West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ Guide for Parents
The West Midlands Grammar Schools partnership covers selective grammar school entrance testing across Birmingham, Shropshire, Walsall, Wolverhampton and Warwickshire.
This guide explains which schools are included, what the entrance test assesses, how the shared testing process works, and how to use the Scholars Tutorial online platform and printed paper sets to prepare effectively.
What Is the West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test?
The West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test is the shared 11+ test used for selective grammar schools across Birmingham, Shropshire, Walsall, Wolverhampton and Warwickshire.
Children sit one entrance test to be considered for schools across the partnership, provided parents complete the correct registration process and consent to share results with the relevant areas or schools where required.
Sitting the test or achieving a particular score does not automatically guarantee a place. Parents must still complete the normal secondary school application process, and each school’s admissions policy and oversubscription criteria still apply.
Which Schools Are in the West Midlands Grammar Schools Partnership?
The official West Midlands Grammar Schools partnership list is grouped into three areas: Shropshire/Wolverhampton/Walsall, Birmingham and Warwickshire.
| Area / Consortium | Partnership Schools |
|---|---|
| Shropshire, Wolverhampton and Walsall |
Haberdashers' Adams Newport Girls' High School Queen Mary's Grammar School Queen Mary's High School Wolverhampton Girls' High School |
| The Grammar Schools in Birmingham |
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School King Edward VI Aston School King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls King Edward VI Five Ways School King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls |
| Warwickshire |
Alcester Grammar School Ashlawn School King Edward VI School, Stratford-Upon-Avon Lawrence Sheriff School Rugby High School Stratford Girls’ Grammar School |
Parents should read the admissions policy for each school they are considering. The shared test is only one part of the admissions process; each school may have its own priority area, minimum score, ranking process, pupil premium priority, address rules or oversubscription criteria.
Who Provides the West Midlands Grammar Schools Test?
The West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test is provided by GL Assessment.
The test is a paper-based, multiple-choice assessment using separate answer sheets. Pupils need to be confident both with the question types and with marking answers accurately on the answer sheet.
What Does the West Midlands Test Assess?
The entrance test assesses four main areas:
- English Comprehension
- Verbal Reasoning
- Mathematics
- Non-Verbal / Spatial Reasoning
In practical preparation terms, pupils should build confidence across:
- English comprehension
- Vocabulary
- Spelling, punctuation and grammar
- Verbal Reasoning
- Maths arithmetic
- Maths word problems
- Numerical reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Spatial and visual reasoning
- Multiple-choice technique
- Working accurately under timed conditions
West Midlands Test Format
Candidates sit two papers. Each paper is approximately 50 to 60 minutes long, including time for instructions and example questions.
Each paper is divided into smaller individually timed sections. Pupils can only work on the current section and cannot return to a previous section or move on to the next section until instructed.
There are no writing sections in the West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test. All questions are multiple choice, and children record their answers on a separate answer sheet.
| Test Area | Preparation Focus |
|---|---|
| English Comprehension | Reading accuracy, inference, vocabulary in context, retrieval and careful question interpretation. |
| Verbal Reasoning | Word relationships, vocabulary, codes, logic and reasoning with language. |
| Mathematics | Arithmetic, problem solving, word problems, number, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio, measurement, geometry and data. |
| Non-Verbal / Spatial Reasoning | Shape patterns, rotation, reflection, symmetry, matrices, sequences and visual logic. |
Important Preparation Point
West Midlands preparation should not focus only on English and Maths. The test also includes Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal / Spatial Reasoning, so pupils need a balanced weekly routine across all four areas.
Weighting and Standardisation
The test result weighting is:
- 50% English / Verbal Reasoning
- 25% Non-Verbal Reasoning
- 25% Mathematics
Scores are standardised to take account of differences in age, so younger children in the same school-year cohort are not disadvantaged compared with older children.
There is no single universal “pass mark” that guarantees a place at every partnership school. Different schools and areas use their own admissions arrangements, qualifying standards, priority rules and oversubscription criteria.
Registration and Test Centres
Parents register through the West Midlands Grammar Schools process and are directed to the appropriate registration route based on home postcode and child details.
For 2027 entry, official published timelines differ slightly by area. For example, the Birmingham grammar schools timeline lists registration opening on 5 May 2026 and closing at 4pm on 26 June 2026, with the test on 12 September 2026. Warwickshire’s published schedule lists registration opening on 7 May 2026 and closing on 30 June 2026, with test dates on 12 and 13 September 2026.
Parents should therefore not rely on a generic date from a third-party website. They should check the official route for the schools they are interested in and complete registration before the relevant deadline.
Children are allocated a test venue and session. Parents do not choose the test centre. The test venue is used to facilitate testing and may not be a school the child intends to apply for.
Result Sharing and School Applications
The entrance test is shared across the West Midlands Grammar Schools partnership. If parents want the result to be shared with schools in different partnership areas, they must follow the result-sharing instructions during registration.
A test registration is not the same as applying for a school place. Parents must still complete the secondary school application form through their home local authority by the published deadline.
Parents should wait for test results before finalising preferences where official timelines allow this, but should never miss the secondary school application deadline.
Reasonable Adjustments and Pupil Premium
If a child has a disability, special educational need or usual classroom arrangement that may affect access to the test, parents should check the relevant reasonable-adjustment process early.
Reasonable-adjustment deadlines can be earlier than the main registration deadline. Parents should prepare evidence in good time and follow the relevant official instructions.
Many of the partnership schools offer some priority to Pupil Premium applicants. Parents should check each school’s policy because arrangements vary between schools and areas.
Scholars Tutorial Preparation Route for West Midlands
On the Scholars Tutorial platform, West Midlands preparation should focus on English comprehension, vocabulary, Verbal Reasoning, Mathematics, Non-Verbal Reasoning, spatial reasoning, SPAG and mixed exam-style practice.
Recommended Scholars Tutorial Online Route
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ English
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ Maths : Word Problems
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ VR
- 11+ Core Subjects → 11+ NVR
- 11+ Mock Exams → 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE
- 11+ Mock Exams → 11+ SPAG
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced VOCAB
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced English, for stronger pupils
- 11+ Advanced → 11+ Advanced Maths, for stronger pupils
The Scholars Tutorial 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE mixed sets are useful because they combine:
- English + Verbal Reasoning
- Maths + Non-Verbal Reasoning
This supports the West Midlands test areas: English Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, Mathematics and Non-Verbal / Spatial Reasoning.
Scholars Tutorial Online Categories
Scholars Tutorial organises 11+ preparation into clear categories. For West Midlands, the most relevant areas are Core Subjects, Mock Exams, Foundation and selected Advanced practice.
11+ Core Subjects
These are essential for West Midlands preparation.
- 11+ English
- 11+ Maths
- 11+ Maths : Word Problems
- 11+ VR
- 11+ NVR
11+ Mock Exams
This category supports mixed exam-pattern practice.
- 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE — mixed sets for GL, CEM and ISEB-style preparation.
- 11+ SPAG — spelling, punctuation, grammar and language accuracy practice.
11+ Foundation
Foundation subjects are useful for children who need to strengthen basics before harder practice.
- 11+ Foundation English
- 11+ Foundation Maths
- 11+ Foundation VR
11+ Advanced
Advanced subjects are useful for pupils who need extra challenge.
- 11+ Advanced English
- 11+ Advanced Maths
- 11+ Advanced VOCAB
- 11+ Advanced SPAG
English Comprehension and Vocabulary Preparation
English and Verbal Reasoning together make up half of the weighted result, so reading and vocabulary should be a central part of preparation.
Your child should practise:
- Reading comprehension
- Inference
- Retrieval questions
- Vocabulary in context
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Spelling accuracy
- Grammar and punctuation
- Sentence structure
- Careful reading of instructions
- Multiple-choice English questions
Useful Scholars Tutorial subjects include:
- 11+ English
- 11+ SPAG
- 11+ Advanced VOCAB
- 11+ Advanced English, for stronger pupils
Maths Preparation for West Midlands
Mathematics is weighted at 25% of the test result. Pupils should build accuracy and confidence in both arithmetic and problem solving.
Your child should practise:
- Times tables and mental maths
- Written calculations
- Fractions
- Decimals
- Percentages
- Ratio and proportion
- Measurement
- Geometry
- Data handling
- Algebra basics
- Number patterns
- Word problems
- Multi-step reasoning
- Checking calculations
Useful Scholars Tutorial subjects include:
- 11+ Maths
- 11+ Maths : Word Problems
- 11+ Foundation Maths
- 11+ Advanced Maths, for stronger pupils
Verbal Reasoning Preparation
Verbal Reasoning is assessed alongside English Comprehension and contributes to the combined English / Verbal Reasoning weighting.
Your child should practise:
- Word relationships
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Letter codes
- Word codes
- Compound words
- Hidden words
- Logical word sequences
- Vocabulary-based reasoning
Useful Scholars Tutorial subjects include:
- 11+ VR
- 11+ Foundation VR
- 11+ Advanced VOCAB
- 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE mixed sets
Non-Verbal and Spatial Reasoning Preparation
Non-Verbal / Spatial Reasoning is weighted at 25% of the result and requires regular practice because many pupils are less familiar with these question types from school.
Your child should practise:
- Shape patterns
- Sequences
- Matrices
- Odd-one-out questions
- Rotation
- Reflection
- Symmetry
- 2D and 3D shape reasoning
- Spatial awareness
- Visual problem solving
Useful Scholars Tutorial subjects include:
- 11+ NVR
- 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE mixed sets
Printed Paper Sets for West Midlands 11+ Preparation
Printed paper sets are useful because they help pupils practise concentration, timing, multiple-choice answer selection and full-paper discipline.
Useful Scholars Tutorial printed paper sets include:
- 11+ Mixed Practice Papers
- 11+ English Practice Papers
- 11+ Maths Practice Papers
- 11+ Maths : Word Problems Practice Papers
- 11+ Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers
- 11+ Non-Verbal Reasoning Practice Papers
- 11+ SPAG Practice Papers
- 11+ Foundation Practice Papers
- 11+ Advanced English Practice Papers
- 11+ Advanced Maths Practice Papers
- 11+ Advanced VOCAB Practice Papers
Printed papers should be used alongside online practice. Online practice helps target weak areas, while printed papers help pupils apply skills in a realistic paper format.
Multiple Choice Format and Answer Sheets
The West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test is multiple choice, with answers marked on separate answer sheets. Question booklets are not marked.
Scholars Tutorial printed paper sets support Multiple Choice Format practice.
This helps pupils learn how to:
- Read each question carefully
- Identify key information
- Use booklet space for working out
- Eliminate incorrect options
- Avoid rushing
- Check calculations and reasoning
- Mark answer choices accurately
- Manage time across individually timed sections
Suggested Weekly West Midlands 11+ Preparation Plan
A balanced weekly plan could include:
- 2 days per week: English comprehension, vocabulary or SPAG
- 2 days per week: Maths or word problems
- 1 day per week: Verbal Reasoning
- 1 day per week: Non-Verbal or Spatial Reasoning
- 1 day per week: Mixed practice, printed paper practice or mistake review
Pupils closer to the test can gradually increase timed practice and printed paper work. Pupils still building foundations should use shorter, focused sessions.
Common West Midlands 11+ Preparation Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Practising only English and Maths while ignoring reasoning
- Leaving Non-Verbal or Spatial Reasoning until the final weeks
- Not practising answer-sheet accuracy
- Forgetting that each paper has individually timed sections
- Doing papers without reviewing mistakes
- Starting timed work before the child understands the question types
- Focusing only on speed instead of accuracy
- Missing the relevant registration or reasonable-adjustment deadline
- Forgetting to consent to result sharing where needed
- Assuming one score guarantees a place at every partnership school
How Parents Can Support at Home
Parents can make West Midlands 11+ preparation more effective by keeping it steady, calm and balanced.
Helpful habits include:
- Check the correct official registration route for your postcode and target schools
- Read individual school admissions policies
- Check whether result sharing is needed for schools in different partnership areas
- Encourage daily reading and vocabulary discussion
- Practise mental maths regularly
- Review mistakes after each test
- Keep a notebook of weak topics
- Use online practice to target gaps
- Use printed papers for exam discipline
- Practise Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal / Spatial Reasoning consistently
- Avoid last-minute cramming
- Focus on confidence as well as scores
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test?
It is the shared 11+ entrance test used by selective grammar schools across Birmingham, Shropshire, Walsall, Wolverhampton and Warwickshire.
How many schools are in the West Midlands Grammar Schools partnership?
The official partnership list includes 19 schools across Shropshire/Wolverhampton/Walsall, Birmingham and Warwickshire.
Who provides the West Midlands 11+ test?
The test is provided by GL Assessment.
What does the West Midlands test assess?
The test assesses English Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, Mathematics and Non-Verbal / Spatial Reasoning.
How many papers are in the test?
Candidates sit two papers. Each paper is approximately 50 to 60 minutes long, including time for instructions and example questions.
Is there a writing section?
No. There are no writing sections in the test. All questions are multiple choice.
How is the test weighted?
The result weighting is 50% English / Verbal Reasoning, 25% Non-Verbal Reasoning and 25% Mathematics.
Do children sit more than one test if applying to several partnership schools?
The entrance test is shared across the partnership. Parents should complete the correct registration and result-sharing steps so the result can be used by the relevant schools or areas.
Does a good score guarantee a grammar school place?
No. Each school’s admissions policy and oversubscription criteria still apply. Parents must also complete the secondary school application form.
Which Scholars Tutorial subjects are best for West Midlands preparation?
Useful subjects include 11+ English, 11+ Maths, 11+ Maths : Word Problems, 11+ VR, 11+ NVR, 11+ SPAG, 11+ Advanced VOCAB and 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE mixed sets.
Are printed paper sets useful for West Midlands 11+ preparation?
Yes. Printed paper sets help pupils practise multiple-choice technique, timed sections, concentration and full-paper discipline. They work best when combined with online topic practice.
Final Advice
West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ preparation should be balanced across English Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, Mathematics and Non-Verbal / Spatial Reasoning.
Pupils should build strong reading accuracy, vocabulary, SPAG, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, spatial reasoning and multiple-choice answer-sheet skills, supported by regular mistake review.
The Scholars Tutorial online platform helps pupils strengthen these areas through organised subject categories, while printed paper sets help children practise with realistic exam discipline.
For West Midlands preparation, the 11+ GL CEM ISEB FSCE mixed sets under 11+ Mock Exams are useful because they combine English with Verbal Reasoning and Maths with Non-Verbal Reasoning.
By combining online practice, printed paper sets, timed work, careful mistake review and up-to-date admissions checking, pupils can build the confidence and accuracy needed for the West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test.