Lawrence Sheriff School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 150
Competition: Medium
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Lawrence Sheriff School
Lawrence Sheriff School is a selective boys’ grammar school in Rugby, Warwickshire, known for its academic excellence and inclusive community. As an academy rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2022, it provides a supportive yet ambitious learning environment that inspires pupils to achieve their full potential.
The school delivers a broad and challenging curriculum designed to stretch students intellectually while fostering curiosity and confidence. Alongside academic study, pupils are encouraged to explore their interests through a diverse range of extracurricular clubs and enrichment opportunities.
Lawrence Sheriff boasts impressive facilities, including sports pitches, a dedicated table tennis centre, and specialist spaces for clubs such as robotics, Eco Committee, MedSci, and music ensembles. Its ethos focuses on perseverance and growth, promoting the belief that real fulfilment comes from meeting and overcoming challenges.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Lawrence Sheriff School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Lawrence Sheriff School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Lawrence Sheriff 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 Lawrence Sheriff School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Lawrence Sheriff School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Lawrence Sheriff School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Lawrence Sheriff School’s Key Information
Key information such as Lawrence Sheriff School’s address and contact details can be found below.
School Address
Full Address:
Lawrence Sheriff School, Clifton RoadRugby
Warwickshire
CV21 3AG
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is very limited parking within the school, there is some on-street parking nearby, however it is also limited.
Additional parking off site
- Car Park: 24 Gas St, Rugby, CV21 2TX, 0.2 miles from the school.
- Car Park: 16 Gas St, Rugby, CV21 2TX, 0.2 miles from the school.
Lawrence Sheriff School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Lawrence Sheriff School is an outstanding school where pupils flourish, developing into confident, reflective and highly motivated learners.
Academic strength: The curriculum is broad, ambitious and exceptionally well planned, helping pupils gain deep knowledge and achieve excellent results across all subjects.
Teaching and curriculum: Teaching is skilful and challenging, with teachers using assessment effectively to support progress for all pupils, including those with SEND.
Behaviour and culture: Behaviour is exemplary, and pupils show respect, curiosity and a passion for learning. Enrichment clubs and activities further nurture personal growth and teamwork.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leadership is inspiring and committed to academic and personal excellence. Safeguarding is rigorous, proactive and central to the school’s caring ethos.
Lawrence Sheriff School Exam Format
Entry to Year 7 at Lawrence Sheriff 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 Lawrence Sheriff 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
Lawrence Sheriff School uses both an Automatic Qualifying Score (AQS) and a Minimum Academic Score (MAS) to determine entry. The AQS is the main benchmark applicants must meet to be considered for a place and is typically required for admission. The MAS is only applied if spaces remain after all pupils meeting the AQS have been offered places. For reference, in 2021 the Automatic Qualifying Score was 210, and the Minimum Academic Score was 205.
Catchment Area
The school’s priority area is defined as a circle with a radius of 10.004 miles, centred on the Rugby Water Tower. Preference is given to pupils living within this area who achieve a competitive score in the 11 Plus. The Eastern Area of Warwickshire includes surrounding local parishes, as detailed in the school’s Admissions Policy.
Additional Eligibility
If more pupils qualify than there are places available, Lawrence Sheriff School applies the following oversubscription criteria:
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Looked-after or previously looked-after children
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Pupils eligible for Pupil Premium living in the priority area
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Up to five places for pupils eligible for the Service Premium who live in the Eastern Area of Warwickshire or within the Priority Circle
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Children of staff who achieve the Automatic Qualifying Score (AQS) or above, where the staff member has worked at the school for two or more years
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Children living in the Eastern Area of Warwickshire
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Children living within the Priority Circle
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Click here to view the full Lawrence Sheriff School admissions policy.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Lawrence Sheriff School
To prepare well for the 11 Plus exam, your child should build accuracy, speed and confidence across all four subject areas. Here are some useful 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 Lawrence Sheriff 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.
Lawrence Sheriff School’s Key Dates and Application Information
Here are the dates related to the entry exam.
Registration Opens
Registration Closes
Entrance Test Dates
Results Released
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day
Lawrence Sheriff School Application Process
To apply for a Year 7 place at Lawrence Sheriff 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 Lawrence Sheriff School Admissions Policy PDF to ensure you and your child understand the process and eligibility criteria.
View Admissions PolicyEntrance Test Entry Form
Parents must register their child for the Warwickshire 11 Plus exam through the Warwickshire County Council website. Registration opens on 7 May 2025 and closes on 30 June 2025. After registration, a letter with full details about the exam will be sent out in August 2025.
Visit Council WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with Lawrence Sheriff 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.
Lawrence Sheriff School FAQs
You must register your child for the Warwickshire 11 Plus test and list Lawrence Sheriff School as a preference on your local authority’s Common Application Form before the deadline.
Lawrence Sheriff School uses the entry exam provided by Warwickshire County Council. The exam is 3 hours long, made up of 2 papers, with questions on English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Entry is very competitive, with applicants required to meet the Automatic Qualifying Score (AQS) to be considered. In 2021, the AQS was 210, and the Minimum Academic Score was 205.
Yes. The priority area is a 10.004-mile radius around Rugby Water Tower, along with the Eastern Area of Warwickshire. Preference is given to boys living within these areas who achieve a qualifying score.