Upton Court Grammar School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School: Upton Court Grammar School
• Location: Lascelles Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL3 7PR
• Type: Mixed selective grammar school
• Age Range: 11-18 years
• Students: Approximately 1,159
• Headteacher: Mr Oliver King
• Ofsted Rating: Outstanding (November 2022)
• Entry Requirements: Pass Slough Consortium 11+ test (minimum score 111)
• Test Format: Two multiple-choice papers covering verbal and non-verbal reasoning

About Upton Court Grammar School

Upton Court Grammar School has established itself as one of Berkshire's most academically successful institutions, operating under the Pioneer Educational Trust. The school combines traditional educational values with a contemporary, globally-minded approach that prepares students for modern challenges.

Located in Slough, the school serves families across Berkshire and neighbouring areas, offering a rigorous academic programme enhanced by extensive enrichment opportunities. The school's commitment to excellence is reflected in its Outstanding Ofsted rating and exceptional national ranking - placing ninth among nearly seven thousand schools in England based on Progress 8 figures.

Upton Court Grammar School prides itself on fostering both academic achievement and personal development. The school provides comprehensive support for students with diverse learning needs, ensuring every pupil can maximise their potential within a nurturing yet challenging environment.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Entry to Upton Court Grammar School requires success in the Slough Consortium 11+ examination, a standardised assessment designed to identify pupils with strong academic potential.

Test Components

The assessment comprises two multiple-choice papers developed by GL Assessment:

• Verbal Reasoning: Evaluates comprehension, vocabulary, and logical thinking using language-based problems
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Assesses pattern recognition, spatial awareness, and problem-solving abilities through visual puzzles

Scoring and Standards

Results are age-standardised to ensure fair comparison across all candidates. To qualify for admission, pupils typically need to achieve a minimum score of 111, though this threshold may vary based on the number of applicants and available places.

Test Timing

The 11+ examination usually takes place in mid-September, with results released in mid-October. The test date for Year 7 2025 entry will be confirmed by the Slough Consortium in spring 2024.

How to Apply

Step 1: Register for the 11+ Test

Registration for the Slough Consortium 11+ test typically opens in late April and closes in mid-June. Parents must register their child through the official Slough Consortium website during this window.

Step 2: Prepare for the Assessment

Whilst the test assesses natural ability, familiarisation with question formats can be beneficial. Consider practising verbal and non-verbal reasoning exercises to build confidence and test technique.

Step 3: Complete the Test

The examination takes place at designated test centres across the region. Pupils should arrive well-rested and equipped with necessary materials as specified in pre-test communications.

Step 4: Submit Secondary Application

Regardless of 11+ results, parents must complete their local authority's secondary school application form by the October 31 deadline. Upton Court Grammar School should be listed as a preference.

Step 5: Await Allocation Results

National offer day occurs in early March, when families receive confirmation of their secondary school place. Passing the 11+ test does not automatically secure admission, as places are limited and allocated based on published criteria.

Preparing for the Upton Court Grammar School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Preparation for the Upton Court Grammar School 11+ tends to go best when it starts early and stays steady, and most families who work with us begin between twelve and eighteen months out. Our tutors, who have prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, plan the work backwards from the school's own assessment format and registration deadline.

The tutors we match to 11+ preparation are drawn from a pool in which more than half hold Qualified Teacher Status, around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and which includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools. 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.