Watford Grammar School for Boys 11 Plus (11+) Exam Information 2026

Introduction

Watford Grammar School for Boys (WGSB) is a partially selective academy located in Watford. Upholding the motto Sperate Parati (Go forward with preparation), the school caters for over 1200 pupils in line with high standards, characterised by Ofsted as ‘Outstanding’. [1]

WGSB delivers a stimulating academic curriculum, ranging from social sciences and languages to mathematics and technology. The school is happy to arrange meetings between parents and staff members to discuss pupils’ progress, as teachers are fully familiarised with each child’s academic strengths and weaknesses.

School life is vibrant and happy, supported by a broad programme of clubs and societies. Everything from chess, drama and debating to gardening, rugby and orchestra is on offer, boosting boys’ foundations of knowledge in parallel with their experiential skills. [2]

Adventurous and thrilling, cross-border trips and expeditions help pupils further develop their versatility. Destinations have included Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Spain and France, allowing for memorable experiences that place WGSB high on the list of in-demand schools in the area.

Unique opportunities for students to lead and execute a series of charitable fundraising initiatives are available each term. These help foster pupils’ strong sense of responsibility and independence, allowing them to not only contribute positively to the community, but also cultivate valuable leadership skills.

Participation in the vigorous school life at Watford Grammar School enables students to excel individually while developing superior interpersonal skills. In this and many other ways, the school provides a safe and nurturing environment where boys learn to negotiate and build relationships, thereby developing into productive global citizens.

To learn more about the school’s overarching provision, ethos and facilities, see the below video:

Watford Grammar School for Boys 11 Plus (11+) Admissions

This article is relevant for those aiming for entry to the school based on the Academic Criteria. The school also offers an entry point via the Music Criteria, which is not discussed here.

WGSB offers 146 community places and 78 specialist places in Year 7. The school is heavily oversubscribed and has a clearly-defined admissions criteria.

The oversubscription criteria for community places give priority to:

• Looked After, or previously Looked After, children
• Boys whose normal home address is nearest to the school and who would not be allocated a place under any other criterion
• Boys with a parent who is a permanent member of the school staff
• Boys with a sibling (brother) enrolled at the school
• Boys with a sibling (sister) enrolled at Watford Grammar School for Girls
• Boys who live closest to the school.
  
  

The oversubscription criteria for specialist places give priority to:

• Boys selected on the basis of aptitude for music as measured by the school’s assessment procedures, in merit order
• Boys selected by academic ability as measured by the school’s assessment procedures, in merit order.

For more information about the full admissions process at WGBS, please visit the Year 7 admissions pages on the school’s website. You can view the school’s exact location on the map below:

Is Watford Grammar School for Boys part of a Consortium?

Watford Grammar School for Boys belongs to the South West Hertfordshire 11+ Consortium, a group of schools that use the same entrance exam format and share a very similar admissions process.

How to Apply for 11 Plus (11+) Entry to Watford Grammar School for Boys

In the early stages of the admissions process, you should register your son with the South West Herts Consortium by the June deadline. 

You should then proceed to complete and submit the School Information Form (SIF) and the Secondary Transfer (or Common Application) Form for the local authority (LA) in which you reside. For residents living in Hertfordshire, that LA is Hertfordshire County Council.

The SIF and CAF application forms must be submitted by the specified October deadline. For more information, please reach out to the school’s admissions office.

Does Watford Grammar School for Boys have a catchment area?

Yes, Watford Grammar School for Boys has a catchment area with priority based on location and distance from the school.

How to Prepare for the Watford Grammar School for Boys 11 Plus (11+) Exam?

Our practice tests are designed to give students a sense of familiarity with the structure and style of the Watford Grammar School for Boys exams, effectively improving their confidence as the test day approaches. They cover all potential exam questions and will help identify areas that require more focus and attention.

Creating a study plan that focuses on studying ‘little but often’ and structuring your 11+ exam preparation accordingly can reduce stress and make the process easier for your child. We also strongly suggest that students use our practice tests under timed conditions to practise working under time pressure.

Our practice tests are pitched at just the right level, presenting a realistic challenge and aligning seamlessly with the rigorous demands of a competitive 11+ entrance exam. Practical and convenient, they are used by many thousands of students every year.

Watford Grammar School for Boys 11 Plus (11+) Exam Pass Marks and Target Scores

Watford Grammar School for Boys does not have a specific pass mark, however, data shows that applicants from the school’s catchment area have been admitted with a minimum standardised score of 200 (according to recent exam results).

Pupils who are able to score 80%+ consistently in our 11+ SW Hertfordshire practice tests should be on track to pass the Watford Grammar School for Boys 11+ test.

Whilst there are no guarantees, this has historically been a fairly strong indicator that your child should do well in the Watford Grammar School for Boys 11+ exam. Please click here to learn more.

Watford Grammar School for Boys 11 Plus (11+) Practice Exam Papers

South West Herts 11+ Full Practice Tests

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The following practice tests are specifically designed to help your child prepare for the SW Hertfordshire 11+ exam. They provide excellent mock exam preparation, highlighting your child’s strengths and weaknesses:

Practice Papers

11+ South West Hertfordshire (SW Herts) Practice Test 1

11+ South West Hertfordshire (SW Herts) Practice Test 2

11+ South West Hertfordshire (SW Herts) Practice Test 3

11+ South West Hertfordshire (SW Herts) Practice Test 4

11+ South West Hertfordshire (SW Herts) Practice Test 5

11+ South West Hertfordshire (SW Herts) Practice Test 6

11+ South West Hertfordshire (SW Herts) Practice Test 7

11+ South West Hertfordshire (SW Herts) Practice Test 8

11+ South West Hertfordshire (SW Herts) Practice Test 9

11+ South West Hertfordshire (SW Herts) Practice Test 10

11+ South West Hertfordshire (SW Herts) Practice Test 11

11+ South West Hertfordshire (SW Herts) Practice Test 12

11+ South West Hertfordshire (SW Herts) Practice Test 13

11+ South West Hertfordshire (SW Herts) Practice Test 14

11+ South West Hertfordshire (SW Herts) Practice Test 15

11+ South West Hertfordshire (SW Herts) Practice Test 16

11+ South West Hertfordshire (SW Herts) Practice Test 17

11+ South West Hertfordshire (SW Herts) Practice Test 18

11+ South West Hertfordshire (SW Herts) Practice Test 19

11+ South West Hertfordshire (SW Herts) Practice Test 20

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Mathematics

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The following 11+ resources extensively cover the Mathematics section of the SW Hertfordshire Test, allowing your child to thoroughly prepare for exam day:

Practice Papers

11+ Mathematics (Grammar Schools) Pack 1

11+ Mathematics (Grammar Schools) Pack 2

11+ Mathematics (Grammar Schools) Pack 3

11+ Mathematics (Grammar Schools) Pack 4

11+ Mathematics: Algebra (Grammar Schools)

11+ Mathematics: Angles & Degrees (Grammar Schools)

11+ Mathematics: BODMAS (Grammar Schools)

11+ Mathematics: Estimation & Place Value (Grammar Schools)

11+ Mathematics: Factors & Multiples (Grammar Schools)

11+ Mathematics: Fractions, Decimals & Percentages (Grammar Schools)

11+ Mathematics: Measurements (Grammar Schools)

11+ Mathematics: Money (Grammar Schools)

11+ Mathematics: Operations (Grammar Schools)

11+ Mathematics: Perimeter, Area & Volume (Grammar Schools)

11+ Mathematics: Position & Direction (Grammar Schools)

11+ Mathematics: Probability (Grammar Schools)

11+ Mathematics: Problem Solving (Grammar Schools) Pack 1

11+ Mathematics: Problem Solving (Grammar Schools) Pack 2

11+ Mathematics: Properties of Shapes (Grammar Schools)

11+ Mathematics: Ratio & Proportion (Grammar Schools)

11+ Mathematics: Reflection, Rotation & Symmetry (Grammar Schools)

11+ Mathematics: Sequences (Grammar Schools)

11+ Mathematics: Special Numbers (Grammar Schools)

11+ Mathematics: Speed, Distance & Time (Grammar Schools)

11+ Mathematics: Statistics (Grammar Schools)

Video Masterclasses

11+ Maths XL Masterclass

10 Minutes Test

11+ South West Herts Schools Consortium Mathematics 10-Minute Tests

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Mathematics Masterclasses

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Video Masterclasses

11+ GL Mathematics: Algebra Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Mathematics: Angles & Degrees Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Mathematics: BODMAS Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Mathematics: Estimation, Rounding & Place Value Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Mathematics: Factors & Multiples Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Mathematics: Fractions, Decimals & Percentages Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Mathematics: Measurements Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Mathematics: Money Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Mathematics: Operations Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Mathematics: Perimeter, Area & Volume Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Mathematics: Position & Direction Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Mathematics: Probability & Combinations Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Mathematics: Problem Solving Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Mathematics: Properties of Shape Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Mathematics: Ratio & Proportion Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Mathematics: Reflection, Rotation & Symmetry Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Mathematics: Sequences Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Mathematics: Special Numbers Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Mathematics: Speed, Distance & Time Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Mathematics: Statistics Mini Masterclass

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Verbal Reasoning

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To help your child master Verbal Reasoning skills in the lead-up to the SW Hertfordshire Test, we recommend the following 11+ resources:

Practice Papers

11+ Verbal Reasoning Pack 1

11+ Verbal Reasoning Pack 2

11+ Verbal Reasoning Pack 3

11+ Verbal Reasoning Pack 4

11+ Verbal Reasoning: Anagrams

11+ Verbal Reasoning: Analogies

11+ Verbal Reasoning: Codes

11+ Verbal Reasoning: Compound Words

11+ Verbal Reasoning: Embedded Words

11+ Verbal Reasoning: Form a Word

11+ Verbal Reasoning: Insert a Letter

11+ Verbal Reasoning: Letter Analogies

11+ Verbal Reasoning: Letter Calculations

11+ Verbal Reasoning: Letter Codes

11+ Verbal Reasoning: Letter Grids

11+ Verbal Reasoning: Letter Sequences

11+ Verbal Reasoning: Move a Letter

11+ Verbal Reasoning: Number Analogies

11+ Verbal Reasoning: Number Calculations

11+ Verbal Reasoning: Number Sequences

11+ Verbal Reasoning: Related Words

11+ Verbal Reasoning: Rhyming Synonyms

11+ Verbal Reasoning: Shuffled Sentences

11+ Verbal Reasoning: Synonyms

11+ Verbal Reasoning: Word Completion

11+ Verbal Reasoning: Word Match

11+ Verbal Reasoning: Word Opposites

11+ Verbal Reasoning: Word Pairs

11+ Verbal Reasoning: Word Puzzles

11+ Verbal Reasoning: Word Relationships

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11+ South West Herts Schools Consortium Verbal Reasoning 10-Minute Tests

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Verbal Reasoning Masterclasses

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Video Masterclasses

11+ GL Verbal Reasoning: Anagrams Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Verbal Reasoning: Analogies Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Verbal Reasoning: Codes Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Verbal Reasoning: Compound Words Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Verbal Reasoning: Embedded Words Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Verbal Reasoning: Form a Word Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Verbal Reasoning: Insert a Letter Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Verbal Reasoning: Letter Analogies Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Verbal Reasoning: Letter Calculations Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Verbal Reasoning: Letter Codes Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Verbal Reasoning: Letter Grids Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Verbal Reasoning: Letter Sequences Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Verbal Reasoning: Move a Letter Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Verbal Reasoning: Number Analogies Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Verbal Reasoning: Number Calculations Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Verbal Reasoning: Number Sequences Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Verbal Reasoning: Related Words Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Verbal Reasoning: Rhyming Synonyms Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Verbal Reasoning: Shuffled Sentences Mini Masterclass

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11+ GL Verbal Reasoning: Word Completion Mini Masterclass

11+ GL Verbal Reasoning: Word Match Mini Masterclass

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Our practice tests aim to show what sort of questions have been included in Watford Grammar School for Boys 11+ past papers. The information provided about Watford Grammar School for Boys is believed to be correct at the time of publishing. However, please be aware of future changes. We advise you to contact the school directly if you are unsure of anything. School contact details are provided within the article.

Please note that Exam Papers Plus is an independent publisher of practice tests and resources, and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Watford Grammar School for Boys.