The Complete Parent’s Guide to the Berkshire 11+ Exams Page last updated: July 2025
Welcome to the definitive elevenplus.com guide to the 11+ exams in Berkshire. As our experts have seen first-hand, Berkshire has one of the most complex 11+ landscapes in the country, with different consortiums and standalone schools, each with its own unique test and admissions criteria. Navigating this requires a clear and focused approach.
This page is your central hub for all our expert articles on the key selective schools in Berkshire. We provide detailed profiles, compare the different exam formats, and give you the strategic advice you need to create a targeted and effective preparation plan for your child.
The Berkshire 11+ Exams: Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | Kendrick School | Reading School | Slough Consortium | Reading Girls’ School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gender | Girls | Boys | Co-educational | Girls |
| Exam Board | GL Assessment | FSCE | GL Assessment | CEM Select (Online) |
| Key Subjects | English, Maths, VR, NVR | English, Maths, Creative Writing | English, Maths, VR, NVR | Verbal, Non-Verbal, Numerical |
| Key Feature | Standalone Test | Standalone Test | One test for 4 schools | Selective Stream in a comprehensive school |
| Places (Yr 7) | 128 | ~150 | 150-180 per school | 42 (in selective stream) |
| Qualifying Score | ~105 | Eligible Score (Ranked) | 111 | Top 42 scores |
Our Expert Guides for Berkshire
(This section should be a visually appealing grid of cards, each with an image, title, and short description, linking to the full blog post.)
The Slough Consortium Schools (GL Assessment)
- Langley Grammar School: A Parent’s Guide
- Herschel Grammar School: A Parent’s Guide
- St Bernard’s Catholic Grammar School: A Parent’s Guide
- Upton Court Grammar School: A Parent’s Guide
The Standalone Reading Schools
- How to Get into Kendrick School (GL): A Parent’s Guide
- How to Get into Reading School (FSCE): A Parent’s Guide
- How to Get into Reading Girls’ School (CEM Select): A Guide for Parents
Strategic Overviews
- A Deep Dive into the Berkshire GL Assessment Format
- Understanding Grammar School Catchment Areas in Bucks & Berks
Success Stories from Berkshire Parents
“The
elevenplus.compractice papers were perfectly matched to the Slough Consortium exam. The detailed answer keys were a game-changer for us, and my son walked into the exam feeling completely prepared. He secured a place at Langley!” – Sarah P., Slough
“Navigating the Kendrick application felt so overwhelming until I found your guides. The clarity on the catchment area and the exam format was invaluable. Thank you for helping us make sense of it all.” – David L., Reading
Expert Q&A: Your Berkshire 11+ Questions Answered
- Do I need to register for each Slough Consortium school separately? No, you only need to complete one registration for your child to sit the Slough Consortium 11+ exam. Their result will then be valid for all four schools in the consortium.
- Is the Kendrick School test the same as the Slough Consortium test? No. While both are provided by GL Assessment and cover similar subjects, they are different exams. You cannot share the score between them.
- My child is strong in creative writing. Which Berkshire test is best for them? The Reading School test is the only one with a dedicated Creative Writing paper, which is used as a key differentiator for eligible candidates.
Practice Resources for Berkshire: Prepare your child for success with our practice materials, with specific packs tailored to the different exam formats used in Berkshire.
➡️ Explore our Berkshire Practice Packs
Official Resources: For the most up-to-date admissions policies and catchment area maps, we always recommend checking the official sources.