Most children at St Joseph’s move naturally to Malmesbury School following the completion of their SATS in Year 6.
Some parents may wish to pursue other routes into Gloucestershire Grammar Schools or Independent Education at 11+.
The Gloucestershire Grammar Schools’ Entrance Test registration window for 2027 intake will be open from noon, 18 May 2026 to noon, 26 June 2026. The schools are planning for the Entrance Test to take place on Saturday 12 September 2026.
Parents should use the on-line registration form on the individual school’s website if they wish their child to sit the 11+ test, or request a paper registration form from the individual school’s Admissions Manager.
It is important to note that obtaining a qualifying rank on the Entrance Test is not an automatic offer of a place in the grammar school(s). Parents/carers must also list the grammar school(s) on their secondary school application form to their home local authority between September 2026 and the closing date of 31 October 2026.
Key dates for 2027 entry:
Monday 18th May 2026: test registration opens
Friday 26th June 2026: test registration closes
Monday 7th September 2026: test centre details are sent to parents by this date
Saturday 12th September 2026: test day
Mid-October 2026: parents receive test results
Saturday 31st October 2026: secondary school common application deadline
Monday 1st March 2027: national school offers day
Admissions Info: Gloucestershire County Council, 01452 425 000
Gloucestershire Grammar Schools 11 Plus (11+) Exam Format
All grammar schools in the region use the same 11+ exam from GL Assessment. The test consists of two multiple-choice papers covering:
- English Comprehension, Vocabulary and Verbal Reasoning
- Mathematics and Non-Verbal Reasoning (including Spatial Reasoning)
Each session takes around an hour to complete, which includes reading the instructions and completing some worked examples at the beginning.
Paper 1: Verbal skills
This paper assesses:
- Reading comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Verbal reasoning
Verbal reasoning isn’t usually taught directly at primary school. It focuses on logical thinking with written information, such as identifying patterns between words, letters and symbols. Your child will use skills such as:
- Extracting meaning from texts
- Spotting word relationships
- Applying logic to written problems
- Identifying patterns and rules in language
Paper 2: Non-verbal reasoning and maths
This paper combines:
- Key Stage 2 maths content
- Non-verbal reasoning
Non-verbal reasoning focuses on visual problem-solving using shapes, diagrams and patterns. Your child may need to:
- Recognise and complete visual patterns
- Apply mental maths strategies
- Use spatial awareness
- Solve logic problems using images and shapes
- Interpret diagrams and sequences
You can access free practice materials by clicking here
If you would like to explore grammar or independent school routes at 11+ for your child, please contact the School office to make an appointment with Mr Morrell, who will be able to advise you further:
Email: office@sjpschool.co.uk
Tel: 01666 822 331