11+ Applications For Entry Into Year 7 (The 11+ Procedure)

Applications for entry into Year 7 for boys starting in September 2026 has closed.

Applications for entry into Year 7 for boys starting in September 2027 will open on Wednesday 25th March 2026

Please contact admissions@bishopwordsworths.org.uk for further information.

What is the purpose of the Eleven plus selection procedure?

The Eleven plus selection procedure is designed to determine whether or not children in the autumn term of their final year at primary school are suitable for admission to a grammar school.  Parents should note that meeting the academic requirements for entry to the School is not, in itself, a guarantee of an offer of a place.

The entrance test assesses students’ verbal and non-verbal abilities, English skills and mathematics.

• All questions are multiple choice style questions.
• In one paper, students will be tested on their verbal skills (including reading comprehension, technical skills of spelling, punctuation & grammar and verbal reasoning).
• The other test paper assesses non-verbal reasoning and mathematical knowledge, skills and understanding.
• Each test takes between 50-55 minutes.

For free familiarisation materials and information on the 11+ practice papers available from GL Assessment please see here.

How do I register my son for the Eleven Plus Test?

In order to register, the School's 11+ Application Form and the Local Authority Common or Secondary Application form (CAF or SAF) must both be completed.

It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to ensure that they register with their Local Authorities by the given deadline.

Local Authority Applications

Local Authority applications for September 2027 Year 7 entry open on 1 September 2026 and close on 31 October 2026.

Wiltshire: https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/article/1698/Applying-for-a-school-place

Hampshire: https://www.hants.gov.uk/educationandlearning/admissions

Dorset: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/education-and-training/schools-and-learning/apply-for-a-school-place/apply-for-a-school-place.aspx#/

Southampton City: https://www.southampton.gov.uk/schools-learning/find-school/apply-school/

My son is (or has previously been) entitled to Free School Meals.  How does this affect an application?

Boys with parents/guardians on low incomes are entitled to priority when places are allocated. Applicants who, at the time of the entry exam, meet the eligibility criteria to claim for free school meals currently or in any of the previous six years and who therefore qualify for the Pupil Premium Grant must indicate that their son qualifies for Free School Meals on the 11+ Registration Form and provide documentary evidence.

The qualifying standard for boys who qualify and provide supporting documentary evidence from their local authority will be 3% lower than the standard qualifying standard and 10 places are reserved for them. If fewer than 10 meet the reduced qualifying standard, the places will be reallocated to standard qualifying standard applicants.

For information on free or subsidised resources to prepare for the 11+ exam please see here.

Does the Eleven Plus Procedure take account of a Special Educational Needs, an Educational Health Plan or other barriers to learning?

Yes.  See the Special Access Arrangements page.

Does it matter where we live?

For practical reasons we recommend that a pupil’s journey time should be under an hour in order that he can fully participate in the wider life of the school.

To view the current suggested designated area for Bishop Wordsworth's School please click HERE

The 11+ Timetable for entrance to year 7 in September 2027

Financial Assistance

The BWS Foundation provides grants to pupils not currently at the School but who need financial assistance to support their application, for example attending open days and the 11+ examination. For information on how to apply, please see our Financial Assistance page.

For information on free or subsidised resources to prepare for the 11+ exam please see here.