Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School 11+
Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School.
How to get into Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School is a selective secondary school in Lancashire. To get into Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School with all the important information you need to know.
Admission Requirements
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School admits up to 180 students each year [1]. Children born between 1st September 2014 and 31st August 2015 are eligible to take the entrance test in September 2025 for Year 7 entry in September 2026.
Entry to the school is by selection at the entrance examination [1]. The school is designated primarily for children attending primary schools in Bacup, Rawtenstall and surrounding areas [1].
The entire intake is selected on the basis of high academic ability [1]. Children must pass the entrance examination to be considered for a place [1]. However, passing the examination is not a guarantee of a place due to oversubscription criteria [1].
- Age requirement: Children born between 1st September 2014 and 31st August 2015
- Annual intake: Up to 180 places available
- Entrance test required: All applicants must pass the school's examination
- Priority areas: Preference given to pupils from Rossendale area primary schools
- Selection basis: High academic ability demonstrated through examination performance
Application Process
Parents who wish their child to take the entrance examination must register in advance [1]. Applications for entrance exam registration close at 12:00 noon on 19th September 2025, which is the final date to register [1].
Families must complete two separate application processes. First, they need to register directly with the school for the entrance examination. Second, they must name the school on their local authority's Common Application Form.
Families need to complete the Common Application Form and submit it to the local authority, as well as complete the registration form on the school's website. The Common Application Form deadline is typically 31st October 2025.
- School registration deadline:12:00 noon on 19th September 2025
- Common Application Form deadline:31st October 2025
- Complete both the school registration form and local authority application
- Registration opens approximately in June 2025
- Contact the school at admissions@brgs.staracademies.org for specific application queries
- For special access arrangements, register preferably before June 2025
- Access arrangement applications cannot be accepted after 12:00 noon on 19th September 2025 [1]
Examination Details
The entrance examination for Year 7 admission in September 2026 will take place on Saturday 27th September 2025 [1]. The examination consists of three papers: verbal reasoning, maths and English [1].
The entrance examination is provided by GL Assessment [1]. The exam is completed over three multiple choice papers: a 45-minute English paper, a 50-minute Mathematics paper, and a 50-minute Verbal Reasoning paper.
Children take the exam on Saturday 27th September and receive results in mid-October. Results are made available in October and allocations take place in the following March.
- Exam date:Saturday 27th September 2025
- Format: Three multiple-choice papers
- English paper:45 minutes
- Mathematics paper:50 minutes
- Verbal Reasoning paper:50 minutes
- Results: Available in October 2025
- School allocations: Confirmed in March 2026
Preparation Guidance
Familiarisation materials are available to download free of charge from the GL Assessment website [1]. Families should begin preparation well in advance of the examination date.
The school uses GL Assessment papers, which means children need specific practice with this examination format. BRGS produces their own application guide, known as The Blue Book, which can be downloaded from the school website.
A structured preparation approach should begin at least 12-18 months before the examination. Families should focus on building strong foundations in English and Mathematics while developing verbal reasoning skills. Regular practice with multiple-choice question formats is essential.
- Download free GL Assessment familiarisation materials
- Access The Blue Book application guide from the school website
- For comprehensive preparation resources, see practice 11 plus papers
- For additional support, consider 11 plus tutoring
- Begin preparation 12-18 months before the exam
- Focus on verbal reasoning, mathematics and English
- Practice multiple-choice question techniques
Oversubscription and Priority Areas
Although Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School doesn't have a formally defined catchment area, it prioritises pupils previously attending Rossendale primary schools. Pupils applying from Rossendale area primary schools are given preference.
In 2023, the school secured around 2 applications per place, with 328 applications received and 172 offers made. This demonstrates the highly competitive nature of admissions.
The school operates priority areas for admissions, with Area 1 and Area 2 primary schools receiving preference. Area 1 includes schools in the immediate Rossendale Valley, while Area 2 covers surrounding areas including Haslingden and Whitworth.
- Competition level: Approximately 2 applications per place
- Priority given to: Rossendale area primary school pupils
- Area 1 schools: Bacup, Rawtenstall, Waterfoot and immediate surrounding areas
- Area 2 schools: Haslingden, Whitworth, Helmshore and wider surrounding areas
- Other applicants: Ranked by examination performance only
- Full details available in the school's admissions policy
Practical Advice for Families
Families should visit the school during their open evening to understand the school environment and ask specific questions. Open evenings typically take place in September, running from 6:30pm to 8:30pm with visitors able to drop in at any time [1].
On examination day, children should arrive well-rested and prepared. Ensure they are familiar with multiple-choice answer sheet techniques and have practiced under timed conditions. Bring required identification and any access arrangement documentation.
Consider backup school options within Lancashire and neighbouring areas. There are four grammar schools in Lancashire, providing alternative options for families. Research local comprehensive schools that might suit the child's needs if grammar school entry is unsuccessful.
- Attend the school's open evening in September
- Practice multiple-choice answer techniques before exam day
- Ensure child is well-rested before the examination
- Research other Lancashire grammar schools as alternatives
- Consider local comprehensive schools as backup options
- Prepare required identification documents for exam day
- For specific guidance, contact the school information section
Appeals Process
3rd March 2025 is the date that secondary schools are confirmed [1]. Some parents may wish to appeal the decision, which can be a difficult time in making the decision to appeal and knowing what to do [1].
Information is available on the Lancashire County Council website at School Appeals [1]. Lancashire County Council administers the appeals process on behalf of the school [1].
The school provides appeals guidance documentation to support families through this process. Families should carefully consider whether they have genuine grounds for appeal before proceeding.
- School confirmation date:3rd March 2026
- Appeals administered by: Lancashire County Council
- Download appeals guidance document from school website
- Review Lancashire County Council appeals information
- Consider grounds for appeal carefully before proceeding
- Seek advice from school admissions team if needed
- Contact details available in school information section
Lancashire 11+ Information
In order to get into Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, children need to pass the Lancashire 11+. This 11+ test is written by GL Assessment for use by the school's admissions process.
Lancashire 11+ Subjects & Structure
The Lancashire 11+ requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:
- English
- Maths
- Verbal Reasoning
The entrance examination for Bacup & Rawtenstall Grammar School, known as the 11 plus exam, is a multiple-choice test that assesses prospective students' abilities in three key areas: English, Maths, and Verbal Reasoning. This exam is consistent with the format used by other grammar schools in the Lancashire region.
GL Assessment, a well-known educational assessment provider, supplies the three test papers that make up the Lancashire 11 plus exam. Students are given separate answer sheets on which they indicate their responses to the multiple-choice questions. These answer sheets are then electronically marked to ensure accuracy and efficiency in the grading process.
By evaluating students' skills in English, Maths, and Verbal Reasoning, the 11 plus exam aims to identify those who demonstrate the necessary academic potential to thrive in the challenging educational environment provided by Bacup & Rawtenstall Grammar School.
Other Schools using Lancashire 11+
As well as Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, several other schools also use Lancashire 11+. These are:
Lancashire 11+ Marking Process
The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School is that only children with particularly high marks are admitted. Hence why it is important that children perform well in their 11+ papers.
Different schools (and different 11+ tests) have different marking processes. Some tests are marked in person, some remotely, while others utilise computer-based optical recognition technologies for quickly marking multiple-choice answer sheets.
Many 11+ tests are age-standardised to ensure younger children are not disadvantaged (i.e. their marks may be moderated depending on the month in which they were born). While creative writing papers can be used as tie-breakers, multiple-choice tests in Maths, Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning normally make up the bulk of a child's marks. The specific details and weightings can vary from year to year.
It's worth remembering that once children's 11+ tests are being marked, the admissions process is completely outside of the parents' control. Hence, parents should not worry themselves about whether their child has got a place!
Lancashire 11+ Pass Mark
The pass mark for the Lancashire 11+ changes every year and isn't generally made public knowledge. This is due to the academic strength of the children taking the test varying and how challenging the test ends up being (as well as plenty of other smaller variables).
Hence, as a vague rule-of-thumb, it's recommended that children aim for roughly 75-80% in their practice tests. Whilst this won't guarantee them a place at Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.
Key Dates for the Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School 11+ Entrance Tests
Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School) as well as other relevant dates.
| Date | Event | Calendar Link |
|---|---|---|
| 13/09/2025 | Registration Closes For The Entrance Exam At Midday | Add Dates to Calendar |
| 27/09/2025 | Bacup & Rawtenstall Grammar School Entrance Exam | |
| Late October | National Deadline To Apply For Secondary School Places | |
| 02/03/2026 | National Offers Day |
Although the utmost care has been taken to gather these dates, parents should treat them as a guide and check with Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School as they may well change.
11+ Tutor for Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School
As the Lancashire 11+ entrance process is particularly gruelling, we would highly recommend using an 11+ private tutor.
Why use a private 11+ tutor?
Personal tutors have the experience and expertise to help children pass their 11+ exams. They know the requirements of the GL Assessment 11+ tests inside-out and can provide tailored support to give children the best possible chance of success. It's also important to bear in mind that plenty of other children will be using private tutors too.
11+ tutors don't need to be face-to-face, plenty of children use online 11+ tutors.
11+ tutors can also provide regular progress reports and feedback, helping parents to monitor their child's progress and make any necessary adjustments to their preparation.
Most importantly, using an 11+ tutor helps ensure that the preparation work gets done!
Private 11+ Tutors for the Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School 11+ Tests
We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School 11+ entrance tests. Please click here to be put in touch with a range of excellent 11+ private tutors from our friends at exams.courses.
11+ Past Papers for Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School
Unfortunately, Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School has not made any of their 11+ past papers publicly available. However, you can use However, you can use 11+ practice papers from other exam boards (such as GL Assessment, CEM and CSSE) to help your child prepare.
11+ Practice Papers for Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School
Here are some superb free 11+ practice papers that children can download and use to help prepare for the Lancashire 11+ Ensure you double-check with Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School which subjects and topics your child's 11+ tests are in to ensure you prepare for the right tests.
This is just a sample of our extensive collection of 11+ practice papers. Please click here to see the full collection.
11+ Practice Papers for Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School by Bond
These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by Bond and cover and cover all the main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. As such they are very helpful for children hoping to pass the Lancashire 11+ to get into Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning | ||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | ||
| GL Assessment | Mixed |
11+ Practice Papers for Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School by GL Assessment
These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by GL Assessment themselves. As with the Bond papers, they cover all the main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. They remain useful and we encourage parents to download and use them with their children to help them get into Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School.
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | |||
| GL Assessment | Maths | |||
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Mixed |
11+ Practice Papers for Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School by Exam Ninja
These Free 11+ Practice Tests by Exam Ninja are extremely useful. They are straight-forward 10-question tests in Maths and English, following the same GL Assessment style (and multiple-choice format) as the Lancashire 11+.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | English |
11+ Practice Papers for Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School by Owl Tutors
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by Owl Tutors. These too are written in a GL Assessment style and make useful practice for children hoping to get into Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | ||
| GL Assessment | Writing | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School by CGP
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. As with the Bond, GL Assessment and Exam Ninja papers, they're written for the GL Assessment style, in multiple-choice format and are helpful for children hoping to pass their 11+ tests and get into Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School.
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Maths | |||
| GL Assessment | English | |||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
These Free CEM 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. If Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School ever used them then they don't anymore as grammar schools no longer use CEM for any of their 11+ entrance tests. However, as a general practice tool these 11+ tests remain useful.
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEM | Maths | |||
| CEM | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| CEM | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School by 11+ For You
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "11+ For You".
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School by Examberry
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "Examberry".
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School by Independent Junction
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by Independent Junction.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School by IPS
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by IPS (Internet Primary School Ltd).
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Maths |
11+ Practice Papers for Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School by Schofield & Sims
These 11+ practice papers were published by Schofield & Sims, a large UK educational publisher.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths |
School Information
Below you will find further information about Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School together with their admissions contact details.
| Address | Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, Glen Road, Rossendale, BB4 7BJ |
|---|---|
| School Website | https://www.brgs.org.uk/ |
| Telephone | 01706234500 |
| Email Address | admissions@brgs.staracademies.org |
| Gender | Mixed (both girls and boys) |
| Total Year 7 Places | 180 |
| Total Pupils (Girls/Boys) | 0 (0 Girls / 0 Boys) |
| Mr James Johnstone |
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School is a mixed (i.e. both girls and boys) school. It is also an academy, meaning the school is run independently by a trust or sponsor and is directly funded by the central government (not the local authority).
In total 0 pupils attend Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School and it's led by the , Mr James Johnstone.
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School Location
Below you will find a map showing the school's location:
Ofsted Information
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 14/06/2022 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 22/09/2022, declaring that the school was ''. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.
Last Ofsted Report Data
| Date Inspected | Inspection Duration (Days) | Reporting Date | Rating | Full Report | 14/06/2022 | 1 | 22/09/2022 | Full Report |
|---|
FAQ
Is Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School hard to get into?
Yes, Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School is hard to get into! Children need to pass their challenging 11+ entrance test (with a high pass mark) and there's tough competition with many other children trying to get a place for Year 7.
Is Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School a private school?
No, Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.
Is Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School free?
Yes, Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School won't cost you any money.
How do I get my child into Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School?
You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School for how up to date information on how to apply (it may be automatic or it may require some forms to be filled in). More information on their 11+ entrance test can be found here.
