Ashlawn School 11 Plus Guide

At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Mixed Boys and Girls
Places per year: 31
Competition: Medium
Ofsted Rating: Good
Ashlawn School
Ashlawn School is a large co-educational secondary school and sixth form in Rugby, Warwickshire, offering both selective and non-selective places. Entry to the selective grammar stream is based on performance in the 11 Plus exam, while the remainder of the school operates as a comprehensive academy.
This combined structure allows pupils to experience a grammar-style education within an inclusive and supportive environment. Ashlawn has a strong academic reputation, particularly within its selective stream, with many students achieving excellent exam results and progressing to leading universities.
The school provides a broad and balanced curriculum, supported by modern facilities, dedicated pastoral care, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities, including music, sport, and leadership programmes that help students develop confidence and independence.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Ashlawn School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Ashlawn School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Ashlawn 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 Ashlawn School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Ashlawn School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Ashlawn School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Ashlawn School’s Key Information
The key information, such as student intake and contact information, for Ashlawn School below is regularly updated.
School Address
Full Address:
Ashlawn School, Ashlawn Road, HillmortonRugby
CV22 5ET
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is parking within the school along with on-street parking nearby.
Additional parking off site
- Car Park: 11 High St, Ashlawn Rd, Rugby, CV22 5QQ, 0.5 miles from the school.
- Car Park: Deerings Rd, Featherbed Ln, Hillmorton, Rugby, CV21 4LB, 0.4 miles from the school.
Ashlawn School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Ashlawn School has improved greatly, providing a good quality education in a respectful and ambitious environment.
Academic strength: The curriculum is broad and well structured, helping most pupils achieve strong results across both school streams.
Teaching and curriculum: Teaching is engaging and effective, though quality varies slightly between subjects.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is calm and respectful, with sixth formers supporting younger pupils and promoting school values.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is strong, staff feel supported, and safeguarding is effective across the school.
Ashlawn School Exam Format
Ashlawn offers two selective routes: the Grammar Stream and Modern Language Aptitude places. Both have limited spaces and require separate application processes.
The Ashlawn School Entry Exam: Overview
Ashlawn offers two selective routes: the Grammar Stream and Modern Language Aptitude places. Both have limited spaces and require separate application processes. Ashlawn School uses the Warwickshire 11 Plus test, the same exam used by other grammar schools in the region. Entry to the selective grammar stream is based on performance in this shared assessment.
Paper 1
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 2
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Modern Language Aptitude Places
Ashlawn also offers up to 25 language aptitude places. These are awarded based on a school-set test that measures natural ability for learning modern languages. No previous language experience is required, and offers are made in rank order to pupils who meet the aptitude standard.
Pass Mark
There are 31 places that will be awarded based on academia. These places will be awarded to applicants who achieve the qualifying score. The qualifying score is not known. There is also a minimum academic standard score that is not known.
Catchment Area
Up to 31 grammar places are available each year for pupils who meet the qualifying standard in the Warwickshire 11 Plus. Of these, 15 places are allocated to pupils living in the Eastern Area of Warwickshire, prioritising looked-after children, Pupil Premium pupils meeting the Automatic Qualifying Score (AQS), and other local applicants who meet the AQS. The remaining 16 places are reserved for pupils living within a 10.004-mile radius of the Rugby Water Tower, following the same priority order. If fewer than 31 pupils qualify, remaining places are reallocated to the non-selective stream.
Additional Eligibility
The selective stream at Ashlawn offers around 15 places each year. These are awarded based on performance in the 11 Plus test, but oversubscription rules apply when more candidates qualify than there are places available.
Priority is usually given to:
-
Looked-after and previously looked-after children
-
Children in receipt of Pupil Premium within the priority area
-
Children living within the defined priority area
-
Children outside the area, ranked by score
The majority of students who are admitted to the selective stream live within Warwickshire, but out-of-area applications are considered.
Click here to view Ashlawn School admissions policy.Â
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Ashlawn School
Begin preparation in Year 4 or the start of Year 5. This allows time to strengthen key skills gradually, without stress.
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 Ashlawn 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.
Ashlawn School’s Key Dates and Application Information
Here are the key dates regarding the entry exam.
Registration Opens
Registration Closes
Test Invitation Letters Sent
Entrance Test Dates
Results Released
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day
Ashlawn School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Ashlawn 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 Ashlawn 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 test through the Warwickshire County Council website. Registration for 2026 entry opens on Wednesday 7th May 2025 and closes at 4pm on Monday 30th June 2025.
Visit Council WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with Ashlawn 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.
Ashlawn School FAQs
You must register your child for the Warwickshire 11 Plus test and list Ashlawn School on your local authority’s Common Application Form before the deadline.
The exam, set by GL Assessment, includes two multiple-choice papers lasting about 60 minutes each. They test English, Verbal Reasoning, Maths, and Non-Verbal/Spatial Reasoning, with scores age-standardised for fairness.
Entry to the grammar stream is competitive, with only 31 selective places each year. Pupils must achieve a strong standardised score in the Warwickshire 11 Plus to qualify for consideration.
Yes. Grammar places are divided between pupils living in the Eastern Area of Warwickshire and those within a 10-mile radius of the Rugby Water Tower, following priority rules for local applicants.