Woodford County High School 11 plus is one that comes up again and again for families in Woodford Green and across the London Borough of Redbridge who want a selective girls grammar with a strong academic culture and a large sixth form. The school sits close to Epping Forest, so everyday practicalities such as travel time, after school clubs, and calm mornings matter almost as much as the entrance test itself.
Most families feel more settled once two things are clear. First, Woodford County High School admissions follow the Redbridge grammar school testing route, so the steps are predictable and well published. Second, the entrance test takes place early in Year 6, which means steady habits in Year 4 and Year 5 are far more effective than last minute cramming.
A simple way to stay organised is to map your grammar school application UK timeline on one page so key dates never sneak up on you: grammar school application UK timeline.
| Key detail | Information |
| Address | High Road, Woodford Green, IG8 9LA |
| School type | Selective grammar, girls only |
| Age range | 11 to 18 |
| Admissions authority | London Borough of Redbridge |
| Year 7 places | 180 places |
| Entrance test | Redbridge 11 plus selection test |
| Test papers | English with verbal reasoning, maths with non verbal reasoning |
| Catchment rule | Common catchment area priority |
| Ofsted | Good overall (November 2022) |
| Sixth form | Outstanding provision at last inspection |
| Location |
For an official snapshot covering governance, inspection outcomes, and admissions policy, the Department for Education Get Information About Schools page is a useful cross check.
The easiest way to think about Woodford County High School admissions is as a sequence of small tasks that build on each other, rather than one overwhelming moment.
Registration is handled centrally by Redbridge through their online system. During this stage, families also confirm whether their address falls within the common catchment area. Keep screenshots of your confirmation and store proof of address and your child’s date of birth together so nothing becomes stressful later.
Before preparation becomes intensive, it is sensible to confirm whether your address is inside the common catchment area. Catchment affects how realistic an offer may be, so this early check helps families plan calmly rather than emotionally.
The Redbridge selection test uses two multiple choice papers covering English and verbal reasoning, plus mathematics and non verbal reasoning. Strong candidates still lose marks on timing and answer checking, so preparation needs to include multiple choice technique as well as subject knowledge.
Results are usually issued in October following the September test. This gives families time to finalise their Common Application Form with clearer information about ranking and realistic options.
Naming Woodford County High School on your Common Application Form is essential. Sitting the test alone is not enough. The government guide on applying for a secondary school place explains this step clearly.
| Milestone | Date |
| Registration opens | 1 May 2025 |
| Registration closes | 15 June 2025 at 5pm |
| 11 plus test | Friday 19 September 2025 |
| Results issued | October 2025 |
| CAF deadline | 31 October 2025 |
| Offer day | 2 March 2026 |
For Woodford County High School admissions, catchment is not a minor detail. Priority is given to children living within the published common catchment area. Confirming this early allows families to build a balanced shortlist and avoid unnecessary stress later in the process.
Appeals are possible, but they are not usually a low stress Plan A for a selective grammar school place. Panels focus on whether admissions rules were applied correctly and whether exceptional circumstances apply, rather than simply reviewing test scores.
There is no general interview for Year 7 entry at Woodford County High School. Selection is based on test performance and published admissions criteria, so confidence building centres on calm exam technique rather than interview preparation.
Preparation works best when it feels like training rather than judgement. For Woodford, the priorities are strong English comprehension, accurate maths, and steady verbal and non verbal reasoning supported by good multiple choice habits. Because the test is in September, summer preparation should focus on confidence and consistency rather than intensity.
As a clear starting point, you can book a free 11 plus diagnostic session with Find Your Tutor FYT focused on Woodford County High School. It benchmarks your child’s current level and provides a personalised preparation roadmap for the months ahead.
The Redbridge selection test for September 2026 entry is in September of Year 6, so preparation needs to build earlier than some other areas and the summer should stay steady rather than intense.
The Redbridge test covers English and verbal reasoning in one paper, and maths and non verbal reasoning in the other, so a balanced plan matters rather than focusing on only one strength.
Register for the Redbridge test first, then name your preferences on your local authority form by the deadline, because the test and the application form are two separate steps.
Catchment is very important for offers, so it is wise to check your postcode early and keep your shortlist realistic before investing heavily in preparation.
The published Year 7 intake number is 180 places, and demand is high, so calm consistent preparation usually works better than pressure.
Most applicants do not have a general interview for Year 7 entry, so confidence building is mainly about exam habits, reading carefully, and managing timing.
Results are typically sent in October after the September test, which gives you time to finalise preferences with a clearer head.
A pass mark is set for the Redbridge test and it can change, so the best focus is building a strong overall performance rather than chasing one number.
It can be possible to sit the test from outside the borough, but catchment rules still matter for offers, so the reality check should come first.
Preferences should be listed in the honest order you want, because the system considers eligibility and offers without requiring a school to be placed first.
Shift towards timed practice and review mistakes carefully, while protecting sleep and routine, because tired children make avoidable errors.
Regular short practice that teaches the common question types works best, followed by calm review of mistakes, because familiar patterns improve speed without panic.
Pattern spotting and accuracy should come first, then timing should be added, because speed without method usually leads to guesswork.
Woodford County High School is the main girls grammar option locally, and the best shortlist is the one that fits your commute, your child’s confidence, and your family routine.
It is a mixed skills test covering English, maths, and reasoning, which is why balanced preparation and good multiple choice technique matter so much.
