Best Grammar Schools in Bromley in 2026

There are two grammar schools in Bromley borough. They are St Olave's and St Saviour's Grammar School (boys) and Newstead Wood School (girls). Both are in Orpington, both are rated Outstanding by Ofsted, and both get excellent GCSE results. They do not share one test. Each school sets its own entrance test and has its own registration. 

Looking for the best grammar schools in Bromley? This guide gives you the full list of grammar schools in Bromley borough, explains which ones get the best results, and shows how the entrance tests and dates work. 

Best grammar schools in Bromley 

1. St Olave's and St Saviour's Grammar School, Orpington (Boys)

St Olave's is the top state school in Bromley on GCSE results, with an average Attainment 8 score of about 86. The national average is around 46. Ofsted's November 2024 inspection, as reported by the school, found Outstanding in all five areas that were looked at. The school was founded in 1571.

2. Newstead Wood School, Orpington (Girls)

Newstead Wood is the girls' grammar school in Bromley, and it is also among the top schools in the borough. Its average Attainment 8 score is around 80 to 83, depending on the year. Ofsted rated it Outstanding at its last full inspection in 2022. 

Read more: Admission requirements for Newstead Wood School

One more thing to remember. Children only get into these schools by doing very well in a hard test. That is a big part of why the results are so high. So the "best" school is not only about the numbers. It is also about where your child will be happy and do well.

Which grammar school in Bromley is right for your child?

Here are the main differences between the two Bromley grammar schools, side by side.

St Olave's is very popular. The school says it gets around 1,600 applications each year for about 128 places. That means most boys who sit the test will not get a place, which is why calm, careful preparation matters.

How to get into grammar schools in Bromley Borough

Many parents think there is one "Bromley 11+". There is not. Bromley Council says it is not involved in arranging either school's testing. So you need to deal with each school directly. Here are the steps.

1. Register for each school's test

This happens in Year 5, months before the test. St Olave's registration is online and runs for about three weeks in June. Newstead Wood's registration has opened on 1 May and closed at the end of June.

2. Sit the test in September of Year 6

Both tests take place at the school in September. St Olave's boys who do well in Stage 1 are invited back for Stage 2 in November.

3. Get your results

St Olave's aims to share Stage 1 results by mid October. Newstead Wood shares results by email in early October.

4. Apply on your home council's form by 31 October

Even if your child is invited to take a test, you must still name the school on the common application form. This deadline comes before the St Olave's Stage 2 test, so boys apply before they know their Stage 2 result.

5. Wait for National Offer Day

Offers come out on 1 March (or the next working day). You can add other schools to your form as back ups.

Because the two tests cover different skills, we suggest you plan for the exact test your child will sit. A child who only practises reasoning could be weaker in the maths and English parts at St Olave's. That is why our team builds each plan around the school or schools a family has chosen.

Bromley grammar school dates for 2027 entry

These dates are for children starting Year 7 in September 2027.

Bromley grammar school dates for 2028 entry

Is your child in Year 5 now? Then you are in the planning stage, which is a great place to be. St Olave's has listed these dates for September 2028 entry.

Other good grammar schools near Bromley

Many Bromley families also look at schools just over the border. The most common is the borough of Bexley, which has four grammar schools: Beths Grammar School (boys), Bexley Grammar School (mixed), Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School (mixed) and Townley Grammar School (girls). They share one test, called the Bexley Selection Test, which is run by the council. Registration for the September 2026 test opened on 1 March 2026 and closed on 31 March 2026, which is much earlier than the Bromley schools.

Some families also look at grammar schools in Sutton or Kent. Each area has its own test, dates and rules, so please read the official page for every school you like.

How Pass 11 Plus Grammar prepares children for entry to Bromley Grammar Schools

At Pass 11 Plus Grammar, we have helped families for over 30 years. Our 11 plus tuition is built to grow your child's skills and confidence, one small step at a time. Our 11 plus tutors in Birmingham teach in person, and we also teach online, so families in Bromley can learn from the comfort of home.

Here is how we help.

• We find where your child is strong and where they need more practice.

• Our 11 plus mocks let your child practise under real test conditions, with clear feedback after.

• Our 11 plus intensive summer course gives a focused boost before the September tests.

• We use 11+ past papers and our 11+ free practice papers so your child gets used to exam style questions.

No tutor can promise a place, because places depend on test results and each school's rules. What we can promise is calm, careful help that makes your child feel ready.

How to prepare for a grammar school in Bromley

1. Pick your target schools early

Decide in Year 5 which school or schools you will aim for. This tells you exactly which test to practise for.

2. Put the registration dates in your calendar

Missing a registration window means your child cannot sit that school's test. Write the dates down as soon as you know them.

3. Build strong English, maths and reasoning skills

Read together every day, practise mental maths, and try verbal and non-verbal reasoning puzzles. Short, regular practice works better than long, stressful sessions.

4. Visit open days

Go and see both schools. Ask your child how they feel when they walk around. Happy children learn better.

Final thoughts

Bromley has two grammar schools, St Olave's and St Saviour's Grammar School for boys and Newstead Wood School for girls. Both are Outstanding, and both offer a very strong education. The best choice is the one where your child will feel happy, safe and ready to learn.

Remember that the two schools have different tests and different dates, so plan early and stay calm. At Pass 11 Plus Grammar, we are always here to help you plan the next step.