Townley Grammar School Admissions Guide
Townley Grammar School in Bexleyheath (London Borough of Bexley) is a popular girls' grammar school with a mixed sixth form. Places depend on the Bexley selection test. This guide explains who can apply, how places are given and how to prepare. We update it whenever the school changes its rules.
About the school
- A selective girls' grammar school (an academy), with a mixed sixth form.
- 224 Year 7 places, the largest intake of the four Bexley grammars.
- No catchment area. The last places are given by distance, which changes every year.
Who can apply
- Girls in Year 6 who are judged selective in the Bexley test. A girl can be tested only once a year.
- Register for the Bexley test in March of Year 5. Late registrations are not accepted.
- Name Townley on your home council's application by 31 October.
- Pupil premium families also fill in the school's short supplementary form.
Key dates for September 2027 entry
- Bexley test registration: 1 to 31 March 2026 (closed)
- Bexley test: 2 to 10 September 2026
- Results: early October 2026
- Council application closing date: 31 October 2026
- National Offer Day: 1 March 2027
The entrance test
Townley uses the Bexley selection test: two multiple-choice booklets, with English and verbal ability 50%, Maths 25% and non-verbal reasoning 25%. There is no Stage II and no interview. See our Bexley test guide.
How places are given
Girls who reach the selective standard are offered places in this order:
- Looked-after and previously looked-after girls
- 20 places for pupil premium girls, by score
- Girls with one of the 180 highest scores among those applying
- Girls with a sister at the school
- Daughters of staff
- All others, by distance (straight line)
Last distances offered on National Offer Day (Bexley Council): 2026 7.08 miles; 2025 7.17; 2024 6.02; 2023 11.00; 2022 6.27. These are a guide only. Check yours with our catchment distance checker.
How to help your daughter prepare
- English is half the test. Read every day and build vocabulary.
- Cover all Year 5 Maths, and practise non-verbal reasoning little and often.
- Aim high: a top-180 score gives priority wherever you live.
- Practise to time, without rough paper.
Common questions from parents
We live far away. Is it worth applying?
If your daughter's score is in the top 180, distance does not matter. Otherwise, compare your distance with recent last distances.
Do sisters get priority?
Yes, after the top 180 scores.
Official information
- Townley Grammar School: Year 7 admissions
- Townley: admission arrangements 2027
- Bexley Council: selection tests
Always check the school's own pages before making decisions. Rules and dates can change each year.
How AshACE can help
AshACE runs small, live online 11+ classes in English, Maths and Reasoning from Year 4, run from Orpington, with over a decade of 11+ teaching. See the classes below, or send us an enquiry.
Sources: Townley Grammar School admissions pages and Admissions Policy 2027-28; Bexley Council; checked 25 September 2026.