Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
Places per year: 180
Ofsted Rating: Inadequate
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School (BRGS) is a selective co-educational grammar school in Waterfoot, Rossendale, Lancashire. Established in 1703, the school combines a long tradition of academic excellence with a strong focus on personal growth and enrichment.
Catering to pupils aged 11 to 18, BRGS is recognised for its high academic standards, excellent pastoral care and wide range of extracurricular opportunities. Students are encouraged to get involved in music, sport, drama, debating and leadership activities that develop confidence and teamwork.
The school manages its own admissions process and entrance exam, operating independently rather than as part of a consortium.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School
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 Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School Key Information
In this section you will find information on contacts, school statistics and important developments at Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School provided by credible sources and regularly updated by 11 Plus Hero.
School Address
Full Address:
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar SchoolGlen Road
Waterfoot
Rossendale
BB4 7BJ
Contact Information
Parking in the school
The school has its own car park, but this is often busy on open days/evenings and may be reserved for staff on exam days.
Additional parking off site
There is free street parking available on Miller Barn Lane, Rossendale, BB4 7AX, 5-minute walk to the school.
Further street parking is available on Spring Garden Street, Rossendale, BB4 7AR, 7-minute walk to the school
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Inadequate across all areas except quality of education, which is good.
Academic strength: Strong academic outcomes with an ambitious curriculum and high EBacc participation.
Teaching and curriculum: Teaching is well-structured and delivered with expertise, though assessment and feedback are sometimes inconsistent.
Behaviour and culture: Poor outside lessons; pupils report bullying, discrimination, and feeling unsafe despite orderly classrooms.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership and governance are weak, with serious safeguarding failures and a lack of trust from pupils.
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School Exam Format
Entry to Year 7 at Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School (BRGS) is determined by performance in the school’s own 11 Plus entrance examination, held on the school site in mid to late September of Year 6.
The exam consists of two written papers. Unlike many 11+ exams, the BRGS papers are not multiple choice. They are written, school-set and marked internally.
Paper One
English: A comprehension and creative writing paper assessing reading understanding, written expression and clarity of ideas.
Paper Two
Mathematics: A problem-solving and numeracy paper based on the Key Stage 2 curriculum, testing reasoning and method accuracy.
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Numerical Reasoning | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
There is no fixed pass mark, and offers are made to pupils with the highest scores according to the school’s admissions policy. Typically, pupils need to achieve results within the top 25% to qualify for consideration.
Catchment Area
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School (BRGS) does not have a traditional geographical catchment area, but it gives priority to pupils attending specific primary schools grouped into two areas:
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Area 1 includes local schools in Bacup, Rawtenstall, Newchurch, Stacksteads, Crawshawbooth, and Waterfoot (e.g. Balladen, Britannia, St Mary’s, Thorn, and Waterfoot Primary).
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Area 2 includes schools in nearby areas such as Haslingden, Helmshore, Whitworth, Edenfield, and Stubbins (e.g. Haslingden Primary, St Veronica’s, Broadway, and Tonacliffe Primary).
To qualify for priority, pupils must attend one of these schools for the duration of Year 6. Places are then ranked by entrance exam score within these areas.
Additional Eligibility
When more pupils qualify than there are places, BRGS allocates according to the following order of priority:
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Pupils with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)
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Looked After and Previously Looked After Children, including those formerly in state care outside England
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Pupils attending Area 1 primary schools, ranked by exam score
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Pupils attending Area 2 primary schools, ranked by exam score
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Children of staff employed at BRGS for two or more years
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All other applicants, ranked by overall entrance exam score
Click to find out more about the Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School Admissions Policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School
Since BRGS sets its own papers, preparation should focus on strong foundations in core skills rather than multiple-choice techniques. Here are some effective preparation tips:
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.
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 Bacup and Rawtenstall 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 Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School
Count on 11 Plus Hero to record the need-to-know dates and deadlines of events taking place across the year.
Test Registration Opens
Registration Deadline
English Test
Mathematics Test
Results Issued
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, 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 Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyEntrance Test Entry Form
Register for the entrance exam via the BRGS website. Registration typically opens in spring and closes shortly before the exam in September.
Visit School WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School 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.
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School FAQs
Parents must register their child for the BRGS entrance exam and list the school as a preference on the local authority application form before the 31 October deadline.
The 11 Plus includes written papers in English, Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning, assessing reading, writing, problem-solving and logical thinking.
Entry is very competitive, with many more pupils meeting the qualifying standard than there are places available each year.
The school doesn’t have a strict catchment area but gives priority to pupils attending designated Area 1 and Area 2 primary schools in Rossendale and nearby towns.