Warwickshire 11+: preparing for Stratford, Rugby and Alcester grammar schools

Warwickshire's grammar schools use GL Assessment. Here's the test format, the schools that use it, and a calm, step-by-step preparation plan.

Warwickshire 11+ (Eleven Plus): key facts

Typical test date: Mid-September of Year 6 (Warwickshire) — King Edward VI Birmingham tests run separately
Papers: 2 papers for Warwickshire 11+
Duration: Each paper is typically 45-50 minutes
Subjects: English, Mathematics, Verbal reasoning, Non-verbal reasoning
Indicative qualifying threshold: A standardised score of around 215 out of 300 (aggregate across papers) has, in recent years, been broadly indicative of qualification
Registration window: Registration is through Warwickshire County Council during the summer term of Year 5

Why Warwickshire is different

Warwickshire is one of the smaller selective authorities, with five grammar schools spread across Stratford-upon-Avon, Rugby, and Alcester. Because the county is not wholly selective, only a minority of Year 5 children sit the 11+, and applicant pools are smaller than in Kent or Trafford. Competition for individual schools, however, can still be intense — particularly in Rugby and Stratford.

Many Warwickshire families also sit the King Edward VI Foundation tests for the Birmingham consortium (King Edward's School, King Edward VI High School for Girls, Camp Hill Boys, Camp Hill Girls, Handsworth Girls, Aston, Five Ways, Sheldon Heath). Those are separate tests, run by the Foundation, and often sat on different days. If your child is applying to both Warwickshire and Birmingham grammar schools, plan for two sets of preparation and two test windows.

The Warwickshire 11+ is GL-based, so preparation materials are abundant. Practice should focus on all four standard 11+ subjects — English, Mathematics, Verbal reasoning, and Non-verbal reasoning.

How the Warwickshire 11+ (Eleven Plus) is structured

Two papers, each typically 45-50 minutes, covering English, Mathematics, Verbal reasoning, and Non-verbal reasoning in a blended format.
Multiple-choice, with separate answer sheets.
Age-standardised scoring so younger children are not disadvantaged.
Registration is through Warwickshire County Council's admissions portal.
Applicants outside Warwickshire can sit the test, but the majority of places at each school are filled from within the school's feeder catchment.

Notable grammar schools in Warwickshire

5 Warwickshire grammar schools, plus King Edward VI Foundation schools in Birmingham.

Alcester Grammar School
Stratford-upon-Avon Grammar School for Girls
King Edward VI School (Stratford-upon-Avon)
Lawrence Sheriff School (Rugby, boys)
Rugby High School (girls)

How to prepare your child for the Warwickshire 11+

Start structured preparation around the beginning of Year 4. Give yourself at least 12-18 months of steady practice before the September Year 6 test. The broader the subject mix (all four standard 11+ subjects are tested), the more important it is to start early enough to cover everything without cramming.

Balance practice across subjects. Because Warwickshire tests both verbal and non-verbal reasoning alongside English and Maths, strong all-round preparation is more effective than drilling a single subject. A 20-25 minute daily session that rotates through subjects across the week is a realistic target.

If you are also preparing for the King Edward VI Foundation tests in Birmingham, build in separate practice windows for each. The Foundation has its own style, and its test is typically sat shortly after the Warwickshire test — children need the stamina to sit two exam series close together.

Frequently asked questions about the Warwickshire 11+

Is the Warwickshire 11+ GL or CEM?

GL Assessment. Use GL-style preparation materials and practice the GL verbal and non-verbal reasoning question types specifically.

When do Warwickshire children sit the 11+?

Typically mid-September of Year 6, at their own primary school. The exact date is published each spring by Warwickshire County Council.

Do the King Edward VI Birmingham schools use the same test?

No — the King Edward VI Foundation runs its own tests on separate dates. If your child is applying to both Warwickshire and Birmingham grammar schools, you will prepare for and sit two separate exams.

What is the Warwickshire 11+ pass mark?

Warwickshire has no single published pass mark; schools rank applicants and admit by rank within their oversubscription criteria. In recent years an aggregate standardised score around 215 out of 300 has been broadly competitive, with the most oversubscribed schools requiring higher.

How competitive is Rugby High School?

Rugby High School (girls) and Lawrence Sheriff (boys) are among the most oversubscribed Warwickshire grammars because of the strength of the Rugby catchment. Effective rank requirements are higher than at smaller, less central schools.

Can my child resit if they miss the Warwickshire threshold?

There is no formal resit. Borderline cases can be reviewed through each school's admissions appeal process with supporting evidence.