Bexley Grammar Schools are a ray of hope for students who want a quality education without paying fees. A child can feel demotivated and hopeless after missing 11 Plus exams. But there is always hope in the form of 12+/13+ exams, also known as late transfer tests.
This blog covers the best schools in Bexley and details about late transfer test admission.
What is the 12 Plus/13 Plus Exam?
12+/13+ Plus exams give students a chance to get into grammar schools, despite missing out on 11 Plus exams. Students will have a lot of time on their hands to prepare for this exam, usually 18 months. Therefore, it is a lifeline for students who wish to study in top-rated state-funded schools. The late transfer tests assess student abilities in core subjects.
Remember that schools usually enrol fewer students in late transfer tests as compared to 11 Plus exams. So, competition can become stiff. Sometimes, there are only 3 to 4 places available. Children should set their expectations before appearing in the assessment.
Click here to know more about 12 Plus & 13 Plus exams information
Top Grammar Schools in Bexley
There are four grammar schools in the London Borough of Bexley for 12 Plus and 13 Plus admissions.
1. Beths Grammar School
Beths Grammar School is in South-East London. It is a boys’ school, having academy status. Admission for boys begins at 11 years old, with girls joining the sixth form at the end of their 12th year. In 1945, it was established as Erith Technical School. In 1976, it became a grammar school, and it has performed above average throughout the borough. GCSE A*-C grades ranked this school as the fourth of the ten biggest schools in 2006. Beth’s was known as “Bexley/Erith Technical High School for Boys”. Later it gained the status of grammar school. In 2006, its performance was rated above average and recognised as one of the best Bexley grammar schools in GCSE education.
According to the OFSTED report, Beths Grammar School is ‘Outstanding’. They scored Grade 1 in the achievement of pupils. The quality of teaching, the safety of pupils, leadership and management.
2. Bexley Grammar School
Sir Edward Heath founded Bexley Grammar School in 1955. He was a member of the local parliament at that time. Located in the London borough of Bexley, it is a coed school in Welling, UK. It takes boys and girls aged 11–18 who have passed the 11 Plus examination.
The school was awarded foundation school status, before converting to an academy in January 2011. The school continues to specialise in Languages, Science and Mathematics.
3. Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School
The Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School, on Hurst Road, is a co-educational Grammar school. In September 2022, 192, admissions are planned for 11-year-olds. The school was founded in 1931 to address the local need for education. To prepare students from all backgrounds for lifelong learning, it aims to educate and prepare them for success.
The OFSTED report rates Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School as ‘Good’. They offer good quality of education, and the achievement of pupils is also good.
4. Townley Grammar School
Townley Grammar School was the grammar school. The school is for girls and has academy status. The school won a special status for performing arts in September 2004. The Sunday Times Good Schools Guide consistently lists Townley Grammar School as a high-achieving school.
The OFSTED report states that the extracurricular programme of the school is the one that offers diversity and is of a high standard. It performed outstandingly in the overall effectiveness of teaching quality and outcomes of pupils and learning.
The 12+ and 13+ admissions processes at each of these schools include an online assessment. This test is also known as CEM Select. CEM stands for Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring. It is part of the Cambridge Assessment.
Bexley Grammar Schools Test Late Transfer (12 Plus and 13 Plus) Entry Exam Format
The CEM Select focus on the following topics:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Numerical Reasoning
- Verbal Reasoning involves your child solving problems, focusing on vocabulary depth and variety. The focus of verbal reasoning is to determine how well your child can use words to solve problems.
- Compared to verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning tests your child differently. Using patterns, figures, and symbols assesses your child’s problem-solving ability. It is more of an intelligence test rather than an academic one.
- In numerical reasoning, your child will have to answer questions relating to numbers. It will include percentages, fractions, arithmetics, etc. It tests your child’s skills with the number. Moreover, this test also assesses how the student can interpret and draw conclusions from graphs and tables.
Bexley Grammar School 12 Plus and 13 Plus Entry Test Exam Information
The board that conducts exams in Bexley is CEM Select. Usually, the exams are held in November. Your child must pass the CEM select assessment test for the late transfer entry test.
This test will challenge your child’s skills at different levels. The test will have different formats. Each year many students compete for a limited position in grammar schools.
There are two types of forms you will need to finish, depending upon the school you are applying for: the Bexley In Year Application Form and the Grammar In Year Application Form.
For children not enrolled in Bexley schools at the moment, the Bexley In Year Application form needs to be submitted. You can find this form on the website. However, the Grammar In Year Application form will provide you with access to all grammar schools in the area.
Conclusion
12/13 Plus exams practice papers are a great way to prepare for success. So. If you need to pass with good marks then you will need extra help. Parents should remember some Bexley grammar schools are oversubscribed, and in such cases, priority is given to students who either live closest to school or already have siblings in the school and look after students. However, the top-performing students in selective exams are always the first choice of school. If you need help to prepare for 12/13 Plus, then we can help you achieve your academic goals.