St Olave's Grammar School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School: St Olave's and St Saviour's Grammar School
• Location: Goddington Lane, Orpington, Kent, BR6 9SH
• Type: Voluntary aided grammar school
• Gender: Boys only
• Age Range: 11-18 years
• Pupils: Approximately 1,085 students
• Founded: 1571 by Royal Charter
• Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
• Headteacher: Mr Andrew Rees
• Religious Character: Church of England

About St Olave's Grammar School

St Olave's and St Saviour's Grammar School represents one of England's most academically rigorous institutions, with a heritage spanning over 450 years since receiving its Royal Charter in 1571. Located in the leafy borough of Orpington, this boys' grammar school has cultivated a reputation for exceptional academic achievement whilst maintaining its commitment to developing well-rounded young men of character and integrity.

The school's ethos centres on high expectations, mutual respect, and academic excellence. With approximately 1,085 pupils, St Olave's maintains a strong community atmosphere where every student is known individually and supported to reach their full potential. The school's Church of England foundation provides a moral framework that emphasises service, leadership, and responsibility to the wider community.

St Olave's consistently ranks amongst the top-performing state schools nationally, with exceptional results at both GCSE and A-level. The school's sixth form is particularly renowned, attracting high-achieving students from across South London and Kent. Beyond academics, the school offers extensive co-curricular opportunities including competitive sports, music, drama, and community service programmes that develop leadership skills and character.

The 11+ Assessment Process

St Olave's Grammar School operates a highly selective admissions process designed to identify boys with exceptional academic potential. The school's 11+ assessment is amongst the most competitive in the country, reflecting the institution's academic standards and reputation.

Assessment Components

The entrance examination typically includes:

• Mathematics: Advanced problem-solving and mathematical reasoning beyond standard Year 6 curriculum
• English: Comprehensive reading comprehension, vocabulary, and written expression
• Verbal Reasoning: Logical thinking and language-based problem solving
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Abstract reasoning using visual patterns and spatial awareness

Selection Criteria

The school seeks candidates who demonstrate:

• Outstanding academic ability across all core subjects
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Intellectual curiosity and love of learning
• Potential to thrive in a demanding academic environment
• Character traits aligned with the school's values of integrity and respect

Given the school's exceptional reputation, competition for places is intense, with typically over 2,000 applications for approximately 120 Year 7 places.

How to Apply

The application process for St Olave's Grammar School requires careful preparation and adherence to strict deadlines:

Registration Process

• Registration: Complete online registration by the specified deadline (typically September)
• Application Form: Submit comprehensive application including academic records and references
• Registration Fee: Pay the required examination fee
• Documentation: Provide proof of address and birth certificate

Assessment Schedule

• Entrance Examination: Sit the comprehensive 11+ assessment (typically October/November)
• Results: Receive initial results and shortlisting notification
• Interview: Attend interview for shortlisted candidates (if applicable)
• Final Offers: Receive admission decision and accept place if offered

Important Considerations

Families should note that St Olave's operates within Bromley's coordinated admissions scheme. The school's catchment area is geographically defined, and priority may be given to candidates from specific postcode areas. Transport links from Central London and surrounding areas make the school accessible to families across South East London and North Kent.

Preparing for the St Olave's Grammar School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Families preparing for the St Olave's Grammar School 11+ usually come to us a year or so before the assessment, though shorter runs work where the foundations are already sound. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors build each programme around the format the school actually uses, whether a written paper, an online pre-test, an interview or a combination of them.

More than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status and around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, so the preparation is led by people who know how selective schools assess. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families work with us online from anywhere in the UK or abroad, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.