
What should you do next?
The Kendrick Grammar School 11+ STT is meticulously structured to assess a wide range of academic skills required for success at this highly selective institution. By understanding the format and diligently preparing through practice tests and past papers, students can significantly enhance their chances of achieving a top score and gaining admission to Kendrick Grammar School.
What else is worth reading?
- Understanding the Admissions Process at Kendrick Grammar School
- Mastering the Kendrick Grammar School Secondary Transfer Test:…
- Navigating the 11+ Entry Process for Kendrick Grammar School
- Understanding the 11+ Admissions at Kendrick Grammar School for Girls
- Decoding the Kendrick Grammar School 11+ Exam: A Guide to Success
What are the honest limits of any grade or percentage figure?
Grade boundaries are set for each exam series, for each board and tier, after marking is complete. Every percentage and boundary described here is a historical example, not a promise: a 2025 boundary tells you about 2025. For the series you are actually sitting, check JCQ and your own board.
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:
- School admissions (gov.uk) — how applying for a school place works
- Admissions criteria (gov.uk) — how schools are allowed to decide who gets a place
- The School Admissions Code — the statutory rules every admissions authority must follow

