How to prepare for the Newstead Wood 11+
Newstead Wood School in Orpington (London Borough of Bromley) is a selective girls' school with 168 Year 7 places for September 2027.
Key dates for September 2027 entry
- Registration: 1 May to 30 June 2026 (midnight)
- Test: 25 or 26 September 2026
- Results: between 16 and 22 October 2026
What is in the test?
Newstead Wood tests reasoning only: verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, both multiple choice with separate answer sheets. There is no English, Maths or creative writing paper. Scores are adjusted for age, and the non-verbal score is used to break ties.
The required standard and the 9-mile rule
Girls must reach the required standard of 210 (unless too few girls reach it to fill the places). Then places go in this order:
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children
- Pupil Premium or Service Premium girls living within 9 miles
- Girls living within 9 miles, and children of staff
- Girls living more than 9 miles away
The 9 miles is a straight line from the school's main entrance. The school says girls living outside 9 miles have not received offers in recent years. Check your distance before you register.
How to prepare
- Because it is all reasoning, give plenty of time to verbal reasoning (vocabulary, codes, word links) and non-verbal reasoning (shapes, patterns, sequences).
- Reading widely is still the best way to build vocabulary.
- Practise with separate answer sheets under time.
Source: Newstead Wood School Admission Policy 2027-28 and FAQs.
Want help preparing your child?
Small live classes on Zoom from Year 4, taught by Ash.
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