Navigating the world of Grammar School choices and the 11 Plus exam can be a daunting task for parents up and down the country. And in Warwickshire, you’ve got six excellent Grammar Schools to choose from. But competition for places is fierce.

So, where to start?

To help you make the right educational choices for your child, here’s all the Warwickshire Grammar and 11 Plus information you need – all in one place. 

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of all the Grammar Schools in Warwickshire, the 11 Plus exam format, registration deadlines, pass marks and how to support your child through this important transition.

Let’s begin.

How many Grammar Schools are there in Warwickshire?

Warwickshire boasts six prestigious Grammar Schools, each known for their academic excellence and unique histories. These schools provide free state-funded education. They don’t require any fees for their 11 Plus exams, making them accessible to anyone who meets the entrance criteria.

The six Warwickshire Grammar Schools are:

What are the Grammar Schools in Warwickshire?

To help your decision-making process, here’s a brief introduction to each of the six Grammar Schools in Warwickshire. We’ve also included links to each school’s admissions policies and recent exam results so you can carefully compare your options.

King Edward VI School, Stratford-upon-Avon (Boys)

Founded in 1295, King Edward VI School in Stratford-upon-Avon is steeped in history and tradition. Known locally as “KES,” this boys’ school has a reputation for producing well-rounded students who excel academically and personally. 

With approximately 800 pupils, KES offers a rigorous curriculum with a strong emphasis on the humanities and classical studies as well as STEM subjects. The school’s historic buildings and rich heritage (as William Shakespeare’s school) provide a unique learning environment that inspires its students to achieve their best.

Stratford Girls’ Grammar School, Stratford-upon-Avon (Girls)

Stratford Girls’ Grammar School, established in 1958, has consistently been one of the top-performing schools in Warwickshire. Catering to around 800 girls, the school prides itself on its nurturing environment and high academic standards. 

Known locally as “Shottery” (after the village it’s based in), the school offers a broad curriculum with a focus on sciences and languages, supported by state-of-the-art facilities. 

The school’s commitment to empowering young women to achieve excellence is evident in its outstanding exam results and extensive extracurricular opportunities.

Alcester Grammar School, Alcester (Boys and Girls)

Alcester Grammar School has a long history dating back to its founding in 1582. This co-educational school is renowned for its academic rigour and comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of subjects. 

With around 1,000 pupils, Alcester Grammar combines traditional values with modern teaching methods. It offers a variety of extracurricular activities focused on personal development, particularly excelling in music and drama, which are integral parts of school life. The school’s commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment is well known – helping students thrive academically and personally.

Lawrence Sheriff School, Rugby (Boys)

Lawrence Sheriff School, established in 1878, is a boys’ grammar school known for its academic excellence and strong community spirit. With a student body of approximately 900, the school emphasises a balanced education, combining academic achievements with character development. 

Lawrence Sheriff offers a robust curriculum with a special focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects. The school is also proud of its extensive extracurricular program, which includes sports, arts and a whole host of clubs and trips abroad, catering to a wide range of interests.

Rugby High School, Rugby (Girls)

Rugby High School, founded in 1903, is a girls’ grammar school celebrated for its high academic standards and supportive environment. The school serves around 800 students and offers a diverse curriculum with a particular emphasis on the sciences and humanities. 

The school is known for its strong pastoral care and student wellbeing system, ensuring each student receives personalised support throughout their academic journey. They also strongly encourage participation in extracurricular activities, offering numerous clubs and societies.

Ashlawn School, Rugby (Boys and Girls)

Ashlawn School is a unique bi-lateral school that caters to both selective and non-selective students. With around 1,400 pupils, the school operates one selective class that follows a slightly different curriculum in Years 7 and 8. 

Established in 1952, Ashlawn School combines traditional grammar school values and “challenge activities” with a comprehensive education, providing a balanced and inclusive learning environment. The school is particularly known for its strengths in languages and performing arts, offering a wide array of extracurricular activities to support students’ personal and academic growth.

Do all Warwickshire Grammar Schools use the same 11 Plus exams?

Yes, Warwickshire Grammar Schools all follow the same 11 Plus testing procedures. For 2023 entry onwards, Warwickshire Grammar Schools opted for GL Assessment instead of CEM as their 11 Plus exam provider. 

The Warwickshire 11 Plus exam takes around three hours, with a break in the middle. Questions are multiple-choice.

The areas covered are:

  • English Comprehension
  • Verbal Reasoning
  • Maths
  • Non-Verbal and Spatial Reasoning

Notably, the exam will not include an English creative writing component. You can find an entrance test familiarisation guide on the Warwickshire Council website.

To further help your child’s preparation, GL Assessment publises free familiarisation materials on their website. You can also purchase subject-specific practice papers and practice paper bundles.

In terms of marking, children’s “raw scores” will be age-standardised to ensure fair assessment for each student. This means that younger pupils in the year aren’t disadvantaged – helping schools make appropriate admissions decisions.

What is the pass mark for the 11 Plus in Warwickshire?

Generally, a standardised score of around 210 to 225 is required to be considered for a place at one of the Warwickshire Grammar Schools. But this can fluctuate annually.

The pass mark for the 11 Plus in Warwickshire varies each year depending on the overall performance of the candidates. So if in doubt, aim for the top!

To give you a rough idea, here are the most recent qualifying scores for each Warwickshire Grammar School:

  • King Edward VI School: 232
  • Stratford Girls’ Grammar School: 224
  • Alcester Grammar School: 218
  • Lawrence Sheriff School: 211
  • Rugby High School: 211
  • Ashlawn School: 208

Qualifying Marks for Stratford Girls’ Grammar School and King Edward VI School

As the two highest ranked Grammar Schools in Warwickshire, parents often ask about the qualifying marks for Stratford Girls’ Grammar and KES.

And in short, you’ll need to ensure your child performs exceptionally in the 11 Plus, compared to their peers.

Stratford Girls’ Grammar School typically has one of the highest qualifying marks among the Warwickshire Grammar Schools. In recent years, the qualifying score has been around 220-225, although this changes based on the year’s performance. 

King Edward VI School (KES) usually has an even higher qualifying mark – reflecting its prestigious status and wide catchment area. Historically, the qualifying score for KES has been around 225-230, although this also varies depending on the performance of each year’s applicants. 

The high threshold for both these Stratford Grammar Schools underscores their commitment to academic excellence and the extremely competitive nature of the admissions process.

How to register for the Warwickshire 11 Plus

To apply for entry into Year 7, parents must register their child for the 11 Plus entrance exams by completing the Common Application Form (CAF). 

Warwickshire County Council’s Admissions Service, known as Warwickshire Admissions, oversees the 11 Plus entry for all grammar schools in the region. This service operates the same entrance test procedure as other Grammar Schools under the West Midlands region. 

As well as registering for the 11 Plus exam, you’ll also have to apply to the individual schools you’re considering.

The deadline for 11 Plus registration is usually in July. It’s important to note that Warwickshire schools don’t consider late registrations in the first round of placements. So timely submission is essential.

Key Dates and Deadlines for the Warwickshire 11 Plus

It’s crucial to keep track of key dates when applying for schools and 11 Plus exams in Warwickshire. As you don’t want to miss out because of a late application!

You can find the latest dates and deadlines on the County Council website. But here are the main deadlines to keep in mind:

  • 11 Plus Registration Period: Typically opens in May and closes in June.
  • Invite Letters: Usually sent by mid-August
  • Test Date: Usually held over two days in mid-September.
  • Results: Released in mid-October.
  • Application Deadline for School Places: 31 October.
  • Proof of address deadline: Usually the end of December.
  • National Offer Day: 1 March.

A note on residency requirements

Warwickshire grammar schools all have specific residency requirements. They each work with a designated catchment area, detailed on the schools’ admissions pages (linked above). 

In short, this means where you live matters for places. If two students living within the catchment area are tied on points (and other entry criteria), the spot will often go to the student living closer to the school.

Proof of address will be requested by the school’s admissions team in early December. So make sure you check your email (including junk/spam folders) and respond promptly to their request. Any late responses could result in your child missing out on their place.

Navigating Warwickshire Grammar School Choices and the 11 Plus: In Summary

We hope you’ve found this guide to the 11 Plus and Grammar Schools in Warwickshire helpful. By understanding the entry process, parents can better navigate the process of securing a place at one of our county’s fantastic Grammar Schools. 

Preparing early, staying informed and knowing what to expect will make the journey smoother, more enjoyable and successful – for both you and your child. We wish you the very best of luck.

If you’re looking for dedicated 1-1 tuition for the 11 Plus in Warwickshire, get in touch today. With over 6 years’ experience preparing students for entry to some of the best schools in the country (and an ex-Stratford Girls Grammar pupil myself!), I’d be delighted to help.

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