St Olave's Secondary Transfer Test covers English, mathematics and reasoning, with further stages for candidates who qualify. Preparation should be timed and spread across all three sections, since the result is combined. Exam technique matters as much as content at this level - reading carefully and managing time recovers more marks 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

Overview of St. Olave's Grammar School

St. Olave's Grammar School, nestled in Orpington, Kent, stands out as a beacon of academic excellence and tradition. Renowned for its rigorous academic standards and consistent record of success, it is a coveted choice for students aiming for exceptional educational achievements.

Importance of the STT

Admission into this prestigious institution requires passing the Secondary Transfer Test (STT), a comprehensive examination designed to evaluate a student's academic prowess and potential. This blog post aims to demystify the STT exam format and what candidates can expect on the day of the test.

What is the exam format?

What is the English section?

- Content Focus: This part of the exam tests reading comprehension, writing skills, and grammar knowledge.

- Types of Questions:

- Multiple-choice questions focusing on grammar and comprehension.

- Writing tasks that may include essay writing or creative writing exercises.

What is the mathematics section?

- Content Focus: This section assesses the mathematical abilities and problem-solving skills of the students.

- Types of Questions:

- Multiple-choice questions.

- Problem-solving scenarios where calculators are permitted.

What does reasoning section involve?

- Content Focus: Designed to evaluate logical thinking and critical reasoning skills.

- Types of Questions:

- Verbal reasoning, including analogies and sequence finding.

- Non-verbal reasoning, such as spatial awareness tasks.

The written exam is conducted in September, a year prior to admission, with each section allotted equal time within a two-hour total duration. Each section is graded individually, contributing to the overall assessment of the candidate's abilities.

What are additional components?

What is the interview process?

Following the written exam, high-performing students are invited for an interview. This critical component of the selection process allows the school to gauge the personal attributes, interests, and motivations of the prospective students, ensuring a good fit both academically and culturally.

How Do You Achieve Success?

- Familiarize with the Exam Format: Understanding the structure and types of questions can significantly boost confidence.

- Practice Regularly: Regular practice using sample papers and past questions can help improve speed and accuracy.

- Seek Guidance: Consult teachers and tutors to strengthen weak areas and develop effective test-taking strategies.

What should you do next?

The STT exam at St. Olave's Grammar School is a comprehensive assessment designed to identify students who are well-suited for the challenges of its academic environment. By preparing thoroughly and understanding the exam's format, students can enhance their chances of success and take a significant step towards achieving their educational goals 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: