Reading Girls’ School is a non-selective girls’ school with a strong reputation for academic achievement and a clear ambition for its students’ futures. Rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, with ‘Outstanding’ features, the school is praised for its very high expectations and the dedicated, specialist teaching pupils receive.
A unique feature of Reading Girls’ School is its Selective Stream. This offers a fantastic opportunity for academically able girls to access a grammar-style education within a comprehensive school setting. This makes it a popular and highly competitive choice for parents in Reading.
Understanding the application process for this selective stream is crucial. At elevenplus.com, we believe in providing clear, accurate, and strategic advice. This definitive guide will demystify the entire process for gaining a place in the Reading Girls’ School Selective Stream.
In this definitive guide, you will learn:
- Key dates for the 2025-2026 admissions cycle.
- A detailed breakdown of the Selective Stream test format.
- A clear explanation of how the selective places are allocated.
- An expert strategy to prepare your child for the specific demands of the test.
Key Information for 2026 Entry
- Address: Northumberland Avenue, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 7PY
- Total Number of Places in Year 7: 180
- Number of Selective Stream Places: Up to 42
- Exam Provider: CEM Select (Online Test)
- School Type: Non-selective girls’ school with a selective stream
Key Dates for your Diary (2026 Entry)
- Registration Closes: Friday 26th September 2025 (noon)
- Selective Stream Test Date: Saturday 4th October 2025
- Results Released to Parents: Before the CAF deadline
- Secondary School Application Deadline (CAF): Friday 31st October 2025
- National Offer Day: Monday 2nd March 2026
Please note that dates can vary slightly, so it is always best to confirm directly with Reading Girls’ School’s website.
The Reading Girls’ School Selective Stream Exam Format
The test for the Selective Stream is the CEM Select Entrance Assessment. This is a well-known online test that is different from the paper-based GL Assessment used by other local grammar schools.
Key Characteristics:
- Online Test: Your daughter will complete the test on a computer at the school, guided by on-screen instructions.
- Duration: The test lasts approximately 60 minutes.
- Subjects Tested: The CEM Select test covers three core areas:
- Verbal Ability: This includes comprehension, vocabulary, and verbal reasoning.
- Non-Verbal Ability: This involves solving problems using shapes, patterns, and logic.
- Numerical Ability: This tests mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills.
The Admissions Process: How Places are Allocated
Gaining a place in the Selective Stream is a straightforward process based on performance in the test.
- Registration: You must register your daughter to take the Selective Stream test directly with the school via their website.
- The Test: Your daughter will sit the online CEM Select test at the school.
- Ranking: After the test, the scores are age-standardised to ensure fairness. The results are then placed in rank order.
- Allocation: The top-scoring 42 students are eligible for a place in the Selective Stream. To secure a place, you must also name Reading Girls’ School on your Common Application Form (CAF).
The Bottom Line: Unlike the local grammar schools, there is no defined “pass mark” or catchment area for the selective stream. Places are offered to the 42 highest-scoring candidates.
[Image: A graphic showing a computer screen with the CEM Select logo, indicating an online test.]
How to Prepare for the Reading Girls’ School Test
A structured and focused approach is the key to success.
- Focus on the CEM Select Format: It is crucial to use practice materials that are specifically designed for the CEM Select online test. The style, pacing, and format are very different from paper-based exams.
- Build a Broad Skillset: The test covers a wide range of skills. A balanced revision plan that gives equal weight to Verbal, Non-Verbal, and Numerical ability is essential.
- Develop Online Test Technique: Practising on a computer is vital. This helps your child get used to the on-screen instructions, the different question layouts, and managing their time in a digital format.
- Don’t Forget the Foundations: The test is based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum. A deep and fluent understanding of core Maths and English topics, especially a wide vocabulary, is the best possible preparation.
By understanding the specific format of the CEM Select exam, you can create a preparation plan that gives your daughter the best possible chance of securing a place in this excellent selective stream.
Ready to start your focused preparation?
➡️ Our Online Practice Platform is the perfect tool to prepare for the CEM Select test, with thousands of questions and timed quizzes to build confidence and exam technique.