Haberdashers' Adams School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Boarding
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 105
Competition: Medium
Ofsted Rating: Good
Haberdashers’ Adams School
Haberdashers’ Adams, also known as Adams Grammar, is a selective state grammar school located in Newport, Shropshire. The school is widely recognised for its excellent academic standards, strong traditional values, and diverse extracurricular opportunities. Although it was originally a boys’ school, girls are now welcomed into the sixth form.
As part of the Haberdashers’ family of schools, Haberdashers’ Adams places great emphasis on academic achievement, leadership, and community service. Students are encouraged to develop curiosity, integrity, and respect for others while taking part in a wide range of activities including music, drama, sport, and enrichment programmes.
The school attracts many applicants from across Shropshire and neighbouring counties. Admission to Year 7 is determined by results in the West Midlands Grammar Schools Consortium 11 Plus entrance exam.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Haberdashers’ Adams School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Haberdashers’ Adams School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Haberdashers’ Adams 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 Haberdashers’ Adams School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Haberdashers’ Adams School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Haberdashers’ Adams School
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Haberdashers' Adams School Information
Information such as the school address, contact information and the schools key information.
School Address
Full Address:
Haberdashers' Adams, High StreetNewport
Newport
TF10 7BD
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is no parking in the school, and on the streets around the school.
Additional parking off site
- Car park on 3 New St, TF10 7AX, which is 0.1 miles away from the school.
- Car park on 4 Lower Bar, Chetwynd End, TF10 7BQ, which is 0.1 miles away from the school.
Haberdashers’ Adams School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Good overall, with Outstanding behaviour and attitudes reflecting pupils’ maturity, motivation and respect for others.
Academic strength: The curriculum is well structured at GCSE and A level, though some Key Stage 3 subjects need clearer sequencing to strengthen understanding.
Teaching and curriculum: Teachers are highly knowledgeable, passionate about their subjects and use effective questioning to check understanding and deepen pupils’ thinking.
Behaviour and culture: Pupils benefit from a wide range of clubs, leadership roles and house activities that build confidence, teamwork and responsibility.
Leadership and safeguarding: The school is well led with strong governance and effective safeguarding systems, though improvements are needed in the planning of relationships and sex education.
Haberdashers' Adams School Exam Format
Haberdashers’ Adams is part of the West Midlands Grammar Schools Consortium, so applicants take the shared 11 Plus entrance exam used by all member schools.
Haberdashers' Adams School Exam Format: Overview
The entrance test includes two multiple-choice papers, each lasting around 50 to 60 minutes. Answers are recorded on separate sheets, and scores are age-standardised for fairness. The papers assess English Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, Mathematics and Non-Verbal and Spatial Reasoning and results are weighted as follows: 50% English/Verbal Reasoning, 25% Non-Verbal Reasoning, and 25% Mathematics.
Paper One
A multiple-choice exam that assesses all four key areas – English comprehension, verbal reasoning, mathematics, and non-verbal or spatial reasoning.
Paper Two
A multiple-choice exam that assesses all four key areas – English comprehension, verbal reasoning, mathematics, and non-verbal or spatial reasoning.
GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
There is no set pass mark; places are offered based on ranked scores and the school’s admissions policy for both day and boarding applicants.
Catchment Area
The school does not operate a fixed or clearly-defined catchment area in the traditional sense. However, for day places, priority is given to boys who attend certain primary schools in the Newport, Telford & Wrekin area (TF10 postcode region) and nearby.
Additional Eligibility
To be considered for a place at Haberdashers’ Adams, candidates must sit the entrance test and reach the required academic level. Priority for admission is given in this order:
-
Looked after or previously looked after children
-
Boys eligible for Pupil Premium funding
-
Applicants living within the school’s defined catchment area
-
Boarding applicants, depending on suitability and availability
-
Other candidates ranked by test score
Separate places are allocated for day pupils and boarders, each with their own admissions process. If applicants have similar scores, catchment area and distance from the school may be used to decide final offers.
Click here to view the full Haberdashers’ Adams admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Haberdashers’ Adams School
To help your child feel confident and prepared, consider building a steady routine of study and revision using these 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 Haberdashers’ Adams 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.
Haberdashers' Adams School Key Dates and Application Information
Key dates for the application and examination to enter Haberdashers’ Adams School. Links are provided for additional information and for application.
Entrance Exam Registration Opens
Registration Deadline
Entrance Test Date
Results Released
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day
Haberdashers’ Adams School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Haberdashers’ Adams 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 Haberdashers’ Adams School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyEntrance Test Entry Form
This must be done through the West Midlands Grammar Schools portal. The registration form is typically available from early May to late June.
Visit Council WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with Haberdashers’ Adams 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.
Haberdashers’ Adams School FAQs
To apply for Year 7, you must register your child for the West Midlands Grammar Schools Consortium 11 Plus exam and complete the local authority’s secondary school application form by the published deadline.
The 11 Plus exam is set by GL Assessment and includes two multiple-choice papers covering English comprehension, verbal reasoning, mathematics, and non-verbal or spatial reasoning. Questions test reading comprehension, language skills, and Key Stage 2 maths topics such as arithmetic, shape, and data.
Entry is highly competitive, with many applicants from across Shropshire and beyond. Places are offered based on ranked scores in the 11 Plus exam, giving priority to pupils who meet the school’s admissions criteria.
The school prioritises applicants from the Newport and wider TF10 postcode area, though students from outside this region may also gain places. Catchment proximity may be used to decide between applicants with similar entrance test scores.
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