Best Grammar Schools in Bexley in 2026

Choosing the right grammar school is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child. If you are in or near the Bexley area, this guide covers all eight of the best grammar schools available to you, how the admissions process works, and exactly how to help your child prepare.

Introduction

Grammar schools are selective state schools, which means they choose their pupils based on academic ability rather than where they live. Before a child can earn a place, they need to sit and pass an entrance exam commonly known as the 11 plus. This exam typically covers English, mathematics, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning.

How many grammar schools are in Bexley?

The London Borough of Bexley has four grammar schools: Beths Grammar School, Bexley Grammar School, Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School, and Townley Grammar School. All four use the same Bexley Selection Test, so your child only needs to sit one exam to be considered for any or all of them.

However, many families in the Bexley area also consider four nearby Kent grammar schools: Dartford Grammar School, Dartford Grammar School for Girls, Wilmington Grammar School for Boys, and Wilmington Grammar School for Girls. These are technically Kent schools and use the Kent Test, which is a separate exam from the Bexley Selection Test.

List of grammar schools in Bexley

1. Dartford Grammar School 

Location: West Hill, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2HW 

Type: Boys, ages 11 to 18

Test Used: Kent Test (GL Assessment)

Founded in 1576, Dartford Grammar School is one of the oldest schools in England and consistently the highest performing grammar school in the area. The school's mission is to develop "international citizens," and Sixth Form students have the rare opportunity to study the International Baccalaureate Diploma. If academic results at the top of the table are your priority, Dartford Grammar School for Boys consistently delivers. 

2. Townley Grammar School 

Location: Townley Road, Bexleyheath, DA6 7AB 

Type: Girls, ages 11 to 18

Test Used: Bexley Selection Test

Townley Grammar School is a girls' school rated Outstanding by Ofsted and the top-performing Bexley borough grammar school. The school holds Specialist Status for both Performing and Visual Arts and for Mathematics and Computing, giving students a particularly broad and ambitious curriculum. The school culture is built around its "Scholastic Endeavour" philosophy: the belief that everything worth achieving lies outside your comfort zone. Students are encouraged to push beyond the minimum and take on real challenges throughout their time at the school.

3. Dartford Grammar School for Girls

Location: Shepherds Lane, Dartford, Kent, DA1 2NT 

Type: Girls, ages 11 to 18 

Test Used: Kent Test (GL Assessment) 

Dartford Grammar School for Girls first opened in 1904 and has upheld its traditions and high standards throughout. Rated Outstanding by Ofsted, the school offers a curriculum split into core, extended core, and optional subjects, designed to motivate and challenge students at every stage. In Sixth Form, the focus shifts to preparing students for life beyond school, including higher education and employment. The school is a strong option for girls looking for excellent academic results in a focused, well-structured environment. 

4. Beths Grammar School 

Location: Hartford Road, Bexley, DA5 1NE 

Type: Boys, ages 11 to 18 

Test Used: Bexley Selection Test 

Beths Grammar School is a boys' school rated Good by Ofsted. The school takes a holistic approach to education, aiming to develop well-rounded students who are ready for life beyond school. The curriculum is deliberately varied, including Mandarin Chinese, Latin, Italian, and a wide range of sports alongside core academic subjects. Students have access to a range of subject trips and visits. Enrichment sits at the heart of school life here, and boys are expected to engage with opportunities beyond the classroom throughout their time at the school. 

5. Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School 

Location: Hurst Road, Sidcup, DA15 9AG 

Type: Mixed, ages 11 to 18 

Test Used: Bexley Selection Test 

Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School is a mixed school rated Good by Ofsted and the largest of the Bexley grammar schools in terms of Year 7 intake. The school focuses on three priorities: students feeling safe, students being happy and ready to learn, and students maximising their potential. Extracurricular activities are varied, and students are encouraged to take part in at least one, with options including chess, drama, music, a range of sports, and the school's own Chronicle, which students can write for. 

6. Wilmington Grammar School for Boys 

Location: Common Lane, Wilmington, Dartford, DA2 7DA 

Type: Boys 11 to 16, co-ed Sixth Form 

Test Used: Kent Test (GL Assessment) 

Wilmington Grammar School for Boys is rated Good by Ofsted and describes itself as a "forward-thinking grammar school." Boys are taught from Year 7 to Year 11, with a co-educational Sixth Form running in partnership with Wilmington Grammar School for Girls. The curriculum includes design technology, finance, media and photography, and the enrichment programme is wide-ranging, from bitcoin club and squash club to a wildlife club. 95% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above at GCSE, reflecting strong academic performance alongside a broad school experience.

7. Wilmington Grammar School for Girls 

Location: Parsons Lane, Wilmington, DA2 7BB 

Type: Girls 11 to 16, co-ed Sixth Form 

Test Used: Kent Test (GL Assessment) 

Wilmington Grammar School for Girls is rated Outstanding by Ofsted and prides itself on a positive, respectful community that celebrates its diverse student population. The school's smaller size means each student is more likely to be heard and their talents recognised. A distinctive feature of the school is the "Endeavour Mindset" programme, which encourages students to embrace challenges, learn from mistakes and seek improvement, following the school's motto of "in pursuit of excellence." The co-educational Sixth Form is run jointly with Wilmington Grammar School for Boys. 

8. Bexley Grammar School 

Location: Danson Lane, Welling, DA16 2BL 

Type: Mixed, ages 11 to 18 

Test Used: Bexley Selection Test 

Bexley Grammar School is a mixed school rated Outstanding by Ofsted. The school aims to raise aspirations, grow confidence and develop compassionate leadership in every student. The curriculum is varied and includes art, classics, drama and theatre, computer science and modern languages. Bexley Grammar School has no catchment area, meaning any child who achieves the selective standard is eligible to apply regardless of where they live. Its Outstanding Ofsted rating makes it one of the most well-regarded schools in the area, and it continues to provide a strong academic environment for students from across the borough.

How does the 11 plus admissions process work for Bexley grammar schools?

The admissions process works slightly differently depending on whether your child is applying to the four Bexley borough grammar schools or the four nearby Kent grammar schools. Here is a clear breakdown of both.

For the four Bexley Borough grammar schools

The four Bexley borough schools use the Bexley Selection Test, administered by Quest Assessments. The test consists of two multiple-choice papers, each lasting around 50 minutes, covering verbal ability and English comprehension (worth 50% of the total score), numerical reasoning (25%) and non-verbal reasoning (25%). Scores are age-standardised to ensure fairness across all children in the same year group.

There is no fixed pass mark. Children are ranked by their total standardised score, and around 30% of those who sit the test are assessed as selective. Achieving the selective standard is the first requirement, but it does not guarantee a place. Each school then uses its own admissions criteria to allocate places, with distance from the school typically playing a significant role.

1. Register (1st to 31st March each year)

Register online through the London Borough of Bexley website. This window is only open for one month, and late applications are not accepted under any circumstances. 

2. Sit the Bexley Selection Test (September)

Children at Bexley primary schools sit the test at their school between 2nd and 10th September. Children from outside Bexley sit the test at a grammar school test centre between 7th and 10th September. 

3. Receive results (early October)

Results are emailed or posted to parents in early October. Your child will receive an overall standardised score and a decision on whether they are selective or not selective.

4. Submit your common application form (31st October)

If your child is selective, name your preferred grammar schools on your secondary school common application form and submit it to your local authority by 31st October 2026. 

5. Receive your school offer (1st March 2027)

School places are offered on National Offer Day. If your preferred school is not offered, you have the right to appeal. 

For the four nearby Kent grammar schools

Dartford Grammar School, Dartford Grammar School for Girls, Wilmington Grammar School for Boys and Wilmington Grammar School for Girls are all Kent grammar schools. They use the Kent Test, provided by GL Assessment. The Kent Test registration window typically opens in June and closes in July each year, and the test itself takes place in September. Kent Test results are sent to parents in October.

If your child is applying to schools from both groups, they will need to register for and sit both tests separately. The registration deadlines are different, so make sure you track both carefully.

How to prepare your child for Bexley grammar schools

Whichever test your child is sitting, consistent and targeted preparation makes a significant difference to their score. Here is what works.

1. Start early in Year 4 or Year 5

Begin at least 12 months before the September exam. Short daily sessions of 20 to 30 minutes are far more effective than last-minute cramming. Our 11 plus tuition programmes are built around this gradual approach, and we have dedicated courses for every year group: Year 3, Year 4 and Year 5.

2. Cover all subjects being tested

Both the Bexley and Kent tests cover English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Make sure your child builds solid foundations in every area before moving on to timed practice. Download our free 11 plus practice papers to start working through topics at your child's own pace.

3. Make reading a daily habit

Strong reading underpins performance in English comprehension and verbal reasoning. Encourage your child to read for at least 15 minutes every day across a variety of genres. Discussing what they read helps build the analytical vocabulary skills that both tests reward directly.

4. Use mock exams under real conditions

Once your child is confident with the content, introduce timed practice tests in proper exam conditions. Our 11 plus mock exams mirror the real test format closely and come with a marked breakdown of results, so you always know what to focus on next.

5. Prepare over the summer

With both tests taking place in September, the summer before Year 6 is a critical preparation window. Our 11 plus summer intensive course gives your child a structured, focused boost covering all subjects in the weeks before the exam.

6. Work with a specialist tutor

The Bexley and Kent tests have different formats and question styles. Our 11 plus tutors know both tests inside out and can provide personalised, targeted preparation that is specific to whichever schools your child is applying to.

Final thoughts

The Bexley area offers one of the strongest concentrations of grammar school options in South East London. Eight well-regarded selective schools within a relatively small geographic area means that families here have real choice, but also real competition. With thousands of children sitting both the Bexley and Kent tests each year, preparation matters enormously.
At Pass 11 Plus Grammar, we help children earn places at grammar schools across Bexley, Kent and beyond. Whether your child is in Year 3 and just getting started, or in Year 6 and needs a focused final push before September, we have a programme built for where they are right now.