The Bexley Selection Test determines entry to four grammar schools in the London Borough of Bexley: Beths Grammar School, Bexley Grammar School, Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School, and Townley Grammar School.
The exam is provided by Quest Assessments (having transitioned away from GL Assessment). The test consists of two separate multiple-choice booklets marked by computer: one covering Verbal Skills (reading comprehension, spelling, punctuation, grammar, and verbal reasoning) and the other covering Non-Verbal Reasoning and Mathematics. A strong, flexible vocabulary is essential for both speed and accuracy in the Verbal Skills paper.
Start with 10 free words
Your child can begin with a short vocabulary check and practise at the right level for Bexley.
Try 10 free words todayHow vocabulary is tested in Bexley
The Verbal Skills paper tests vocabulary through both direct verbal reasoning formats and reading comprehension questions. Based on official familiarisation materials, these are the key question types candidates must master:
1. Antonyms and Synonyms
Candidates are given two separate groups of words and must find the pair that are most opposite in meaning. For example, selecting build from (structure, build, plan) and demolish from (demolish, construct, raise). Questions also test direct synonyms, such as matching charred with burned or quiver with tremble.
2. Hidden Words (Word Production)
A four-letter word is hidden across the end of one word and the start of the next. For instance, in the phrase "was dust underneath", candidates must spot the hidden word stun ("dust underneath").
3. Missing Letters (Words in Sentences)
A three-letter word has been removed from a capitalized word in a sentence. Candidates must find the missing letters to complete the word and sentence. For example, inserting LAW into CS to make CLAWS, or INK into SPRLED to make SPRINKLED.
4. Word Relationships (Odd Words Out)
Three out of five words share a common link, and candidates must isolate the two words that do not belong. For example, reviewing play, jump, hop, swing, skip and identifying play and swing as the odd ones out because they do not describe jumping actions.
5. Reading Comprehension Context
The paper opens with a passage—such as an informative text about oceans or an adventure story—followed by questions testing vocabulary in context. Candidates might be asked which word is closest in meaning to "separates" (divides) or "mesmerised" (captivated), or to identify word types (such as identifying that explored is a verb).
Why A-Z word lists are not enough
Handing a child an alphabetical list of 1,000 words to memorise is one of the least effective ways to prepare for the Bexley Selection Test. Rote learning definitions doesn't train a child to spot hidden words across boundaries, identify word classes, or deduce secondary meanings under strict time pressure.
To succeed on test day, children need quick recall and flexible word knowledge. Spaced repetition practice helps move difficult words from short-term memory into long-term mastery by bringing them back just before they are forgotten.