Grammar schools in Bexley follow a selective admissions process based on academic ability, as outlined by the Bexley Council and individual school policies. The key factors considered include the 11+ test results, catchment areas, sibling policies, and other oversubscription criteria. Below is a breakdown of how places are allocated.
1. Performance in the 11+ Test
The primary factor for admission to Bexley grammar schools is a child’s performance in the 11+ selection test, also known as the Bexley Selection Test. This exam assesses verbal, numerical, and non-verbal reasoning skills. Students must achieve a minimum qualifying score to be considered for a place. The Bexley Council sets the pass mark each year, which can vary depending on demand and available spaces. Only those who meet or exceed this score are eligible for admission. Every year, around 6,000 pupils sit the 11 plus test in Bexley, each competing for one of the 600-800 places available. Clearly, if all 11 plus entrants pass the test, there wouldn’t be enough places for all the children. Therefore, passing alone (especially with a low pass mark) does not guarantee a place in one of the four grammar schools. Realistically, a pupil would have to pass the 11+ test with quite a high mark. In situations where two or more pupils score identical scores, other factors would come into play. These are explained below.
2. Distance and Catchment Area
If there are more qualifying applicants than available places, grammar schools in Bexley use distance as a tiebreaker. The child’s home address is measured in a straight line (as the crow flies) from the school’s designated point. Those living closest to the school are prioritised. Some schools, like Townley Grammar and Bexley Grammar, may also consider catchment areas, giving preference to students within a defined geographical boundary.
3. Sibling Policy
Many Bexley grammar schools give priority to applicants who already have a sibling attending the school at the time of admission. This policy helps families with multiple children attend the same institution. However, the sibling rule is usually applied after the 11+ qualification and distance criteria. In other words, if a child fails the 11+ test, having a sibling at a Bexley grammar school will not help. This puts parents with an only child at a slight disadvantage. It also puts parents trying to get their first-born child into a grammar school a grammar school at a disadvantage. However, this should not make you feel disheartened. As our story shows, it is completely doable.
4. Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Social Criteria
In some cases, grammar schools in Bexley may reserve a small number of places for children with Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) where the school is named in the plan. Additionally, some schools may consider Looked After Children (LAC) or previously looked-after children as a priority group under their oversubscription criteria.
5. Waiting Lists and Appeals
If a child qualifies but does not initially receive an offer, he or she may be placed on a waiting list. Places are then offered if vacancies arise, following the same oversubscription rules. Parents also have the right to appeal if their child is not allocated a place, particularly if there are exceptional circumstances. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, parents should refer to the Bexley Council’s school admissions page and the individual grammar school websites, such as Beths Grammar, Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar, etc. (Sources: Bexley Council School Admissions Policy, Individual Bexley Grammar School Admissions Criteria)
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