Shropshire, Walsall & Wolverhampton Grammar Schools – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
These areas in the West Midlands are home to a small but distinguished group of grammar schools, each with a strong academic reputation, historic roots, and a tradition of excellence. These schools are state-funded and selective, with admission based on the 11+ entrance exam, often using GL or CEM assessment formats.
🏫 Grammar Schools in Shropshire, Walsall & Wolverhampton
### 🔹 Shropshire:
Newport Girls’ High School (NGHS)
- Location: Newport, Shropshire
- Founded: 1919
- Type: Girls’ grammar school (11–18)
- Pupil Numbers: ~700 (including ~200 in Sixth Form)
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Reputation & Highlights:
- Consistently top-performing school in Shropshire
- High GCSE & A-Level results; many go to Russell Group and Oxbridge
- Strong in Sciences, Maths, and Languages
- Highly praised for pastoral care and wellbeing
- Regular success in UKMT, Olympiads, and DofE Award
Haberdashers’ Adams (formerly Adams’ Grammar School)
- Location: Newport, Shropshire
- Founded: 1656
- Type: Boys’ grammar (11–18), with co-ed Sixth Form
- Pupil Numbers: ~900
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Reputation & Highlights:
- One of the oldest grammar schools in the UK
- Renowned for Oxbridge success, especially in STEM subjects
- Strong military heritage; Combined Cadet Force (CCF) and DofE are core
- Competitive entry and academic stretch programmes
- Excellent sports provision and extra-curricular life
### 🔹 Walsall:
Queen Mary’s Grammar School (QMGS)
- Location: Walsall
- Founded: 1554
- Type: Boys’ grammar (11–18), co-ed in Sixth Form
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,100
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Reputation & Highlights:
- Top-tier academic performance at both GCSE and A-Level
- Regularly sends students to Oxbridge and Medicine
- Strong performance in Maths Challenges, Engineering Competitions
- Offers Mandarin and Latin, highlighting academic breadth
- Enrichment includes Model UN, Duke of Edinburgh, and sports
Queen Mary’s High School (QMHS)
- Location: Walsall
- Founded: 1893
- Type: Girls’ grammar (11–18)
- Pupil Numbers: ~900
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Reputation & Highlights:
- High performance in English, Humanities, and Modern Languages
- Strong Sixth Form provision; excellent university destinations
- National success in public speaking, creative writing, and science competitions
- Highly praised for pastoral care and academic support
### 🔹 Wolverhampton:
Wolverhampton Girls’ High School (WGHS)
- Location: Wolverhampton
- Founded: 1911
- Type: Girls’ grammar (11–18)
- Pupil Numbers: ~1,000
- Ofsted: Outstanding
Reputation & Highlights:
- Consistently ranked in the top 100 UK state schools
- Strong academic record in Sciences, Maths, and English
- Excellent record for Russell Group admissions and Medicine
- Highly developed mentoring, wellbeing, and leadership programmes
- Strong participation in music, DofE, and national competitions
📈 Academic Performance Across the Region
| School | GCSE (Grades 7–9) | A-Level (A*-B) | University Destinations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newport Girls’ | ~85–90% | ~80% | Oxbridge, Russell Group |
| Haberdashers’ Adams | ~80–90% | ~75–85% | Strong STEM, Medicine |
| QMGS (Walsall) | ~85% | ~80%+ | Oxbridge, UCL, Warwick, etc. |
| QMHS (Walsall) | ~80% | ~75%+ | Russell Group, Law, Sciences |
| WGHS (Wolverhampton) | ~85–90% | ~80% | Strong for Medicine, Oxbridge |
🏆 Awards & Recognitions
- Ofsted “Outstanding” ratings across most schools
- National winners in:
- UKMT Maths Challenge
- British Biology & Chemistry Olympiads
- Young Enterprise & Public Speaking competitions
- Many schools awarded:
- Eco-Schools Green Flag
- Artsmark Gold
- Healthy Schools and Wellbeing Awards
- Strong provision for:
- Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE)
- CCF (Combined Cadet Force)
- Oxbridge and Medicine preparation
🧠 Admissions & 11+ Testing
- Admissions based on 11+ entrance tests, usually in the Autumn term of Year 6
- Format varies but often includes:
- English
- Maths
- Verbal and/or Non-verbal Reasoning
- Tests are either GL Assessment or CEM format, depending on the school
- Highly competitive — schools attract candidates from across Shropshire, Staffordshire, West Midlands, and beyond
The grammar schools of Shropshire, Walsall, and Wolverhampton are among the best performing state schools in the UK, with rich histories, academic excellence, and wide-ranging enrichment programmes. Whether you’re looking for STEM strength, Oxbridge pathways, or outstanding pastoral care, these schools offer top-tier opportunities for bright and motivated students.
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for the Shropshire, Walsall and Wolverhampton Grammar Schools 11+ Entrance Exam
Admission to Year 7 at Shropshire, Walsall and Wolverhampton Grammar Schools is based on performance in the GL Assessment or CEM Select 11+ entrance exam.
To secure a place, students must achieve a high score in the entrance test. ExamTutor’s 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a structured and effective way to prepare, ensuring students are fully familiar with the question types and exam format used in the 11+ entrance exam.
How ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations Help Students Succeed
1. Mirrors the 11+ Test Format
ExamTutor’s practice papers closely follow the GL Assessment and CEM Select 11+ test format, covering:
📌 English – Reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
📌 Mathematics – Numerical reasoning, arithmetic, and problem-solving.
📌 Verbal Reasoning – Word patterns, logic, and problem-solving.
📌 Non-Verbal Reasoning – Spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and sequences.
✔ By practicing with ExamTutor papers, students become familiar with the structure and content of the Shropshire, Walsall and Wolverhampton Grammar Schools entrance exam, improving confidence and performance.
2. Identify Weak Areas & Improve Performance with a Structured Study Plan
A structured study plan is essential for 11+ success. Our practice papers:
✔ Help identify weaker subjects at the earliest stage.
✔ Allow students to focus on specific question types where they struggle.
✔ Include detailed answer explanations so students understand their mistakes and improve.
📌 Tip: Encourage your child to take regular timed practice tests to build exam stamina and confidence.
3. Boost Confidence with Video Explanations
Some 11+ question types can be challenging for students. Our expert-led video explanations:
🎥 Break down complex questions step by step
🎥 Teach proven problem-solving techniques
🎥 Show shortcuts and strategies to save time in the exam
🎥 Help students reinforce learning and build confidence
How to Use Video Explanations Effectively:
✅ Review incorrect answers with video solutions – Identify and correct mistakes early.
✅ Take notes on key strategies – Record important problem-solving techniques for future reference.
✅ Rewatch explanations for difficult topics – Reinforce learning by revisiting challenging areas.
✔ Video explanations ensure students fully understand concepts rather than just memorising answers.
4. Develop Strong Time Management & Exam Techniques
Success in the 11+ entrance exam isn’t just about knowledge—it’s also about:
✔ Time management – Completing questions quickly and accurately under exam conditions.
✔ Skipping tricky questions – Avoid wasting time on difficult questions and returning to them later.
✔ Eliminating wrong answers – Using logical reasoning to improve accuracy.
📌 Tip: Regular timed practice with ExamTutor tests ensures students develop these key exam skills.
5. Build Confidence Before the Big Day
Confidence is crucial for success in the Shropshire, Walsall and Wolverhampton Grammar Schools 11+ exam. Our practice tests help by:
✔ Simulating real exam conditions – So students know exactly what to expect.
✔ Providing motivation through measurable improvement.
📌 Tip: Encourage your child to review their mistakes using our detailed video explanations to turn weaknesses into strengths.
Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for Shropshire, Walsall and Wolverhampton Grammar Schools Preparation?
✔ GL Assessment-style practice papers covering all tested subjects.
✔ Video explanations for step-by-step learning.
✔ Used successfully by thousands of students every year.
How to Get Started with ExamTutor Practice Papers
1️⃣ Take a practice test – Identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
2️⃣ Create a study plan – Focus on weaker areas while reinforcing strengths.
3️⃣ Practice regularly – Use ExamTutor timed papers to simulate real exam conditions.
4️⃣ Review mistakes using video explanations – Learn from errors and improve.
5️⃣ Track progress – Monitor scores over time to ensure continuous improvement.
📌 Tip: Start preparing at least 6–12 months before the exam to allow enough time for practice and improvement.
Shropshire, Walsall and Wolverhampton Grammar Schools Year 7 is highly competitive, but ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a powerful tool to maximise your child’s success.
By mirroring the GL Assessment test format, identifying weak areas, improving time management, and building confidence, our practice tests give students the best chance of securing a high score and gaining admission to Shropshire, Walsall and Wolverhampton Grammar Schools.
📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀
Shropshire, Walsall & Wolverhampton Grammar Schools – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
The grammar schools in Shropshire, Walsall, and Wolverhampton form part of the West Midlands Grammar Schools Consortium, and use a shared entrance test (11+) for Year 7 admissions.
🏫 Grammar Schools in This Consortium
Walsall:
- Queen Mary’s Grammar School (Boys)
- Queen Mary’s High School (Girls)
Wolverhampton:
- Wolverhampton Girls’ High School
Shropshire:
- Newport Girls’ High School
- Haberdashers’ Adams (Boys; co-ed Sixth Form)
All of these schools are selective and state-funded.
✅ Year 7 Admissions Criteria
1. 11+ Entrance Test
-
The test is produced by GL Assessment and includes:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Mathematics
- English Comprehension
-
The test is taken once, and scores are shared across all five schools in the consortium.
-
Scores are standardised to allow for age adjustment and comparison.
2. Oversubscription Criteria
Each school has its own admissions policy, but most use the following priority order if more pupils qualify than there are places:
- Looked After / Previously Looked After Children
- Pupils eligible for Free School Meals (Pupil Premium)
- Pupils living in the catchment area or within a defined priority zone
- Highest-scoring candidates
- Distance from the school (used as a tie-breaker)
✳️ Note: Each school may apply these criteria slightly differently, so it’s important to check individual school policies.
📝 How to Apply for Year 7
✅ 1. Register for the Test
- Register via the West Midlands Grammar Schools portal: 🔗 www.westmidlandsgrammarschools.co.uk
- Registration opens: May
- Deadline to register: June
✅ 2. Sit the Test
- Test date: September
- Location: You choose your preferred test centre when registering (usually one of the consortium schools)
✅ 3. Receive Results
- Results are released in October, before the school application deadline
✅ 4. Submit the Common Application Form (CAF)
- Submit to your local authority
- Deadline: 31st October
- List your chosen grammar schools in order of preference
✅ 5. National Offer Day
- Offers sent on 1st March
📚 Individual School Websites
-
Queen Mary’s Grammar School:
www.qmgs.walsall.sch.uk -
Queen Mary’s High School:
www.qmhs.org.uk -
Wolverhampton Girls’ High School:
https://www.wghs.org.uk/ -
Haberdashers’ Adams:
www.adamsgs.uk -
Newport Girls’ High School:
www.nghs.org.uk
