Explore my easy-to-use guide on all things West Midlands 11+ Grammar and you can be informed and prepared for a stress-free 11+ registration!
The West Midlands Grammar Schools are a a consortium of grammar schools from across the West Midlands that have formed a partnership to deliver the entrance test for these selective grammar schools.
This means that all of these schools share the same test paper, currently provided by GL Assessment. Students who take this test, at whichever of the test centres available, can therefore apply to any grammar school that uses this West Midlands exam.
Registration Key Dates for West Midlands 11+ exam
To register your child to take the Warwickshire 11+ Grammar exam you need to note two key times of the year. Registration opens early May each year and each local authority publishes this date on their website. This information can be found in the Education section. Registration usually closes on the last Friday of June so all students wishing to take the exam must be registered by this date.
2. The West Midlands 11+ Grammar Registration Process
Registration is online using the West Midlands Grammar School website. Please not that registration for the Warwickshire 11+ exam is available on the county council website and my blog on Warwickshire 11+ Grammar Registration explains the process in detail.
The test day in always early-mid September, usually the of second Saturday after the September return to school.
3. Who can take the exam?
Anyone can apply to take the West Midlands 11+ Grammar exam, regardless of where they live. This is because this is not the same process as applying for your child's secondary school place. Taking the exam allows the option to then apply for a Grammar school place.
Secondary School choice application takes place after the 11+ exam results have been made available to parents in mid October. Parents need to apply for their child's Secondary school place by the end of October, so knowing the results of the 11+ exam can provide parents with important information about this choice.
4. Which Schools Can I Apply For?
The grammar schools in Warwickshire which use the exam to allocate school places are:
King Edward VI School (boys only) often known as KES.
Stratford Girls' Grammar School (girls only)
Alcester Grammar School (mixed)
Lawrence Sheriff School (boys only)
Rugby High School (girls only)
Ashlawn School (mixed)
The grammar schools in Birmingham which use the exam to allocate school places are:
Bishop Vesey's Grammar School (boys only at Secondary)
King Edward VI Aston School (boys only)
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls
King Edward VI Five Ways School (mixed)
King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys
King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls
Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls
The grammar schools in the Shropshire, Wolverhampton and Walsall areas which use the exam to allocate school places are:
Haberdashers' Adams (mixed)
Newport Girls' High School (girls only)
Queen Mary's Grammar School (boys only for Secondary)
Queen Mary's High School (girls only for Secondary)
Wolverhampton Girl's High School (girls only)
5. Special arrangements for exam day
As with any exam, specific testing arrangements can be made for students based on SEND status. When completing the usual online application, additional forms need to be completed to apply for access arrangements. Parents and your current school will need to complete this form, and you will need to include supporting evidence. The request form must be fully completed and sent off by the same deadline as the entrance test registration.
6. How are places allocated to students who earn a qualifying score?
Places are allocated to students based on their qualifying score using a waiting list system. Students with the highest qualifying score will be at the top of the waiting list for grammar school places. To be put on the waiting list, a student must meet the minimum academic standard for that particular year. This fluctuates slightly year on year, depending on the amount of applicants taking the exam that year.
Please note that each grammar school has its own admission arrangements for entry and these allocation details are published on their specific websites. These include a priority area (catchment area) for each specific school. Knowing which school takes students from a particular area should greatly inform your Secondary School application choice.
8. How can I best prepare my child for the 11+ exam?
To best prepare for these important exams, you may want to secure the services of a specialist 11+ tutor.
As an experienced 11+ tutor, I offer a range of tailored courses that prepare students for their 11+ exam in a supportive and nurturing environment. Being based on the GL Assessment criteria, my 11+ classes can help any student wishing to take the entrance exam for any of the West Midlands Grammar schools.
For more information on these courses, visit my 11+ tuition courses page and contact me for more information on booking a place for your child in one of my classes.
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