Beths Grammar School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School: Beths Grammar School
• Type: All-boys selective grammar school with academy status
• Age Range: 11-18 years
• Location: Hartford Road, Bexley, Kent DA5 1NE
• Year 7 Places: 192
• Headteacher: Mr Richard Blyghton
• Assessment: Bexley Selection Test (11+)
• Specialisms: Technology and Modern Foreign Languages
• Ofsted Rating: Good (May 2022)

About Beths Grammar School

Beths Grammar School in Bexley represents one of southeast London's most established selective institutions, having evolved from Erith Technical School in 1945 to become a distinguished grammar school in 1976. The school relocated to its current purpose-built facilities in Bexley during the early 1960s, creating an environment specifically designed to nurture academic excellence amongst boys aged 11-18.

The school's commitment to academic achievement is evidenced by its dual specialist status, awarded for Technology in 1995 and Modern Foreign Languages in 2006. This specialisation reflects Beths' forward-thinking approach to education, combining traditional academic rigour with contemporary technological and linguistic capabilities.

With 1,672 pupils across all year groups, Beths maintains a substantial yet purposeful learning community. The school's modern foreign languages programme extends beyond conventional offerings, providing French, German, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese. This linguistic diversity prepares students for an increasingly globalised world whilst maintaining strong foundations in core academic subjects.

The school's facilities include specialised laboratories for electronics, graphics, product design, and coding, reflecting its commitment to STEM education. Beyond academics, Beths maintains an extensive extracurricular programme encompassing rugby, football, and various clubs that reinforce its STEM specialisms.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Beths Grammar School employs the Bexley Selection Test for Year 7 admissions, a comprehensive assessment designed to identify students with the academic potential to thrive in a selective environment. This examination consists of two one-hour papers covering four core areas:

• English Comprehension: Testing reading skills, vocabulary, and understanding of written texts
• Mathematics: Assessing numerical reasoning, problem-solving, and mathematical concepts
• Verbal Reasoning: Evaluating logical thinking and language-based problem solving
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Testing spatial awareness and pattern recognition

All questions utilise multiple-choice format, allowing for standardised marking and fair comparison across candidates. The examination operates without a predetermined pass mark; instead, the 180 highest-scoring applicants to each Bexley grammar school become eligible for places, making the process inherently competitive.

Approximately 30% of test-takers achieve scores sufficient for consideration at Bexley grammar schools, highlighting the selective nature of these institutions. Success requires thorough preparation across all four assessment areas, with particular attention to time management given the examination's structured format.

How to Apply

The application process for September 2025 entry follows a carefully structured timeline:

Registration Phase (May 2024):
Register for the Bexley Selection Test between 1st and 31st May 2024. This registration is essential and must be completed within the specified timeframe.

Examination Period (September 2024):
The Bexley Selection Test takes place from Monday 9th to Thursday 12th September 2024. Candidates will be allocated specific examination dates and centres.

Results Release (October 2024):
Test results are published in mid-October 2024, providing families with essential information for their secondary school applications.

Secondary Application (October 2024):
Submit your secondary school application by 31st October 2024, listing Beths Grammar School amongst your preferred choices. Meeting the qualifying standard does not guarantee admission due to oversubscription.

Allocation Day (March 2025):
School allocations are confirmed on 3rd March 2025.

Oversubscription Criteria

When qualified applicants exceed available places, Beths applies the following prioritisation:

• Looked after and previously looked after children
• The 180 highest-scoring candidates on the selection tests
• Siblings of current Beths students
• Children of permanent school employees
• Up to 12 places for Pupil Premium/Free School Meals eligible boys (ranked by distance)
• Proximity to school (measured by direct line distance)
• Kent Test qualifiers who didn't meet Bexley standards (with confirmation)

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition's comprehensive approach to 11+ preparation has consistently supported families in securing places at competitive grammar schools like Beths. Our specialised programmes address each component of the Bexley Selection Test through targeted instruction and extensive practice.

Our experienced tutors understand the specific requirements of the Bexley assessment format, providing structured preparation that builds confidence across English comprehension, mathematics, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. We emphasise time management strategies essential for multiple-choice examinations whilst developing the analytical thinking skills that selective schools value.

Beyond examination preparation, Taylor Tuition guides families through the entire application process, from initial registration through to allocation day. We provide realistic assessments of prospects based on practice test performance and help families develop balanced school preference strategies.

Our mock examination programme replicates actual test conditions, familiarising students with the examination environment and reducing anxiety on assessment day. We also offer ongoing progress monitoring and personalised study plans that adapt to each student's developing strengths and areas requiring additional focus.

For families considering Beths Grammar School, Taylor Tuition's proven track record in securing grammar school places, combined with our detailed understanding of the Bexley selection process, provides the expert support necessary to maximise your son's potential for success.