Slough Consortium of Grammar Schools 11 Plus Guide
The Slough Consortium of Grammar Schools offers a fantastic opportunity for young students aiming to access some of the most prestigious grammar schools in Slough, UK. With a joint 11 Plus exam, these schools have created a unified admissions process that makes it easier for families to apply to multiple schools with a single test. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Slough Consortium 11 Plus exam, from the schools involved to essential dates, exam scoring, and preparation strategies. If you’re considering 11 Plus tutoring, “11 Plus Grammar Preparation Success” is here to support your child’s academic journey with expert tutors and comprehensive resources.What is the Slough Consortium of Grammar Schools?
The Slough Consortium of Grammar Schools is a group of four selective co-educational schools that use the same 11 Plus exam for admissions. This Consortium allows students applying to any of the four schools to take the 11 Plus test only once, with their scores being applicable to all four schools. The schools in the Consortium include:- Herschel Grammar School
- Langley Grammar School
- St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School
- Upton Court Grammar School
Key Schools in the Slough Consortium
| Herschel Grammar School | In recent years, Herschel Grammar School received applications from 1,187 children, with 855 meeting the eligibility criteria for 150 available places. Only 18% of students who passed the exam were offered admission, illustrating the school’s selectivity. |
| Langley Grammar School | Langley Grammar School had 1,099 applicants, with 745 eligible for 180 places. With an acceptance rate of 24% for those who passed, it ranks among the more accessible options within the Consortium but remains highly competitive. |
| St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School | A total of 812 children applied to St Bernard’s, and 531 were deemed eligible for 150 places. Notably, 28% of eligible students who passed the exam were offered a spot at the school. |
| Upton Court Grammar School | Upton Court saw 1,322 applicants, with 980 children eligible for 165 spots. Only 17% of those who passed were admitted, highlighting the competitive nature of securing a place at this school. |
Important Dates for the Slough Consortium 11 Plus Exam 2024
To give families sufficient time to plan, here are the crucial dates for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle:- Wednesday 1st May 2024: Slough 11 Plus registration opens
- Monday 12th June 2024: Registration closes
- Saturday 21st September 2024: 11 Plus entrance exam
- Mid-October 2024: Parents receive test results
- Thursday 31st October 2024: Secondary school applications close at 5 pm
- Monday 3rd March 2025: National offers day
Exam Structure and Subject Areas
The Slough Consortium 11 Plus exam is structured to assess students’ proficiency in several key areas, including 11 plus verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, English comprehension, and mathematics. The test is administered using a mix of multiple-choice and standard answer formats, and each question is crafted to evaluate the child’s ability to think critically and solve complex problems.The exam itself can be based on the CEM or GL assessment frameworks. Each framework has a slightly different approach:- CEM focuses on ensuring fair and robust questions designed to evaluate academic aptitude.
- GL Assessment emphasizes curriculum alignment, reflecting skills taught in UK primary schools.
Scoring and Age Standardisation
Once completed, your child’s answer sheets are scanned using Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) technology, ensuring a high degree of accuracy in scoring. The Consortium uses age standardisation to account for differences in age among children born at different points in the academic year, making the test results fairer. This process adjusts raw scores based on the child’s age and how they performed relative to other children of similar age.In mid-October 2024, parents receive the test results, which show if their child meets the required standard for the desired schools. Once results are available, parents can submit secondary school applications by the 31st of October.Preparation for the Slough Consortium 11 Plus Exam
The Slough Consortium 11 Plus exam is challenging, but thorough preparation can greatly enhance a student’s performance. Here are some effective preparation tips:Practice with 11 Plus Exam Papers
Practicing with 11 Plus exam papers familiarizes students with the format and types of questions they will encounter. Regular practice also helps children manage time effectively during the test.Focus on Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
Since 11 plus verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning are critical components, practicing these skills is essential. These questions test logical thinking and pattern recognition, which can be improved with targeted practice.Take 11 Plus Mock Exams
Mock exams provide a valuable opportunity for students to experience exam conditions, reducing test-day anxiety and allowing them to gauge their performance. At “11 Plus Grammar Preparation Success,” we offer a variety of 11 Plus mocks designed to simulate real exam scenarios, providing insights into areas needing improvement.Personalized Tutoring
Personalized instruction is crucial for many students, as it ensures each lesson addresses individual strengths and weaknesses. At “11 Plus Grammar Preparation Success,” we specialize in personalized tutoring 11 Plus tailored to each student’s learning style and exam goals.Why Choose 11 Plus Grammar Preparation Success?
Since 1996, “11 Plus Grammar Preparation Success” has been a leader in 11 Plus exam preparation. Here’s why we are the best choice for preparing your child for the 11 Plus Grammar School exams:- Our team consists of highly qualified tutors with over 20 years of experience. They are well-versed in the national curriculum and dedicated to fostering students’ academic growth.
- We cover all aspects of the Slough Consortium of Grammar Schools 11 Plus guide, including mock exams, past paper practice, and targeted lessons in verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
- We believe that a confident student is a successful student. Our approach prioritizes not only academic skills but also the development of self-assurance, helping students feel prepared and motivated.
- Over the years, we have helped thousands of students achieve top marks and secure placements at their desired grammar schools. Our students consistently perform well on 11 Plus exam papers and show remarkable improvements in test readiness.
- Our program is tailored to the unique needs of each student, ensuring the best possible preparation. With rigorous 11 Plus mock exams and exceptional tutoring, we make sure students are ready to excel.