About Solihull School
Solihull School is a co-educational independent day school in Solihull, West Midlands. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own assessment process, which includes academic assessment in English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
Solihull School is committed to providing an outstanding educational experience for every pupil, with excellent academic results, strong pastoral care and a thriving extracurricular programme. Scholarships and bursaries are available to support pupils with talent and financial need. Ranked #121 in The Sunday Times Parent Power. GCSE 9-7: 78.8%.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Solihull School
Solihull School Admissions Criteria
Solihull School is a co-educational independent day school in Solihull, West Midlands. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own assessment process, which includes academic assessment in English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
- ✓Step 1 — Initial enquiry: Contact the Admissions Team at Solihull School to register your interest and request a prospectus. Visit the school on an Open Day or arrange a private tour to experience the school environment first-hand.
- ✓Step 2 — Submit registration: Complete the online (or paper) registration form and pay the registration fee to formally apply for a Year 7 place at Solihull School. Early registration is recommended — many independent schools have rolling admissions and limited Year 7 places.
- ✓Step 3 — Reference from current school: The school will request an academic and pastoral reference from your child's current school. This provides insight into your child's academic progress, character and suitability.
- ✓Step 4 — Entrance assessment: Your child will sit Solihull School's own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The assessment is designed by the school's academic staff to identify both current ability and future academic potential.
- ✓Step 5 — Interview (where applicable): Many independent schools include an interview as part of the selection process — this is a friendly conversation to learn about his interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether him child has been offered a place at Solihull School.
- ✓Step 7 — Accept the place: To accept an offer, parents complete an acceptance form and pay a deposit to secure the place. The deposit is typically credited against future school fees.
- ✓Academic Scholarships: Awarded to applicants demonstrating exceptional academic ability in the entrance assessment.
- ✓Music Scholarships: For pupils with proven musical ability — supported by an audition.
- ✓Art & Drama Scholarships: For pupils with strong creative and performance ability, supported by a portfolio or audition.
- ✓Sport Scholarships: For pupils with talent and achievement in sport at a competitive level.
- ✓Bursary Awards: Means-tested financial support for families who require help with school fees at Solihull School. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Solihull School Oversubscription Criteria
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- Children who achieve the highest scores in the 11+ entrance test.
- Children living within the school's priority catchment area.
- Children with siblings currently attending Solihull School.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Solihull School 2026
| 📌 Open Events | Throughout the year — check school website to register |
| 📌 Application Window | Rolling admissions — apply early to secure assessment slot |
| 📌 Entrance Assessment | Arranged after registration submitted |
| 📌 Decision Notification | Following assessment, by written letter from the Head |
| 📌 Acceptance & Deposit | Deposit required to secure offered place |
How to Apply to Solihull School
Step 1 — Attend an Open Event at Solihull School
Attend an Open Event at Solihull School or arrange a personal visit
Step 2 — Submit the online registration form via the school's
Submit the online registration form via the school's website
Step 3 — Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Step 4 — Declare any interest in scholarships
Declare any interest in scholarships or bursaries in writing by the closing date for registrations
Step 5 — Your child attends Solihull School
Your child attends Solihull School for the 11+ Entrance Examination
Step 6 — Sit assessments in English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning
Sit assessments in English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning
Step 7 — The school requests a confidential reference from your
The school requests a confidential reference from your child's current school
Step 8 — Following assessment, offers are made at the Head's discretion
Following assessment, offers are made at the Head's discretion — on acceptance, pay the deposit
Independent Subjects Tested at Solihull School
Scholarships & Bursaries at Solihull School
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, Art & Design, Sport Scholarships. Means-tested bursaries available — households with income up to £75,000 likely eligible; can include uniform, lunches and travel support in some cases.
Outcome announced: Scholarships awarded at the discretion of the Head; carry 10-15% remission on tuition fees
Additional notes: Founded in 1560, Solihull is the oldest school in town. Co-educational independent school in the West Midlands.
Independent Practice Papers for Solihull School
Solihull School uses School's own bespoke 11+ format. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the Solihull School 11+ Exam
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Academic Performance at Solihull School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Solihull is a leading academic independent day school in the Midlands, with exceptional results at GCSE and A-Level and girls and boys performing equally strongly.
- GCSE: a very strong record (in 2024, around 78–79% of grades at 9–7, with 29% at grade 9).
- A-Level: excellent results (around 85% at A*–B).
- Progression: strong progression to prestigious universities in the UK and abroad.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Solihull School
Solihull School is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. As a day school, places are open to families from across Solihull, Birmingham and the wider West Midlands, with entry by the school’s own assessment rather than where a family lives.
The school occupies more than 60 acres across two campuses in the centre of Solihull (the Senior School on Warwick Road and the Preparatory School at St Martin’s); entry points run from the Infant and Junior years through 11+ and into the Sixth Form.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1560 and the oldest school in the town, Solihull School is an HMC co-educational independent day school (ages 3–18) in the centre of Solihull, West Midlands, with the motto ‘Perseverantia’ (by perseverance). Originally a boys’ school, it admitted girls to the Sixth Form in the early 1970s and became fully co-educational across all years in 2005; a Church of England foundation, it pairs academic ambition with strong, nurturing pastoral care (it places itself in the top 1% of UK schools for value-added).
Co-curricular life is a particular strength — spanning sport, music, drama, dance, debating and public-speaking, and outdoor education. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about Solihull School
How do I get into Solihull School?
To gain entry to Solihull School Year 7, parents register their child with the Admissions Team, submit a registration fee and arrange for the child to sit the 11+ entrance assessment covering English and Mathematics. A reference from the current school is required. Following the assessment and any interview, parents are notified in writing of the outcome.
What entrance exam does Solihull School use?
Solihull School sets its own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The papers are designed by the school's academic staff and may differ from national exam boards. Practice papers in the relevant 11+ format (such as the ones ExamTutor provides) are excellent preparation for the school's own assessment.
What is the 11+ exam at Solihull School?
Solihull School uses its own 11+ entrance assessment for Year 7 entry. The assessment covers English and Mathematics, designed to identify both current ability and future academic potential. An interview with the Head or Deputy Head may also form part of the selection process.
Are there scholarships at Solihull School?
Yes. Solihull School offers Academic, Music, Art, Drama and Sport scholarships. Means-tested Bursary Awards are also available to support families requiring financial assistance with school fees. Contact the Admissions Office for current scholarship and bursary information.
When should I apply to Solihull School?
Most independent schools including Solihull School accept applications throughout the year, but Year 7 places are often offered 12-18 months in advance. Register early — ideally by Year 5 (age 9-10) — to secure assessment slots and avoid disappointment.
Are there free Independent 11+ practice papers for Solihull School?
Yes. ExamTutor offers a free Independent 11+ Practice Test Paper and free Tutor Video Explanations. The practice paper matches the format of independent school 11+ entrance exams covering English and Mathematics — the subjects typically tested at Solihull School. No registration required.
When is the Solihull School 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at Solihull School is Closing date for registrations — see school website. The registration fee is Payable at registration. Always check the school's official admissions page for current details.
When are Solihull School 11+ results announced?
At Solihull School, 11+ assessment results are After assessment. The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.