St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School, located in Slough, is a distinguished co-educational Catholic grammar school. As the only Catholic grammar school in the UK, St Bernard’s is highly selective, providing quality education to students who pass the 11 Plus exam. Students at St Bernard’s benefit from an environment that emphasizes academic excellence, spirituality, and community involvement, making it a preferred choice among parents seeking holistic development for their children.
This comprehensive guide to the St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School 11 Plus will cover key information for parents and students, including application processes, exam details, and tips for preparation. We will also explain why 11 Plus Grammar Preparation Success is the best choice for 11 Plus tuition, ensuring students excel in the 11 Plus exam papers, non-verbal and verbal reasoning, and English comprehension.Overview of St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School
St Bernard’s is a member of the Slough Consortium of Grammar Schools, an association that uses a unified 11 Plus entrance test for its selective schools. This enables students to take a single exam to qualify for multiple schools within the consortium. The school is highly respected for its academic achievements and international curriculum, offering a variety of subjects and languages, such as French, Spanish, Latin, Japanese, and Ancient History. Additionally, St Bernard’s is dedicated to fostering positive relationships, community service, and personal growth, aligning its values with the broader Catholic educational philosophy.Key Facts about St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School
- Location: 1 Langley Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL3 7AF
- Number of Pupils: Over 1,200
- Year 7 Places: 180
- Admissions Contact: secretary@st-bernards.slough.sch.uk
- 11 Plus Exam: Part of the Slough Consortium 11 Plus
The Slough Consortium and Member Schools
The Slough Consortium of Grammar Schools streamlines the 11 Plus application process by allowing a single test to be taken across four grammar schools. Member schools of the Slough Consortium include:- St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School
- Herschel Grammar School
- Langley Grammar School
- Upton Court Grammar School
St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School 11 Plus Application Process
To apply to St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School, parents must follow a structured process:| Registration for the 11 Plus Exam | The registration portal for the Slough Consortium of Grammar Schools opens on Wednesday, 1st May 2024, and closes on Monday, 12th June 2024. This registration allows students to sit for the 11 Plus exam used by all consortium schools. |
| Exam Date | The Slough Consortium 11 Plus entrance test will be conducted on Saturday, 21st September 2024. |
| Results Announcement | Parents will receive the 11 Plus results in mid-October 2024. While these results indicate whether a student has met the qualifying score, placement is not guaranteed and depends on availability. |
| Secondary School Application Form | Parents must list St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School as a preferred choice on their secondary school common application form (CAF). The CAF is available on local council websites starting in September and must be submitted by Thursday, 31st October 2024. |
| National Offer Day | School placement offers are sent out on Monday, 3rd March 2025. Students who have qualified and listed St Bernard’s as a preferred school will be informed of their placement. |
St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School 11 Plus Exam Format
The Slough Consortium 11 Plus exam includes GL Assessment-based papers that test students on verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and English comprehension. This exam is known for challenging students on skills relevant to grammar school studies, and it is structured to assess various cognitive abilities rather than curriculum-specific knowledge. Sections include:- 11 Plus Verbal Reasoning – Testing language, vocabulary, and comprehension.
- 11 Plus Non-Verbal Reasoning – Evaluating spatial reasoning and pattern recognition.
- 11 Plus English Comprehension – Assessing grammar, punctuation, and reading comprehension.
Preparation for the St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School 11 Plus Exam
Securing a place at St Bernard’s requires dedicated preparation. Engaging in 11 Plus mock exams is highly recommended, as these simulate the real exam environment and help students build familiarity and confidence. Practice with both 11 Plus exam papers and subject-specific materials, such as verbal and non-verbal reasoning, can help students tackle each section with ease.Why Choose 11 Plus Grammar Preparation Success for 11 Plus Exam Preparation?
At 11 Plus Grammar Preparation Success, we specialize in 11 Plus exam preparation for St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School and other top UK grammar schools. Our approach combines high-quality teaching, years of expertise, and tailored strategies to ensure students perform at their best. Here’s why we stand out:- Our tutors are highly qualified and possess deep knowledge in 11 Plus exam preparation. With over two decades of experience, they understand the nuances of the 11 Plus Grammar School exams and know how to guide students effectively.
- Recognizing that each student learns differently, we offer individualized sessions that target specific areas, whether it’s 11 plus English comprehension or non-verbal reasoning. Personalized tutoring for 11 Plus is one of our core strengths, ensuring that students receive the targeted support they need to succeed.
- We provide access to extensive 11 Plus exam papers, including both CEM and GL formats, to cover all aspects of the exam. Our materials include practice tests, subject-specific worksheets, and 11 Plus mocks to strengthen each student’s skills and build familiarity with the exam structure.
- Known for our high success rate, we are committed to delivering the best 11 Plus grammar classes and mock exams in the UK. Our mock exams replicate the pressures of the actual test, giving students the confidence and resilience needed to perform well.
- At 11 Plus Grammar Preparation Success, we believe in fostering a love for learning alongside exam preparation. Our students not only gain academic skills but also grow in confidence, setting a foundation for lifelong learning.
Essential Tips for Succeeding in the St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School 11 Plus Exam
| Start Early | Beginning preparation early allows ample time for students to familiarize themselves with 11 Plus exam papers and focus on areas for improvement. |
| Practice Regularly | Consistent practice with 11 Plus mocks and past exam papers is essential. This routine helps solidify knowledge, improve speed, and reduce exam-day anxiety. |
| Master Core Skills | Ensure that your child has a strong command over verbal and non-verbal reasoning and English comprehension, as these are key areas in the St Bernard’s 11 Plus exam. |
| Time Management Skills | In addition to subject-specific knowledge, teach your child to manage their time efficiently during the exam. Practicing under timed conditions with 11 Plus mock exams is one of the best ways to develop this skill. |
| Seek Expert Help | For tailored guidance and structured preparation, enroll your child in a specialized 11 Plus Grammar School tutoring program. Professional tutors can identify strengths and weaknesses and create a personalized study plan. |
Important Dates for the St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School 11 Plus 2024-2025 Admissions
- Registration Opens: Wednesday, 1st May 2024
- Registration Closes: Monday, 12th June 2024
- Exam Date: Saturday, 21st September 2024
- Results Day: Mid-October 2024
- Application Form Deadline: Thursday, 31st October 2024
- National Offer Day: Monday, 3rd March 2025