Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Places per year: 180
Competition: Very High
Ofsted Rating: Good
Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls
Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls is a selective state grammar school in Birmingham, offering a high-achieving academic environment for girls aged 11–18. The school is known for its strong academic results and commitment to developing confident, well-rounded students.
The school fosters a culture of ambition and resilience, encouraging students to excel both in and out of the classroom. With a broad curriculum and a wide range of extracurricular activities, students are supported in their personal and academic growth.
Admission to Year 7 is determined by performance in the 11 Plus exam, administered by The Grammar Schools in Birmingham consortium.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls
Preparing for the 11 Plus
Help your child prepare with tips, exam papers, and featured tuition agencies
Key Dates
All key dates and application information for Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Sutton Coldfield Grammar School For Girls Key Information
Below, we list up to date information you will need in the admissions process to Sutton Coldfield Grammar School For Girls. Included is the school’s address, parking details and general contact details.
School Address
Full Address:
Sutton Coldfield Grammar School For Girls, Jockey Rd, Sutton ColdfieldBirmingham
B73 5PT
Contact Information
Parking in the school
Parking is available free on site, but spaces are limited. Listed below is alternative parking within a 20 minute walk.
- Duke Street Parking, 21 Duke Street, Birmingham B72 1QH (Opening Times: Mon-Sat All Day, Sun 08:00-18:00)
- Wyndley Leisure Centre Car Park, Wyndley Leisure Centre, Clifton Road, Birmingham B73 6EB (Opening Times: Mon-Thurs 06:30-22:00, Fri 06:30-21:00, Sat-Sun 07:00-15:00)
Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Good
Academic strength: Good
Teaching and curriculum: Good
Behaviour and culture: Good
Leadership and safeguarding: Good
Birmingham Grammar Schools Entrance Test Format
Sutton Coldfield Grammar School For Girls, and Birmingham grammar schools alike, select their students based on performance in the Entrance Test to Birmingham grammar schools; it is a GL 11 Plus Test under the GL Exam Board. The GL 11 Plus is full of new concepts to children from Key Stage Two, such as Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning. Maths and English questions are also worded differently and designed to push your child beyond what they have learned in class. Although this is confusing and often daunting for prospective students, 11 Plus Hero can help properly prepare your child for the GL 11 Plus format. Our vast experience with the GL 11 Plus means that we can tailor to your child’s specific needs and guide them towards success.
The GL 11 Plus Test: Overview
There are four components making up the GL 11 Plus, the entrance test required for schools in Birmingham. We provide a detailed breakdown of the content of the entrance test. Please see our article ‘Selective Tests in Birmingham – The GL 11 Plus Test’
Overview
- Paper One and Paper Two are both 60 minute papers which include all 4 areas tested by the GL 11 Plus: English, maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-verbal Reasoning. Each area tested has its own section in the paper.
The GL 11 Plus Test: Pass Criteria
The GL 11 Plus for entry to Sutton Coldfield Grammar School For Girls has
no official ‘pass mark’. Children receive an aggregate mark for their test by October for the following year of entry. The marks are statistically standardised to compare any one score to the average score of their school year. As the results are standardised, age is taken into account, meaning the youngest member of the cohort is not penalised for their age. Instead of an official ‘passing grade’, Birmingham City Council grammar schools select students depending on whether they reach the ‘qualifying mark’, this is variable year to year. All schools in Birmingham require children to reach the ‘qualifying mark’ to be considered for admission, including Sutton Coldfield Grammar School For Girls. It is estimated that the top 25% of students in the country will receive a qualifying mark. For more information please see our article ‘Selective Tests in Birmingham – The GL 11 Plus Test’.
Paper 1:
A mix of either English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-verbal Reasoning questions (60 minutes).
Paper 2:
A mix of either English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-verbal Reasoning questions (60 minutes).
The Birmingham Grammar Schools Entrance Test - GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Catchment Area
Applicants who achieve the ‘qualifying score’ are eligible for admission to the school. As aforementioned, this ‘qualifying score’ or ‘qualifying mark’ is the minimum standardised mark achieved on the entrance test to allow the student to be considered for entry to the school.
As a general rule, the school does not have a residence requirement or catchment area. Entry to the school is based solely on the results obtained in the Entrance Test. Only where children are equal on the standardised score received, the place will be offered to the child closest to the school.
Additional eligibilities
Where the number of eligible applications exceeds the number of places, Sutton Coldfield Grammar School For Girls operates a 3 tier priority system listed below:
- Children who are Looked After or Previously Looked After* who achieve the qualifying score by rank order of standardised score;
- Children attracting the Pupil Premium who achieve the qualifying score by rank order of standardised score but limited to no more than 36 in this category;
- Children who achieve the qualifying score by rank order of standardised score.
*Children who have been in, or previously been in, the state care of local authorities
**Children who have been registered for free school meals at any point in the 6 years prior to the closing date of registration.
A more detailed explanation of the admissions criteria and catchment area is contained in Sutton Coldfield Grammar School For Girls’ admission policy, see https://www.suttcold.bham.sch.uk/attachments/download.asp?file=598&type=pdf
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls
A clear, consistent preparation strategy is essential for both exam stages:
School-specific 11 Plus revision
Support your child’s preparation for Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls with a school-specific 11 Plus Essentials Pack, created to reflect the school’s entrance assessment style.
Each pack includes carefully selected guides and 11 plus revision papers covering the subjects assessed by Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls. This helps ensure your child’s 11 plus revision is focused, relevant and aligned with the format of the exam they will sit.
Designed for effective home study, the pack works well for independent revision or alongside tutoring, providing a structured foundation for confident 11 Plus preparation.
Useful Tips
Start Early
Start preparing in Year 4 or the beginning of Year 5. This gives plenty of time for steady progress without feeling rushed.
Use Exam Papers
Work through timed exam papers together to familiarise yourselves with the question style and improve your exam technique.
Target Weak Areas
Monitor their performance and dedicate extra time to areas or question types they struggle with.
Encourage Daily Reading
A regular reading habit expands vocabulary improves comprehension and boosts analytical thinking – all essential for the 11 Plus.
Make Use of Online Resources
Digital learning tools offer personalised practice and clear feedback, making study time more effective and engaging.
Best Chance of Success
Maintaining a steady organised and encouraging preparation routine will boost your child’s confidence and ensure they feel well-prepared for exam day.
11 Plus Mock Exams in Your Area
We’re currently working on setting up a network of local test centres to offer in-person 11 Plus mock exams that closely match the format used by Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls. These sessions will provide a valuable opportunity for your child to practise under real exam conditions, helping to build confidence and improve performance. Although this service isn’t available just yet, you can register your interest by completing the form below. We’ll get in touch as soon as mock exams become available in your area.
Sutton Coldfield Grammar School For Girls Dates and Application Information
The application process for Sutton Coldfield Grammar School For Girls, and Birmingham grammar schools alike, requires strict adherence to the deadlines in their admission process. We understand this can be hard to keep track of, so listed below are key events for Sutton Coldfield Grammar School For Girls.
Test Registration Opens
Reasonable Adjustments Deadline
Test Registration Closes
Entrance Test Date
Results Sent to Parents
Common Application Form (CAF) Deadline
Offer Day
Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls, families need to complete both the school’s registration form and the local authority’s application process.
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyRegister Online
This must be done through the Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls website between 6 May and 27 June 2025.
Visit Council WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls listed as one of your preferences. The CAF deadline is 31st October 2025. Both forms must be completed – failure to submit either will result in an incomplete application.
Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls FAQs
- There is no ‘pass mark’ for Sutton Coldfield Grammar School For Girls, nor any grammar schools under Birmingham City Council. Instead, candidates aggregate mark is compared against a ‘qualifying mark’ or ‘qualifying score’ – these phrases are interchangeable. The qualifying mark is subject to change each year and is the minimum requirement for admission to Sutton Coldfield Grammar School For Girls.
- For more details see section ‘Pass Mark and catchment area’. LINK
- Students are selected based on their performance in the entrance test to Birmingham grammar schools, under the GL 11 Plus Exam Board. This test is run and governed by Birmingham City Council. This assessment tests a child’s competency in Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-verbal Reasoning. The questions are designed to push a child past their Key Stage 2 learning. The papers are multiple choice and marked externally via computer.
- For more details see ‘Section 4: Birmingham Grammar Schools Entrance Test Format’ LINK
The website https://www.birminghamgrammarschools.org/content/test provides a familiarisation guide for Birmingham City Council’s GL 11 Plus. This material allows children to understand the format of the questions in the test.