Updated 26-August-2026
The Ilford County High School 11+ entrance exam is provided by GL Assessment. It consists of two multiple-choice papers covering Mathematics, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Competition is fierce, as it is the only boys' grammar school in the London Borough of Redbridge. To secure a place, students must fall within the common catchment area and score exceptionally high.
Securing a place at Ilford County High School (ICHS) is a dream for many families in Redbridge, Newham, and the surrounding areas. Known for its outstanding academic results and rich history, ICHS is one of the most competitive boys' grammar schools in London.
If your son is currently in Year 4 or Year 5, now is the crucial time to understand the admissions process and start a structured preparation plan. Here is the ultimate guide from the 11+ experts at Merit Tutors.
The Redbridge Grammar Schools Consortium (which includes ICHS for boys and Woodford County High School for girls) uses the GL Assessment exam board.
The exam consists of two multiple-choice papers, each lasting roughly an hour. The papers are broken down into sections testing four key disciplines:
Mathematics: Covering the Key Stage 2 curriculum, but with a heavy focus on complex, multi-step word problems, fractions, decimals, and ratio.
English: Testing reading comprehension (often using classic or complex texts), spelling, punctuation, and grammar (SPaG).
Verbal Reasoning (VR): Assessing a child’s vocabulary, logic, and ability to understand and manipulate word patterns. (A wide vocabulary is essential here!).
Non-Verbal Reasoning (NVR) & Spatial Reasoning: Testing pattern recognition, shapes, symmetry, and the ability to visualize 3D objects in 2D.
Time Management is the Biggest Challenge: The GL Assessment is notoriously time-pressured. Students often have less than a minute per question. Accuracy is important, but speed is what separates successful candidates from the rest.
Unlike some grammar schools that are strictly "super-selective" (taking the highest scores regardless of postcode), Ilford County High School operates a Common Catchment Area.
To be eligible for an offer, your primary residential address must fall within the Redbridge catchment area by the specified deadline (usually the July before the exam). Even if your son achieves a top score, if you live outside the catchment area, he will not be offered a place. Always check the official Redbridge Borough mapping tool to confirm your address.
If your son is starting Year 5 in September 2026, he will be taking the 11+ exam for 2027 entry. Here is the typical timeline you need to follow:
May 2027: Registration opens for the 11+ exam via the London Borough of Redbridge website.
June 2027: Registration closes (Do not miss this deadline!).
Mid-September 2027: The 11+ Exam takes place.
October 2027: Results are emailed to parents.
October 31st, 2027: Deadline to submit the Common Application Form (CAF) to your local authority, listing ICHS as a preference.
March 1st, 2028: National Offer Day.
The GL Assessment English and Verbal Reasoning sections rely heavily on a strong vocabulary. Encourage your son to read high-quality fiction daily. Classic authors like Charles Dickens, Arthur Conan Doyle, and C.S. Lewis frequently appear in 11+ comprehension texts.
Before moving onto complex 11+ word problems, ensure your son’s foundation is rock solid. He should know his times tables up to 12x12 instantly and be fully comfortable with the four operations (+, -, x, ÷) involving decimals and fractions.
Once the foundation is set, the secret to passing the Ilford County 11+ is timed practice. Students must get used to filling out separate multiple-choice answer sheets (bubble sheets), as transferring answers incorrectly is a common reason for lost marks.
Preparing for the Ilford County High School 11+ exam requires consistency, the right resources, and expert guidance. At Merit Tutors, we have a proven track record of helping students in East London and Essex secure grammar school places.
Tailored GL Assessment Curriculum: We don't use generic worksheets. Our materials are specifically designed to mirror the GL format used by Redbridge.
Weekly Vocabulary Building: We systematically teach the high-frequency 11+ words that appear year after year.
Regular Mock Exams: We run timed mock exams to cure exam nerves and perfect time management.
Small Class Sizes: Your child gets the individual attention they need to grasp complex reasoning concepts.
Is your son in Year 4 or Year 5? The journey to Ilford County High School starts now.
Contact Merit Tutors today to book an initial assessment and secure your child's place in our specialized 11+ preparation program.
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