The entrance exam at Heckmondwike Grammar School has its own format, so preparation should target the specific skills assessed. Below are some key tips to help your child prepare effectively.
Heckmondwike Grammar School11 Plus Guide
If you are planning for your child to join Heckmondwike Grammar School, this 2026 admissions guide provides all the essential details. It explains the application process, outlines key school information, and offers guidance on supporting effective 11 Plus preparation.
At a Glance
Assessment: FSCE
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
Places per year: 210
Ofsted Rating: Good
Introduction to
Heckmondwike Grammar School
Heckmondwike Grammar School is a selective co-educational grammar school in West Yorkshire. Established in 1898, it is recognised for academic excellence and a strong sense of community, welcoming pupils from Year 7 through to sixth form.
The school provides a broad and challenging curriculum that promotes both academic achievement and personal development. Ofsted rated Heckmondwike Grammar School Outstanding in every category at its most recent inspection, highlighting the quality of teaching and student experience.
With excellent GCSE and A-level results year after year, the school has an impressive record of university progression, including many students securing places at Russell Group universities. Admission to Year 7 is via the school’s own 11 Plus entrance exam.
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Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Heckmondwike Grammar School
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Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Heckmondwike Grammar School
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Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Heckmondwike Grammar School
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Preparing for the 11 Plus
Help your child prepare with tips, exam papers, and featured tuition agencies
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Key Dates
All key dates and application information for Heckmondwike Grammar School
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How to Apply
Information on the application process for Heckmondwike Grammar School
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FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Heckmondwike Grammar School
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Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Heckmondwike Grammar School Key Information
In this section, you will find key information, contacts and school statistics for Heckmondwike, regularly updated by 11 Plus Hero.
School Address
Full Address:
Heckmondwike Grammar SchoolHigh Street
Heckmondwike
West Yorkshire
WF16 0AH
Contact Information
Website Address
https://www.heckgrammar.co.uk/
Admissions Email
admissions@heckgrammar.co.uk
Main Office Phone
01924 402202
Parking in the school
Parking can be found on the school premises.
Additional parking off site
There is nearby street parking and a number of car parks within a 10-minute walk.
Kaye Street, Kirklees, WF16 0JN. Open Mon-Sun, All day, 28 spaces.
Albion Street East, Albion Street, Kirklees, WF16 9LQ. Open Mon-Sun, All day, 12 spaces.
Heckmondwike Grammar School Ofsted Report
The quality of education
Good
Behaviour and attitudes
Outstanding
Personal development
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Sixth-form provision
Requires improvement
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Good overall, with Outstanding for behaviour and attitudes, though sixth-form provision requires improvement.
Academic strength: Pupils follow an ambitious curriculum, achieving very high standards by the end of Key Stage 4 across a wide range of subjects..
Teaching and curriculum: Teachers have strong subject knowledge, and learning is well sequenced, though some subjects like chemistry and aspects of PSHE require further improvement.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is exceptional, with pupils polite, respectful and enthusiastic, supported by extensive extracurricular opportunities that promote leadership and personal development.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is effective and staff morale is high, though sixth-form support and careers guidance need strengthening. Safeguarding systems are rigorous and well managed.
Heckmondwike Grammar School Exam Format
For Year 7 entry, Heckmondwike Grammar offers 210 places. The entrance examination occurs in early autumn of Year 6. Papers assess reasoning skills across different contexts. Students who meet the required standard are identified, though meeting that standard doesn’t guarantee a place.
Heckmondwike Grammar School 11 Plus Test: Overview
The entrance exam at Heckmondwike Grammar School includes both multiple-choice and written response questions. All written sections are completed on a single day in September, held at the school. The tests are administered by FSCE.
Paper One
Maths
Paper Two
English
Paper Three
Creative Writing
The Heckmondwike Grammar Test - FSCE 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
There is no fixed published pass mark for entrance. Students must meet the exam standard, but the number of places and number of applicants meeting the standard determines what score is needed in practice.
Catchment Area
Heckmondwike Grammar School does have a defined catchment (priority) area, and applicants living within that area are given higher priority in oversubscription.
Additional Eligibility
If more students meet the entry standard than there are places, the school applies detailed priority criteria in this order:
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Looked-after / previously looked-after children
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Pupil Premium eligible students
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Applicants living in the school’s catchment (priority admission area)
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Siblings of current students in the school
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Music criterion (certificate grade 2+ in instrument or voice) – capped at 5% of total offers under that criterion. After applying those criteria, any remaining places are filled based on highest test score.
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Waiting lists are in place:
  • Waiting List 1: students who met the standard but weren’t offered a spot.
  • Waiting List 2: students who did not meet the standard or missed the test.
Click here to read the full Heckmondwike Grammar School Admissions Policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Heckmondwike Grammar School
Useful Tips
Start Early
Begin preparation in Year 4 or the start of Year 5. This allows plenty of time for steady progress without creating too much pressure.
Use Exam Papers
Work through timed exam papers together to build familiarity with the question style and develop exam technique.
Target Weak Areas
Keep track of their performance and focus extra time on any topics or question types they find more difficult.
Encourage Daily Reading
A regular reading habit helps expand vocabulary, improve comprehension and boost analytical thinking – all vital for the 11 Plus.
Make Use of Online Resources
Digital learning tools can provide personalised practice and clear feedback to make study time more effective and engaging
Best Chance of Success
Keeping preparation steady, organised and encouraging will help your child feel confident and well-prepared when exam day arrives.
COMING SOON
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 Heckmondwike Grammar School. 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.
Key Events for Admission to Heckmondwike Grammar School
It can be tricky to track all of the numerous dates and deadlines for admission to Heckmondwike Grammar School, so 11 Plus Hero is here to help guide you through.Â
Registration Opens
12th May 2025
Date passed
Registration Closes
23rd June 2025
Date passed
11+ exam date
15th September 2025
Date passed
Results Published
16th October 2025
Date passed
CAF Application Deadline
Friday 31st October 2025
Date passed
National Offer Day
Monday 2nd March 2026
100 days to go
How to Apply
Heckmondwike Grammar School Application Process
Admission to Year 7 at Heckmondwike Grammar School requires the following steps to be completed.
1
Admissions Policy 2026
Make sure you read the Heckmondwike Grammar School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions Policy
2
Online Registration Form
The entrance exam registration form is available on the school website from 12 May 2025 and must be submitted no later than 23 June 2025. Completing this form secures your child’s place for the test.
Visit School Website
3
Common Application Form (CAF)
The CAF must be submitted through your local authority by 31 October 2025. Be sure to include Heckmondwike Grammar School as one of your listed preferences.
Heckmondwike Grammar School FAQs
Parents must complete the school’s online registration form by June to secure an exam place and submit the Common Application Form via their local authority by 31 October.
The entrance exam includes English, mathematics, and creative writing. Papers feature multiple-choice and written questions, are age-standardised, and sat in September at Heckmondwike Grammar School. Performance determines eligibility for places.
Entry is highly competitive, with 210 Year 7 places available. Many more candidates apply and sit the exam, meaning only the highest-scoring pupils secure offers after oversubscription criteria.
Yes, the school has a defined priority admission area covering specific local postcodes. Applicants living within this catchment are prioritised if oversubscribed, provided proof of residence is submitted by the deadline.
Schools Nearby
7 schools found within 25 miles of Heckmondwike
Heckmondwike Grammar School
Heckmondwike Grammar School, Heckmondwike
Assessment: FSCE
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
0.1 Miles Away
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The Crossley Heath School
The Crossley Heath School, Halifax
Assessment: FSCE
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
8.5 Miles Away
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North Halifax Grammar School
North Halifax Grammar School, Halifax
Assessment: FSCE
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
Ermysted's Grammar School
Gargrave Rd, Skipton
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Ermysted's Grammar School
Ermysted's Grammar School, Skipton
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
22.8 Miles Away
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Skipton Girls' High School
Skipton Girls' High School, Skipton
Assessment: FSCE
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
22.9 Miles Away
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Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, Rossendale
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
23.7 Miles Away
View School