Bexley 11+ Exams: Transitioning to Quest Assessments for 2026
For parents and students preparing for grammar school entry in Bexley, Greenwich, and surrounding areas, an important change is on the horizon. Starting with the 2026 entry exams, the Bexley 11+ selection test will transition from its current provider, GL Assessment, to Quest Assessments.
If your child is currently in Year 4 or below and aiming for a Bexley grammar school, this shift is critical to factor into your preparation strategy. Let's break down what this means.
What is Quest Assessments?
Quest Assessments is emerging as an alternative examination provider for the 11 Plus. While GL Assessment and CEM have traditionally dominated the 11+ landscape, local authorities and school consortiums periodically review their testing providers to ensure the assessments remain fair, rigorous, and accurately identify academic potential.
What Changes for Your Child?
While Bexley Council has yet to provide tailored, exhaustive sample papers for the new format, they are referring parents to familiarisation materials provided by Quest. The core subjects typically evaluated in the 11+—such as English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning—are likely to remain the foundation of the exam.
However, the specific style of questions, the timing of sections, and the overall structure of the paper might differ from what you would expect in a GL Assessment paper. It is essential to adapt to these new question styles as soon as clearer materials become available.
How to Prepare
A change in assessment provider can feel unsettling, but the foundational knowledge required for the 11+ remains the same. Here is how you can confidently prepare:
- Master the Basics: Continue building strong foundational skills in English and Mathematics. A robust vocabulary and solid arithmetic skills are crucial regardless of the exam board.
- Explore Familiarisation Materials: Keep a close eye on updates from Bexley Council and thoroughly review any familiarisation materials released by Quest Assessments. You can find the official Quest Assessments Familiarisation Guide here, and it's also advisable to monitor the Bexley Council selection tests page for updates.
- Diversify Practice: Since the exact format is new, practice with a variety of question styles to build adaptability and problem-solving skills in your child.
At LuraPrep, we are continually monitoring these changes to ensure our platform and resources reflect the most up-to-date requirements. Stay tuned for further updates and tailored preparation resources as more details about the Quest Assessments emerge!