St Olave's Grammar School: 11 Plus Entry Guide
Key Takeaways
- St Olave's receives 2,000+ applications for 124 places.
- The school sets its own test, separate from Bexley/Kent consortia.
- Advanced-level preparation is essential, standard 11 plus may not suffice.
- Start preparation in Year 4 for this level of competition.
St Olave's Grammar School in Orpington, Bromley is one of the highest-performing state schools in England. It consistently achieves outstanding A-level and GCSE results, making it one of the most sought-after grammar schools in south-east London and Kent. Entry is through the school's own selective entrance test, which is separate from the Bexley or Kent consortium tests. This means families applying to St Olave's need to register and prepare specifically for this school's process. This guide covers the application process, test format, and preparation strategies. EdifyPod Nexus provides adaptive practice suited to the demanding level St Olave's requires.
St Olave's Grammar School in Bromley receives over 2,000 applications for 124 Year 7 places. It conducts its own entrance test separately from the Bexley and Kent consortia. The test assesses English and Mathematics at an advanced level. Preparation should start in Year 4 and go beyond standard 11 plus material.
About St Olave's Grammar School
St Olave's is a boys' grammar school with a co-educational sixth form, located in Orpington in the London Borough of Bromley. It was founded in 1571, making it one of the oldest schools in London.
The school consistently ranks in the top ten state schools nationally for A-level results. This academic reputation drives extremely high demand, the school receives well over 2,000 applications for approximately 124 Year 7 places.
St Olave's draws applicants from across south-east London, north-west Kent, and beyond. There is no catchment area, any boy may apply regardless of where they live, though the school's oversubscription criteria should be checked annually.
The Entrance Test
St Olave's conducts its own entrance test, which is separate from the Bexley consortium and Kent Test. The school uses a two-stage process: an initial written test followed by a shortlisting stage.
The initial test typically assesses English and Mathematics at a level above the standard 11 plus. The exact format can change between years, so families should check the school's admissions page for the current specification.
The high academic standard of the school means the test is designed to identify exceptionally able children. Surface-level preparation is not sufficient, children need to demonstrate genuine mathematical fluency and strong English comprehension skills.
Registration and Key Dates
Registration for St Olave's typically opens in the summer term of Year 5 and closes before the test date in autumn of Year 6. The school publishes exact dates on its website each year.
Families can apply to St Olave's alongside other selective schools in Bexley, Kent, or elsewhere. Because St Olave's uses its own test, there is no conflict with consortium test dates.
Ensure you check whether the school charges a registration fee and what documentation is required. Deadlines are strictly enforced.
Preparation Strategies
Preparing for St Olave's requires going beyond standard 11 plus preparation. The test is designed for the most able children, so practice at standard 11 plus level may not be sufficient.
For maths, ensure your child is comfortable with problems significantly above their current year group. Multi-step reasoning problems, algebraic thinking, and mathematical puzzles all feature. For English, advanced comprehension skills and strong vocabulary are essential.
Start preparation in Year 4 with general ability building, then intensify in Year 5 with targeted practice at an advanced level. Use the most challenging practice materials available.
Thousands of families use EdifyPod Nexus to prepare, the practice adapts to your child, tracks progress against target schools, and covers every subject the exam tests. If your child needs additional live support from our experts, our tutors at edifypod.com/11plus are here too.
Frequently Asked Questions
How competitive is entry to St Olave's?
Extremely competitive. Approximately 2,000 boys apply for 124 places, making it one of the most oversubscribed grammar schools in England.
Is St Olave's part of the Bexley or Kent consortium?
No. St Olave's conducts its own entrance test independently. Children can sit the St Olave's test alongside consortium tests in other areas.
Does St Olave's have a catchment area?
The school does not have a formal catchment area. However, check the current oversubscription criteria as distance or other factors may apply when test scores are close.