Alcester 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: 150
Competition: Medium
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Alcester Grammar School
Alcester Grammar School (AGS) is a co-educational selective grammar school in Alcester, Warwickshire, providing education for students aged 11 to 18. The school has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, offering a stimulating and supportive environment where pupils are encouraged to reach their full potential.
The curriculum at AGS is broad, challenging and carefully designed to inspire curiosity and independence. Alongside strong academic teaching, the school promotes creativity, resilience and lifelong learning. Students benefit from a wide range of enrichment opportunities, including clubs, competitions and trips both in the UK and abroad.
Alcester Grammar was rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2022, reflecting its high standards of teaching, exemplary behaviour and effective leadership. The school’s pastoral care system ensures that students are well supported, helping them to thrive both academically and personally throughout their time at AGS.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Alcester Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Alcester Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Alcester 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 Alcester Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Alcester Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Alcester Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Alcester Grammar School’s Key Information
Alcester Grammar School’s contact information and student intake records.
School Address
Full Address:
Alcester Grammar School, Birmingham RoadAlcester
Warwickshire
B49 5ED
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is parking within the school as well as on-street parking nearby.
Additional parking off site
- Car Park: 5 Bulls Head Yard, Alcester, B49 5BX, 0.5 miles from the school.
- Car Park: Bleachfield St, Alcester, B49 5BW, 0.4 miles from the school.
Alcester Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Alcester Grammar School is an outstanding, happy community where pupils achieve highly and show pride in their learning.
Academic strength: The curriculum is broad and well planned, helping all pupils, including those with SEND, to gain deep knowledge and excel.
Teaching and curriculum: Skilled teachers inspire curiosity and check understanding carefully, ensuring pupils make excellent progress.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is exemplary, and pupils are respectful and inclusive. They enjoy diverse clubs, trips and enrichment opportunities.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is strong and supportive, staff feel valued, and safeguarding is thorough and effective throughout the school.
Alcester Grammar School Exam Format
Entry to Year 7 at Alcester Grammar School is based on performance in the Warwickshire 11 Plus test, administered by GL Assessment and used by all grammar schools in the county.
The Alcester Grammar School Entry Exam: Overview
Each paper lasts around 60 minutes, and pupils record their answers on separate multiple-choice sheets. All results are age-standardised to ensure fairness. Test weightings are 50% for English and Verbal Reasoning, 25% for Non-Verbal Reasoning, and 25% for Mathematics.
Paper One:
The first paper focuses on English comprehension, verbal reasoning, and elements of mathematics. It tests skills such as reading accuracy, vocabulary, logic, and problem-solving under timed conditions.
Paper Two:
The second paper covers non-verbal and spatial reasoning, along with further maths and verbal reasoning sections. This paper assesses pattern recognition, spatial awareness, and logical thinking.
GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
There is no set pass mark; offers are made according to ranked standardised scores and the school’s admissions and catchment criteria.
Catchment Area
The catchment area for Alcester Grammar School is defined as a 16.885 mile radius around the school. Applicants who live within the catchment area will have greater priority than those living outside of the catchment area.
Additional Eligibility
When there are more qualified pupils than available places, priority is given as follows:
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Looked-after and previously looked-after children.
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Pupils eligible for Pupil Premium who live within the priority area.
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Other pupils living in the priority area, ranked by score.
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Pupils living outside the priority area, ranked by score.
The priority area is defined by a 16.885-mile radius from the Fountain in Rother Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, extending to the county boundary south of Long Compton. Children living within this area who achieve a competitive score are given preference.
Click here to view the full Alcester Grammar School admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Alcester Grammar School
Preparation for the 11 Plus exam should focus on accuracy, speed and confidence across four subject areas. Here are some effective strategies:
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 Alcester 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.
Alcester Grammar School’s Key Dates and Application Information
These are the dates to do with 11 Plus admission to Alcester Grammar School. Pre-booking is required for the open morning.
Registration Opens
Registration Closes
Entrance Test Dates
Results Released
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day
Alcester Grammar School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Alcester 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 Alcester Grammar School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyEntrance Test Entry Form
All applicants must register their child for the Warwickshire 11 Plus exam through the Warwickshire County Council website. Registration opens on 6th May 2025 and closes on 27th June 2025.
Visit Council WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with Alcester 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.
Alcester Grammar School FAQs
You must register your child for the Warwickshire 11 Plus test and include Alcester Grammar School as a preference on your local authority’s Common Application Form before the deadline.
The exam consists of two multiple-choice papers lasting about 60 minutes each, covering English, Verbal Reasoning, Maths, and Non-Verbal/Spatial Reasoning. Scores are age-standardised and ranked for selection.
Entry is very competitive, with many more applicants than available places. Pupils usually need a strong standardised score within the top range to gain a place, especially if living outside the priority area.
Yes. The priority area covers a 16.885-mile radius from the Fountain in Rother Street, Stratford-upon-Avon. Children living within this area who achieve competitive scores are prioritised for places.