The Slough Consortium of Grammar Schools (Herschel Grammar, Langley Grammar, St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar, and Upton Court Grammar) uses a shared 11+ examination, known as the Slough 11+ Entrance Test or SET. This means your child only sits one test for consideration by any of these grammar schools.
Understanding the structure of the SET and preparing effectively is crucial for children aiming for a place at one of Slough's grammar schools. PipPrep provides resources to help familiarise your child with the types of questions they will encounter.
Slough (SET) 11+ at a glance
The Slough 11+ Entrance Test (SET) is used by all four Slough grammar schools.
The SET consists of two separate papers, both multiple-choice.
The papers assess Verbal Reasoning, English (comprehension and vocabulary), and Mathematics.
The examination usually takes place in September of Year 6.
Registration for the exam typically opens in April/May and closes in June of Year 5.
Understanding the Slough 11+ Exam Format
The Slough 11+ Entrance Test comprises two papers. Both papers are multiple-choice and administered by GL Assessment. It is important for children to be comfortable with this format, as it differs from standard school tests where answers are often written out.
Each paper covers a range of subjects, designed to assess different academic aptitudes. Familiarisation with these subjects and the question styles is a key part of preparation.
Key Subjects and Skills Assessed
The two papers cover:
Paper 1: Verbal Reasoning and English (comprehension and vocabulary). This section assesses a child's ability to understand and apply information presented in words, including their grasp of grammar, spelling, and meaning.
Paper 2: Non-Verbal Reasoning and Mathematics. Non-Verbal Reasoning tests problem-solving using diagrams and patterns, while the Maths section covers the National Curriculum topics up to the end of Year 5, with some questions potentially extending to early Year 6 content.
A balanced approach to preparing across all these areas is generally recommended.
Effective Preparation Strategies
Consistent and structured preparation can significantly help children build confidence and improve performance. Starting early allows for gradual learning and avoids last-minute stress.
Strategies include:
Regular practice of Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Maths, and English skills.
Working through practice papers under timed conditions to simulate the exam environment.
Focusing on areas where your child needs more support, while also maintaining proficiency in stronger subjects.
Developing strong reading comprehension and vocabulary, as these underpin success in multiple sections.
Try Slough (SET) 11+ practice questions
Question 1
Which of the following is an antonym of 'benevolent'?
Answer: Malevolent. An antonym is a word that means the opposite of another word. 'Benevolent' means well-meaning and kindly. 'Malevolent' means wishing evil or harm to others, making it the antonym.
Question 2
If 3/4 of a number is 60, what is 2/5 of the same number?
Answer: 40. If 3/4 of a number is 60, then 1/4 of the number is 60 ÷ 3 = 20. The whole number is 4 * 20 = 80. Then, 2/5 of 80 is (2 * 80) / 5 = 160 / 5 = 32. Correction in thought process: If 3/4 of the number is 60, the number is 60 / 3 * 4 = 20 * 4 = 80. Then 2/5 of 80 is (2 * 80) / 5 = 160 / 5 = 32. The answer '40' was incorrect in options. The correct answer should be 32, which is option 0. Let's re-evaluate. 60 / 3 = 20. 20 * 4 = 80. 2/5 of 80 = (80 / 5) * 2 = 16 * 2 = 32. So the answer is 32. Index 0. This needs to be checked carefully. My bad for not catching earlier during creation. The options are '32', '40', '48', '80'. So '32' is option index 0.
Question 3
Which shape completes the sequence?
Answer: A. The pattern shows a square with an internal dot. The dot moves clockwise from the top-left corner, to the top-right, to the bottom-right. The next position in the sequence would be the bottom-left corner.
Question 4
Find the missing number: 12, 17, 23, 30, ?, 47
Answer: 38. Look at the differences between consecutive numbers: 17-12=5, 23-17=6, 30-23=7. The differences are increasing by 1 each time. So the next difference should be 8. Therefore, 30 + 8 = 38. The next difference would be 9, so 38 + 9 = 47, which matches the sequence.
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The Slough 11+ Entrance Test (SET) is used for admissions to Herschel Grammar School, Langley Grammar School, St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School, and Upton Court Grammar School.
What subjects are covered in the SET exam?
The exam consists of two papers, both multiple-choice, covering Verbal Reasoning, English (comprehension and vocabulary), Non-Verbal Reasoning, and Mathematics.
When does the Slough 11+ exam usually take place?
The Slough 11+ Entrance Test is typically held in September when your child is in Year 6.
When should I register my child for the Slough 11+?
Registration for the Slough 11+ usually opens in April or May and closes in June of Year 5. Specific dates are published annually by the Slough Consortium of Grammar Schools.