Herschel Grammar School – 11+ Parent’s Guide
Essential Details
- Address: Herschel Grammar School, Northampton Avenue, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 3BW
- Number of pupils: 1,100+
- Admissions contact: mail@herschel.slough.sch.uk
- Number of places in Year 7: 150
- 11+ exam: Slough Consortium 11+ selection test
- Catchment area: yes
Mark Your Calendar
See Herschel Grammar School’s website for latest information and key dates.
Exploring Herschel Grammar School: A Parent’s Guide
Herschel Grammar School, established in 1937, is a highly regarded co-educational grammar school in Slough for students aged 11-18. Consistently ranked among the top performing schools in Berkshire, Herschel Grammar was named Sunday Times Southeast State School of the Year in 2022 for its outstanding academic results and exceptional value-added progress.
The school offers a rigorous yet balanced curriculum with particular strengths in STEM subjects, modern languages and creative arts. Herschel’s unique ‘Enrichment Wednesday’ program allows students to pursue specialist interests from robotics to debating. The school prides itself on developing well-rounded individuals, with alumni including Olympic athletes and leading scientists.
With state-of-the-art facilities including a new £3.2 million science block and dedicated performing arts centre, Herschel provides an inspiring learning environment. The school’s house system fosters strong pastoral care and healthy competition across academic, sporting and artistic pursuits.
Navigating the Application process at Herschel Grammar School
The admissions process for Herschel Grammar School involves several key steps:
- Research and Understand the Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the Slough Consortium 11+ test format and catchment area rules. Herschel gives priority to Slough residents.
- Attend Open Events: The school hosts open mornings in June and September – booking is essential via their website.
- Register for 11+ Testing: Registration typically opens in May and closes in June for September testing.
- Prepare Supporting Documents: You’ll need proof of address, your child’s birth certificate and current school reports.
- Submit CAF by Deadline: The Common Application Form must be submitted to your home local authority by 31 October.
- Receive Test Results: Results are issued in mid-October before CAF submission.
- Accept Place if Offered: National offer day is 1 March. Herschel usually has a waiting list for successful candidates.
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What to Expect on Secondary Transfer Test at Herschel Grammar School
The Slough Consortium 11+ test consists of two papers taken on the same day:
- Verbal Reasoning: 50-minute paper testing comprehension, vocabulary and verbal logic
- Non-Verbal & Mathematical Reasoning: 60-minute combined paper with diagrammatic and numerical problems
- Scoring: Standardised age-weighted scoring with a typical pass mark around 111
- Special Arrangements: Available for students with EHCPs or requiring access arrangements
- Test Centres: Usually held at Herschel Grammar School and other consortium schools
Tailored Preparation for Success
Want to give your child a roadmap to success in the Secondary Transfer Test? You can with Learoni. We provide everything you need to prepare in one comprehensive package. Forget about hiring a tutor to secure a spot at your top-choice grammar school. With Learoni, you’ll receive a tailored plan for your child and ongoing support throughout their enjoyable revision journey.
Expert Tips for Secondary Transfer Test Preparation
- Master Multiple Choice Technique: Teach your child to eliminate obviously wrong answers first.
- Develop Visual Reasoning Skills: Practice rotating shapes and identifying patterns under timed conditions.
- Build Vocabulary Systematically: Use word-of-the-day apps and root word analysis.
- Perfect Pacing: The Non-Verbal section is particularly time-pressured – aim for 45 seconds per question.
- Use Consortium-Specific Materials: The Slough test has unique elements not found in other 11+ exams.
- Simulate Test Conditions: Do full mock tests including the 15-minute break between papers.
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