Chestnut Grove Academy 11 Plus Guide
Introduction to Chestnut Grove Academy
Chestnut Grove Academy, located in Balham, London, was founded in 1986 and has established itself as a partially-selective secondary school. As one of the first Arts Colleges in the UK, the school has received outstanding ratings from Ofsted. Known for its vibrant learning environment, the academy focuses on promoting social responsibility and developing students into confident, responsible adults. The school offers a variety of academic and extracurricular opportunities, and students benefit from a well-rounded education.
Key Information for Chestnut Grove Academy
Ofsted Rating
Good
Assessment
GL Assessment
Boarding
Day School
Fees Type
State Grammar School
Admissions
Mixed
Places per Year
210
Total Pupils
1,320
11 Plus Exam Process for Chestnut Grove Academy
Entry to Chestnut Grove Academy in Year 7 is partially based on performance in the Wandsworth Year 6 entrance examination, which typically takes place in mid to late September of Year 6 at the school premises.
Wandsworth Year 6 Test
Wandsworth Year 6 Exam
The entrance exam consists of two written papers:
Non-Verbal Reasoning: This paper assesses a child’s ability to identify patterns, understand spatial relationships, and solve problems using visual information. The total test duration is 55 minutes, including time for instructions from the invigilator and a practice section. The paper consists of four parts: three sections of 10 minutes with 19 questions each, and one section lasting 9 minutes with 18 questions.
Verbal Reasoning: This paper tests a child’s ability to think logically and solve problems using words, letters, and numbers. It lasts 50 minutes and contains 80 questions, excluding the introductory instructions.
The Wandsworth Year 6 test is used to allocate bands to each student.
Aptitude Tests
30 places are allocated based on an applicant’s performance in an Art aptitude test. A further 30 are offered on performance in an aptitude test for Modern Foreign Languages.
Admissions Criteria
Admissions Criteria
Chestnut Grove does not operate a specific catchment area. There are 30 places available for those who perform best in the Art and 30 for MFL. Applicants are then allocated a band depending on their score in the Wandsworth Year 6 Test. The places within the bands are given priority based on the following criteria:
- Looked After Children.
- Children with social and medical needs (with supporting professional evidence)
- Siblings
- Children of staff who have worked at the school for two years or have been appointed to a hard-to-fill vacancy
- Children who live within a certain distance from the school
- Children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming Chestnut Grove Academy, providing we can meet the required needs.
Click to find out more about the Chestnut Grove Admissions Policy.
Band Scores
While pass marks vary slightly each year and vary across schools, minimum score of students offered a place at Chestnut Grove for 2021 starts were banded as follows:
- Band A – 116.5 or more
- Band B – 107-116
- Band C – 98.5-106.5
- Band D – 90-98
- Band E – 89.5 or less
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Chestnut Grove Academy
Here are some useful preparation tips:
- Read regularly: This helps improve vocabulary, comprehension and writing skills.
- Practice writing: Encourage your child to plan and write stories or descriptive pieces to boost structure and creativity.
- Revise Key Stage 2 maths: Make sure your child is confident with arithmetic, fractions, word problems and multi-step calculations.
- Use past paper-style questions: Practise with GL-style materials to help your child get familiar with the exam format.
- Time management: Teach your child how to manage time effectively, planning and completing tasks within set time limits.
- Use online tools: Online platforms can provide personalised learning to focus on your child’s specific needs.
Ongoing family support and plenty of preparation time are essential for the best possible outcomes.
Key Dates for 2026 Entry
| Description | Date |
|---|---|
| Exact dates for 2026 entry will be confirmed by the school in due course. | |
| Test Registration Opens Test Registration Opens | Early 2025 |
| Registration Deadline Registration Deadline | Thursday 4 September 2025 |
| Year 6 Test Year 6 Test | Thursday 25th - Monday 29th September |
| Results Issued Results Issued | Friday 24th October 2025 |
| Common Application Form Deadline Common Application Form Deadline | Friday 31st October 2025 |
| Offer Day Offer Day | Sunday 1st March 2026 |
How to Apply to Chestnut Grove Academy
To apply for a Year 7 place at Chestnut Grove Academy, you’ll need to complete two key steps:
Register for the entrance test via the Wandsworth GOV website. Registration usually opens in the spring and closes shortly before the September test date.
Submit the Common Application Form (CAF) via the eAdmissions website, making sure to include Chestnut Grove Academy among your preferences.
Both steps must be completed by their individual deadlines. If only one is submitted, your application will be considered incomplete.
Contact Information and More
School Address
45 Chestnut Grove
Balham
London
SW12 8JZ
School Parking
Chestnut Grove Academy is situated in a residential area with limited on-site parking. Visitors are advised to use nearby public transport options or local parking facilities.