About Shropshire Grammar Schools
Shropshire hosts 4 selective schools — primarily Adams' Grammar School (boys, Newport) plus selective independents. Adams' Grammar is one of the few state grammars in England offering boarding — accepting both day pupils and boarders from across the UK and overseas. It participates in the West Midlands Test consortium alongside Birmingham schools.
History & Tradition
Adams' Grammar School (Newport, Shropshire) was founded in 1656 — making it one of the older grammar schools in England. The school added boarding in the 19th century. Shropshire's other selective schools are primarily 19th-20th century foundations.
The Entry Test
Adams' Grammar participates in the West Midlands Test (GL Assessment) alongside Birmingham/Walsall/Wolverhampton schools — taking the same test on the same day. Some independents use the ISEB Pre-Test.
Shropshire 11+ at a Glance
7 Things You Should Know About Shropshire Grammar Schools
Researched facts about the region's selective schools — drawn from official sources, school websites and education research.
- 1Adams' Grammar School (Newport, Shropshire) is one of the few state grammar schools in England offering BOARDING — day fees are free; boarding fees are around £14,000/year.
- 2Adams' Grammar participates in the West Midlands Test — taking the same paper on the same day as Birmingham, Walsall, Wolverhampton, and Warwickshire grammars.
- 3Adams' Grammar admits boarders from across the UK and overseas — making it one of the most diverse state grammars by intake.
- 4Adams' Grammar (founded 1656) is among the older boys' grammar schools in England — alumni include several MPs and Olympic athletes.
- 5Shropshire's other selective schools include Shrewsbury High School (girls, GDST) and Concord College (mixed, independent boarding).
- 6Concord College Shrewsbury is one of the UK's top boarding schools — admitting international students from over 50 countries.
- 7Shropshire families benefit from access to both West Midlands grammars (via Adams') and selective independent options — providing diverse selective routes.
| Rank | School Name | Gender | PAN | 11+ Exam | GCSE 9-7 | A-Level A*-B |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #66 | Newport Girls' High School (NGHS)#66 | Girls | 130 | GL Assessment | 76.3% | 75.4% |
| Moreton Hall | Girls | — | CEM Select | 45.2% | 76.4% | |
| Shrewsbury High School | Girls | — | Independent | 60% | 77% | |
| Wrekin College | Mixed | — | Independent | — | — |
Shropshire Grammar Schools — Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the top-ranked grammar schools in Shropshire?
In the 2026 Sunday Times Parent Power tables, the highest-ranked Shropshire grammar schools include Newport Girls' High School (NGHS). Full rankings plus GCSE and A-Level results for every school are in the table above.
What 11+ exam do Shropshire grammar schools use?
Most Shropshire grammar schools admit pupils through the Independent 11+. Check each school's row above, as some set their own entrance test or use a different exam board.
What makes Shropshire grammar schools distinctive?
Adams' Grammar School (Newport, Shropshire) is one of the few state grammar schools in England offering BOARDING — day fees are free; boarding fees are around £14,000/year.
What else should families know about the Shropshire 11+?
Adams' Grammar participates in the West Midlands Test — taking the same paper on the same day as Birmingham, Walsall, Wolverhampton, and Warwickshire grammars.
Nearby Regions
Many families consider grammars in neighbouring regions to maximise options. Explore: