Herschel Grammar School 11 plus is a common choice for families looking for a selective, mixed grammar school in Slough, with sixth form on the same site. The school is close enough to feel local for some areas, but it also draws applicants from further out, so it helps to understand what really drives offers.
Most parents feel calmer once two things are clear. First, Herschel Grammar School admissions sits inside the Slough grammar schools shared testing process, so the test administration is a separate step from the school application itself. Second, passing the test is not the same thing as being offered a place. Offers depend on the oversubscription rules and how scores rank once all eligible children are placed in order.
It also helps to map your whole grammar school application UK timeline early, especially if you are balancing open events, registration, access arrangements paperwork, and the Common Application Form. This simple page keeps the order clear without making it feel overwhelming: grammar school application UK timeline.
| Key detail | Information |
| Address | Berkshire, Northampton Ave, Slough SL1 3BW, United Kingdom |
| School type | Selective grammar school, mixed, ages 11 to 18 |
| Year 7 entry size | 150 places |
| Entrance test | Slough grammar schools shared 11 plus, two papers |
| Eligibility score | 111 standardised score or higher |
| Catchment priority | Home address within 4 miles |
| Pupil Premium priority | Up to 10 places, within 10 miles |
| Local authority | Slough |
| Contact | mail@herschel.slough.sch.uk, +441753520950 |
| Location |
For a quick factual check of official listing details such as phase, status, and local authority, see: Herschel Grammar School on Get Information About Schools.
Registration is completed through the shared online portal used by the Slough grammar schools. Keep login details safe, as the same portal is usually used to view results later: Slough 11 plus registration portal.
If your child requires support such as extra time, act early and keep evidence organised. Treat it as paperwork rather than a judgement on ability. The portal explains how to submit evidence.
The test consists of two papers covering English, maths, verbal reasoning, and non verbal reasoning. Scores are standardised, meaning raw marks are adjusted to reflect age within the cohort.
A standardised score of 111 is the published eligibility threshold. Eligibility means your child can be considered for admission, but it does not guarantee a place. You must still name the school on your Common Application Form through your home local authority.
The coordinated system only considers schools you list. Order matters because only one offer is made per child.
Offers are issued on national offer day via your local authority. Waiting list movement can occur, particularly as families confirm independent school places or relocate.
For full allocation detail, including priority rules and tie breaks, see the published policy: Herschel determined admissions arrangements for 2027 entry.
| Key date | Published detail |
| Information event | 28 April 2026 |
| Registration opens | 1 May 2026 |
| Registration closes | 5 June 2026 |
| Entrance test date | 19 September 2026 |
| Common Application Form deadline | 31 October 2026 |
| National offer day | 1 March 2027 |
| 11 plus results release | Not published |
Herschel does not operate a simple guaranteed catchment. Priority is applied in the following order:
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Distance is used as a tie break where scores are equal. If distance is also equal, random allocation may be used. The waiting list is score based and runs until the end of December in the entry year.
The entrance test consists of two papers across four areas: English, maths, verbal reasoning, and non verbal reasoning. The papers differentiate strongly at the top end, so accuracy and pace both matter.
A practical preparation mindset is to train accuracy first, then timing. Children who explain their thinking clearly and check efficiently often perform more consistently than those who rush from the start.
A steady weekly structure keeps preparation realistic: Year 5 revision plan.
As a clear starting point, you can book a free 11 plus diagnostic session with Find Your Tutor FYT focused on Herschel Grammar School. It benchmarks your child’s current level and provides a personalised preparation roadmap for the months ahead.
Join Hundreds of Families Who Secured Herschel Grammar School Places with Find Your Tutor.
The entrance test date is published in the key dates table above. Registration happens earlier, so it helps to register on time and then build preparation gradually.
The published eligibility threshold is a standardised score of 111. Eligibility means your child can be considered. It does not guarantee an offer.
No. Families apply from Slough and beyond. The key is meeting the eligibility score and then meeting the oversubscription rules, including distance priorities.
Yes. The shared test is used across the Slough grammar schools, and you can name more than one school on your Common Application Form if you wish.
Yes. The admissions system only considers schools you list, even if your child achieves the eligibility score.
The two papers cover English, maths, verbal reasoning, and non verbal reasoning. The school publishes that scores are standardised.
The published information focuses on the two paper structure and the four areas tested. Practically, it helps to train quick decision making and careful checking, because selective tests often reward accuracy under time.
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Scores are standardised, which adjusts outcomes by age within the cohort. This helps reduce the disadvantage younger children can face.
If your child is eligible and lives within 4 miles, that group is prioritised ahead of eligible children living further away, after the earlier oversubscription categories are applied.
Places are ranked by test score. If scores tie for the final place, distance is used as a tie break, and the policy allows random allocation if distance is still equal.
The policy states that up to 10 places can be prioritised for eligible Pupil Premium applicants living within 10 miles, provided they meet the eligibility score.
The published admissions route is exam led. Preparing for calm performance under timed conditions matters more than rehearsing interview style answers.
The policy includes guidance for illness and absence. The calm approach is to contact the school promptly and follow the published process rather than assuming there is no option.
You can usually join the waiting list and you can also appeal. Waiting list movement can happen after March, so staying organised helps.
The published policy states it operates until the end of December in the entry year.
