Haberdashers' Adams 11+

Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for Haberdashers' Adams.

How to get into Haberdashers' Adams

Haberdashers' Adams is a selective secondary school in Shropshire. To get into Haberdashers' Adams children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into Haberdashers' Adams with all the important information you need to know.

About Haberdashers' Adams

Haberdashers' Adams is a selective state grammar school located in Newport, Shropshire [1]. The school offers day places for boys and girls aged 11-18 and state boarding for boys aged 11-18 [1]. The school became fully co-educational starting from September 2024.

The school admits 135 day pupils and up to 15 boarders into Year 7 [1] each year. Haberdashers' Adams is part of the Consortium of Grammar Schools in Shropshire, Walsall and Wolverhampton, meaning children only have to take one test to apply to any of these schools.

Admission Requirements

Children born between 1st September 2014 and 31st August 2015 will take the entrance test in 2025 for Year 7 entry in September 2026. Haberdashers' Adams does not have a traditional catchment area, instead prioritising children who attend one of the 35 primary schools listed in their admissions policy, including all primary schools in the immediate Newport (TF10) area and others across the borough of Telford & Wrekin.

All images © Haberdashers' Adams.
All images © Haberdashers' Adams.

Admission to the school is conditional upon achieving the required academic standard in the school's entrance test and on the availability of places, including those children with an Education, Health and Care plan who reach the required academic standard [1]. Only holders of UK or EU passports or those with right of abode in the UK are entitled to apply for a place at the school [1].

Application Process

The registration portal for the West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test opens Tuesday 6th May 2025 and closes on Friday 27th June. Entrance Test Registration is open from 9am on 6th May to 4pm on 27th June 2025, with a deadline of 13th June for SEN candidates [1].

The registration form to sit the entrance test on its own will not be regarded as a valid application - parents must also complete and return an application form to their local authority [1]. Families must name the school as one of their preferred schools on the secondary school common application form, which will be available on their home council website from early September and must be submitted by 31st October 2025.

All images © Haberdashers' Adams.
All images © Haberdashers' Adams.
  • Enter home postcode and child's sex on the West Midlands Grammar Schools portal to register for the entrance test
  • Families wishing to apply for a boarding place should indicate their boarding preference on the Entrance Test Registration Portal [1]
  • After registration, children will be invited to take the 11+ exam at one of the participating schools and allocated a test venue and slot for Monday 15th September
  • For specific contact information, families should visit the school information section

The West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ Examination

The Entrance Test will be on Monday 15th September 2025 [1]. Haberdashers' Adams uses the West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test. The exam consists of two papers provided by GL Assessment, with each test lasting around one hour.

All questions in the West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test are multiple-choice. The two papers are divided into smaller, individually-timed sections which assess English comprehension. The weightings for the test results are 50% for English/verbal reasoning, 25% for non-verbal reasoning and 25% for mathematics.

  • The English Comprehension paper examines comprehension skills, including inference, with no writing component
  • The Verbal Reasoning section assesses logical thinking, use of English language and vocabulary
  • The Mathematics paper measures problem-solving abilities and arithmetic skills, including questions on number, measurement, geometry, algebra and statistics
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning sections are also assessed, with each test paper approximately 50 minutes in length

Results and Qualifying Scores

Families will receive their child's results in mid-October. Test results use age-weighted standardisation with a median score of 200. For 2024 entry, the qualifying score for Year 7 was set at 205, with the entry requirement for Pupil Premium candidates only set at 195 [1].

All images © Haberdashers' Adams.
All images © Haberdashers' Adams.

Haberdashers' Adams sets a qualifying score which isn't always decided until after the entrance test takes place. Passing the 11+ doesn't guarantee allocation of a place at the preferred school, as many grammar schools are often oversubscribed with qualified children, and schools work through admissions criteria to prioritise children for places.

Oversubscription Criteria

If the number of children who have achieved the qualifying score exceeds the number of places available, Haberdashers' Adams applies oversubscription criteria, with places allocated to children attending 35 primary schools across the borough of Telford & Wrekin, including all primary schools in the immediate Newport (TF10) area, followed by all other children in order of their entrance test scores.

  • Looked after children and those previously looked after who achieve the qualifying score
  • Children eligible for Pupil Premium who achieve a score not 5% below the general qualifying score
  • Other children based on test scores if oversubscribed
  • If a tie break is needed, the child living closest to the school is prioritised

Preparation Guidance

Pupils who are able to score 80%+ consistently in practice tests should be on track to pass the 11+ test. The entrance procedure begins with Open Week attendance when prospective pupils are in Year 5, followed by registration for the Entrance Test via online portal in May-June [1].

Open Week takes place every January [1], with Open Week for prospective pupils in Year 5 having taken place from 20-24th January 2025 [1]. Families can access preparation resources through practice 11+ papers and professional support through 11+ tutoring services.

  • Children currently in years 3-6 who have been eligible for income-based free school meals at any point in the last six years can register for special support, with their primary school required to provide proof of eligibility for pupil premium [1]
  • Families should not worry if children are not scoring well in practice papers initially, as targeted practice and focus can lead to significant improvements in a short amount of time
  • If families missed Open Week, the school's Virtual Tour provides more information about the school [1]

Boarding Information

As a state boarding school, Haberdashers' Adams offers high-quality boarding education at a fraction of the cost of the independent sector, with boarding at Adams on average a third of the cost of independent schools because the education is free [1].

For 2025-26, full boarding fees are £5,094 per term (£15,282 per year) for Years 7-11 and £5,584 per term (£16,752 per year) for Sixth Form [1]. The fees include full board with the option to go home at weekends, three main meals a day plus refreshments and supper, laundry, supervised prep and a variety of extracurricular and social activities [1].

  • Junior boarders (Years 7-10) live at Longford Hall, a Georgian mansion set in 100 acres of grounds a mile from the school
  • Senior boarders (Years 11-13) live at Beaumaris Hall, metres from the main school site, with bright modern facilities and en-suite rooms
  • State boarding fees are on average less than a third of those payable at independent schools and are exempt from VAT [1]
  • All pupils, including boarders, must hold a UK passport or have leave to remain in the UK to be eligible for admission, with all boarders from overseas requiring a guardian in the UK [1]

Key Dates for 2025 Entry

Important dates for families planning Year 7 entry in September 2026:

  • Tuesday 6th May 2025: Registration opens for the West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test
  • Friday 13th June 2025: Deadline for reasonable adjustments applications at 4:00 pm
  • Friday 27th June 2025: Registration closes for the entrance test
  • Monday 15th September 2025: West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test takes place [1]
  • Before 31st October 2025: Test results sent to families
  • Friday 31st October 2025: Deadline for submitting secondary school common application form
  • Friday 11th July 2025: Induction Day [1]

Practical Advice

Children will be allocated a session either in the morning or afternoon for the entrance test, with confirmation of the allocated slot received by early September. Candidates are given a short break between the papers and must write answers on separate answer sheets provided.

Families should wait for their child's test results before naming a grammar school as one of their six preferences on their online application, as submitting an application with a grammar school listed when the child is not successful in the selective test reduces the number of schools that could have been listed as preferences.

West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ Information

In order to get into Haberdashers' Adams, children need to pass the West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+. This 11+ test is written by GL Assessment for use by the school's admissions process.

West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ Subjects & Structure

The West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:

  • English comprehension
  • Maths
  • Verbal reasoning
  • Non-verbal reasoning

The West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test is the examination used by Haberdashers' Adams for admission into the school. This assessment comprises two papers, each lasting one hour. The papers are further split into separate sections, with each section having its own allocated time limit.

The entrance test evaluates candidates across four key areas: English comprehension, Maths, Verbal reasoning, and Non-verbal reasoning. All the questions in the exam are presented in a multiple-choice format, and students are provided with dedicated answer sheets to mark their responses. These answer sheets are then assessed electronically to determine the candidate's performance.

The West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test is designed to gauge a student's aptitude and potential across a range of essential skills. By testing English comprehension, mathematical ability, and reasoning capabilities, the exam aims to identify those students who are most suited to the academic rigors and educational environment provided by Haberdashers' Adams.

Other Schools using West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+

As well as Haberdashers' Adams, several other schools also use West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+. These are:

West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ Marking Process

The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Haberdashers' Adams 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.

Most 11+ tests are multiple-choice and marked electronically but still some remain that are marked by teachers or examiners.
Most 11+ tests are multiple-choice and marked electronically but still some remain that are marked by teachers or examiners.

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!

West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ Pass Mark

The pass mark for the West Midlands Grammar Schools 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).

Stop worrying! Once the 11+ marking has started the admissions process is out of your control.
Stop worrying! Once the 11+ marking has started the admissions process is out of your control.

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 Haberdashers' Adams, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Key Dates for the Haberdashers' Adams 11+ Entrance Tests

Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Haberdashers' Adams) as well as other relevant dates.

DateEventCalendar Link
06/05/2025Registration Opens For The West Midlands Grammar Schools' Entrance Test
13/06/2025Reasonable Adjustments Deadline
27/06/2025Test Registration Closes
15/09/2025West Midlands Grammar Schools’ Entrance Test
Mid OctoberParents Receive Test Results
Late OctoberSecondary School Applications Close At 5pm
02/03/2026Secondary School National Offers Day

Although the utmost care has been taken to gather these dates, parents should treat them as a guide and check with Haberdashers' Adams as they may well change.

11+ Tutor for Haberdashers' Adams

As the West Midlands Grammar Schools 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 help ensure preparation work gets done!
11+ tutors help ensure preparation work gets done!

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 Haberdashers' Adams 11+ Tests

We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Haberdashers' Adams 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 Haberdashers' Adams

Here are all available past 11+ papers for Haberdashers' Adams. Please note that this may include 11+ past papers, past familiarisation booklets, past practice materials published by third parties and past 11+ exam guides written by the school. These materials are provided 'as-is' and may no longer reflect the subjects, format, structure or exam board that Haberdashers' Adams currently uses.

The exam board (or test supplier) that Haberdashers' Adams chooses to use for their 11+ entrance tests can change and we encourage you to check directly with the school.

As well as these past 11+ papers, you may find our extensive collection of 11+ practice papers helpful for your child's preparation.

Exam BoardSubject11+ Past Paper
CEM*
Now use GL Assessment
Mixed

11+ Practice Papers for Haberdashers' Adams

Here are some superb free 11+ practice papers that children can download and use to help prepare for the West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ Ensure you double-check with Haberdashers' Adams 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 Haberdashers' Adams 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 West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ to get into Haberdashers' Adams.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMixed

11+ Practice Papers for Haberdashers' Adams 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 Haberdashers' Adams.

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMixed

11+ Practice Papers for Haberdashers' Adams 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 West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentEnglish

11+ Practice Papers for Haberdashers' Adams 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 Haberdashers' Adams.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentWriting
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Haberdashers' Adams 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 Haberdashers' Adams.

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning

These Free CEM 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. If Haberdashers' Adams 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 BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
CEMMaths
CEMVerbal Reasoning
CEMNon-Verbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Haberdashers' Adams by 11+ For You

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "11+ For You".

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Haberdashers' Adams by Independent Junction

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by Independent Junction.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for Haberdashers' Adams by IPS

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by IPS (Internet Primary School Ltd).

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths

11+ Practice Papers for Haberdashers' Adams by Schofield & Sims

These 11+ practice papers were published by Schofield & Sims, a large UK educational publisher.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths

School Information

Below you will find further information about Haberdashers' Adams together with their admissions contact details.

Haberdashers' Adams is a boys-only grammar school.
Haberdashers' Adams is a boys-only grammar school.
Address
Haberdashers' Adams,
High Street,
Newport,
Shropshire
TF10 7BD
School Website
Telephone01952953810
Email Addressreception@adamsgs.uk
GenderBoys only
Total Year 7 PlacesUnknown
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys)1055 (91 Girls / 964 Boys)
Headmaster Mr Gary Hickey

Haberdashers' Adams is a boys only 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).

Notably, Haberdashers' Adams is one of very few English grammar schools to also offer boarding facilities.

In total 1,055 pupils attend Haberdashers' Adams and it's led by the Headmaster, Mr Gary Hickey.

Haberdashers' Adams Location

Below you will find a map showing the school's location:

Ofsted Information

Haberdashers' Adams was last inspected by Ofsted on 10/05/2022 and the inspection lasted 0 days. Ofsted published their report on 27/06/2022, declaring that the school was 'Good'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Haberdashers' Adams obtained <strong>Good</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2022.
Haberdashers' Adams obtained Good in their last Ofsted inspection in 2022.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date InspectedInspection Duration (Days)Reporting DateRatingFull Report
10/05/2022027/06/2022GoodFull Report

Ofsted Report Summary

The inspection of Haberdashers' Adams on 10 May 2022 resulted in an overall outcome of Good. The school demonstrated a Good quality of education, Outstanding behaviour and attitudes, Good personal development, Good leadership and management, and Good sixth form provision.

The school's behaviour and attitudes were rated as Outstanding, indicating a highly positive learning environment and exceptional student conduct. All other areas, including quality of education, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth form provision, were rated as Good, showcasing the school's commitment to providing a well-rounded education for its students.

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at Haberdashers' Adams for the 2022-23 academic year.

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • English Language (121 pupils)
  • English Literature (121 pupils)
  • Mathematics (121 pupils)
  • Biology (115 pupils)
  • Chemistry (115 pupils)
  • Physics (115 pupils)
  • French (61 pupils)
  • History (58 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (53 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (52 pupils)
  • German (47 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (37 pupils)
  • Geography (36 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (28 pupils)
  • Design & Technology (27 pupils)
  • Music (26 pupils)
  • Drama & Theatre Studies (26 pupils)
  • Art & Design (14 pupils)
  • Chinese (9 pupils)
  • Science: Double Award (6 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Mathematics (137 pupils)
  • Mathematics (Further) (72 pupils)
  • Physics (69 pupils)
  • Chemistry (68 pupils)
  • Biology (67 pupils)
  • Economics (48 pupils)
  • Physical Education / Sports Studies (25 pupils)
  • Sociology (24 pupils)
  • History (23 pupils)
  • Classical Civilisation (23 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (20 pupils)
  • Psychology (20 pupils)
  • Computer Studies / Computing (18 pupils)
  • English Literature (16 pupils)
  • Geography (15 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (13 pupils)
  • Drama and Theatre Studies (11 pupils)
  • Art and Design (8 pupils)
  • Design and Technology (Product Design) (8 pupils)
  • Geology (8 pupils)
  • Music (8 pupils)
  • Government and Politics (7 pupils)
  • Accounting / Finance (1 pupils)

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Haberdashers' Adams per subject. Note that this may include children taking GCSEs early (e.g. taking a language GCSE in Year 10) or indeed a child in Year 12 retaking a GCSE.

GCSE Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
U123456789
Art & Design14---2232131
Biology115----2718253033
Business Studies:Single53---1248141113
Chemistry115----1616192944
Chinese9---------7
Computer Studies/Computing28-----26596
Design & Technology27----238545
English Language121---111528412411
English Literature121----6143331289
French612--2151021623
Geography36-----2310138
German47----7128785
History58---114824137
Mathematics121----1719313924
Music26---2546135
Physics115----1313263339
Religious Studies37-----179911
Drama & Theatre Studies26----241433-
Physical Education/Sports Studies52---2211171181
Science: Double Award6----------

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
UEDCBAA*
Art and Design8-11141-
Biology67-1817141412
Business Studies:Single20---31052
Chemistry68-6911121910
Computer Studies / Computing18--11754
Design and Technology (Product Design)8--13121
Economics48--61611141
English Literature16--15613
Geography15---564-
Geology8---31-4
Government and Politics7--21121
History23--55832
Mathematics137-141417253924
Mathematics (Further)72-26915308
Music8-11213-
Physics69-4813102311
Psychology20---31151
Religious Studies13--13531
Accounting / Finance1-------
Classical Civilisation23--5567-
Drama and Theatre Studies11----74-
Physical Education / Sports Studies25--6658-
Sociology24--1589-

FAQ

Is Haberdashers' Adams hard to get into?

Yes, Haberdashers' Adams 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 Haberdashers' Adams a private school?

No, Haberdashers' Adams is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.

Is Haberdashers' Adams free?

Yes, Haberdashers' Adams is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to Haberdashers' Adams won't cost you any money.

How do I get my child into Haberdashers' Adams?

You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Haberdashers' Adams 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.

Is Haberdashers' Adams a boys-only school?

Yes, Haberdashers' Adams is a boys-only school.

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