Heckmondwike Grammar School 11+

How to get into Heckmondwike Grammar School

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

Admission Requirements

Heckmondwike Grammar School is a state selective grammar school providing a free education appropriate to the needs of pupils in the top 25% of the ability range ^[1]. The school provides education for pupils in the top 25% of the ability range ^[1].

Children must pass the Heckmondwike Grammar School 11+ entrance examination to be eligible for entry. All pupils seeking entry into Year 7 must sit the school's entrance examination. The exam usually takes place early in September of the school year prior to entry ^[1].

Heckmondwike Grammar School has 180 available places in Year 7. The normal ages of entrance are eleven and sixteen (for the sixth form) ^[1].

• Children must be eligible for Year 7 entry in the relevant September
• Must take the FSCE entrance examination administered by the school
• No specific catchment area requirement, though priority given to local residents
• Applications managed through local authority system

Application Process

Families must complete a two-stage application process. Registration is required for the entrance test, online or via school. Register for the entrance exam before 12 noon on Monday 23 June 2025 (see key dates) ^[1].

If parents wish for their child to attend Heckmondwike Grammar School, they are strongly advised to make the school their first preference on the LA common application form ^[1]. The common application form must be submitted by 31st October 2025 (see key dates).

• Step 1: Register for entrance exam through school website by June deadline
• Step 2: Submit Common Application Form (CAF) through local authority by 31st October
• Complete both registrations while child is in Year 5
• Attend Open Evenings to learn about the school
• Contact the school information section for assistance with applications
• Children of parents who miss the registration deadline will be considered as late applicants
• Special arrangements may be given by Heckmondwike Grammar School during the examination for children with additional needs ^[1]

Entrance Examination Details

The school has adopted the Future Stories Community Enterprise Ltd (FSCE) Entrance Exam as the Year 7 Entrance Exam. The FSCE Entrance Exam is a modern and inclusive entrance exam developed and reviewed in collaboration with experienced educators ^[1].

The entrance exam will take place on Monday 15th September 2025 (see key dates). Results should be received by 16th October, and the outcome is communicated to parents in mid-October, prior to the deadline for submission of the common application form ^[1].

• The exam consists of both multiple-choice and written response questions ^[1]
• Tests English comprehension, mathematical aptitude, and includes a creative writing component
• The exam focuses solely on areas of the KS2 National Curriculum taught up to the end of Year 5 ^[1]
• All papers with the exception of Creative Writing are marked by computer and age-standardised ^[1]
• A child may only take the exam once ^[1]
• All written elements will be tested on one day in September and will take place at Heckmondwike Grammar School ^[1]

Oversubscription Criteria

Every year, more children who have met the required standard apply for Heckmondwike Grammar School than there are places available. When this happens, the school uses oversubscription criteria to prioritise places.

Priority is given in the following order:

• Children who have met the required standard and who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) which names the school are given places
• Children of selective ability who are in, or have previously been in public care
• Children of selective ability who are eligible for Pupil Premium
• Children living within the school's catchment area
• Children who have siblings at Heckmondwike Grammar School, and who will still be on the school roll at the time of entry
• Children of parents employed by Heckmondwike Grammar School for at least two years
• Children who have achieved a grade 2 or above in music
• If there are any places remaining, these are offered to children based on their overall score in the entrance exam

Catchment Area Information

Heckmondwike Grammar School does have a catchment area. This area mainly covers Heckmondwike and Liversedge, but stretches out to include Roberttown in the east. A catchment area map is available on the school website ^[1].

While children who live in the catchment area are prioritised for places at Heckmondwike Grammar School, over 90% of children in Year 7 live beyond the catchment area. Many coach companies now operate services to the school from the surrounding area.

Preparation Guidance

The school looks to select children who are working in the top 25% ability range. This means that the required standard is based on the general performance of the year group. There is no formal 11+ pass mark, as the scores are age-standardised to ensure fairness. Pupils who are able to score 80%+ consistently in practice tests should be on track to pass the test.

Families should begin preparation during Year 5 using a little and often approach. Further information can be found in the Familiarisation Guide on the Heckmondwike Grammar School website which includes sample exam questions ^[1].

• Focus on KS2 National Curriculum content up to end of Year 5
• Practice with multiple-choice and written response question formats
• Use 11+ practice papers for familiarisation
• Consider specialist tutoring for targeted preparation
• Attend school Open Evenings to understand expectations
• Download the Familiarisation Guide from the school website
• Practice creative writing skills alongside academic subjects

Practical Advice

If a child is unwell on exam day, families should inform the Admissions Officer immediately and obtain a medical note from their GP ^[1]. If appropriate, it may be possible for the child to sit the examination on an alternative date ^[1].

Families should prepare backup school options as passing the 11 plus doesn't guarantee that a child will be allocated a place at their preferred school. Consider other West Yorkshire grammar schools and comprehensive schools in the local authority area.

Heckmondwike Grammar School 11+ Information

In order to get into Heckmondwike Grammar School, children need to pass the Heckmondwike Grammar School 11+. This 11+ test is written internally for exclusive use by the school (rather than by an external company like GL Assessment, CSSE or CEM).

Heckmondwike Grammar School 11+ Subjects & Structure

The Heckmondwike Grammar School 11+ requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:

• English comprehension
• Maths
• Creative writing

Heckmondwike Grammar School has announced a change to their entrance examination process. The school has partnered with a new exam provider, Future Stories Community Enterprise (FSCE), to assess prospective students' abilities across three core subjects.

The updated 11+ exam will evaluate candidates' skills in English comprehension, testing their understanding and interpretation of written passages. Additionally, students will be assessed on their mathematical aptitude, covering a range of age-appropriate topics. Lastly, the exam will include a creative writing component, allowing students to showcase their imagination and written expression.

By focusing on these essential subjects, Heckmondwike Grammar School aims to identify students with a strong foundation in literacy, numeracy, and creativity. The school believes that this well-rounded approach to assessment will help them select pupils who demonstrate the greatest potential for academic success and personal growth within their rigorous educational environment.

Heckmondwike Grammar School 11+ Marking Process

The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Heckmondwike 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!

Heckmondwike Grammar School 11+ Pass Mark

The pass mark for the Heckmondwike Grammar School 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 Heckmondwike Grammar School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Key Dates for the Heckmondwike Grammar School 11+ Entrance Tests

Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Heckmondwike Grammar School) as well as other relevant dates.

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

11+ Tutor for Heckmondwike Grammar School

As the Heckmondwike Grammar School 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 Internal 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 Heckmondwike Grammar School 11+ Tests

We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Heckmondwike 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 Heckmondwike Grammar School

Here are all available past 11+ papers for Heckmondwike Grammar School. 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 Heckmondwike Grammar School currently uses.

The exam board (or test supplier) that Heckmondwike Grammar School 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.

11+ Practice Papers for Heckmondwike Grammar School

Unfortunately, there are no targeted 11+ practice papers for Heckmondwike Grammar School available. However, you can use 11+ practice papers from other exam boards (such as GL Assessment, CEM and CSSE) to help your child prepare.

School Information

Below you will find further information about Heckmondwike Grammar School together with their admissions contact details.

Heckmondwike 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 1,520 pupils attend Heckmondwike Grammar School and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr Peter Roberts.

Heckmondwike Grammar School Location

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

Ofsted Information

Heckmondwike Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 05/04/2022 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 15/06/2022, declaring that the school was 'Good'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Ofsted Report Summary

Heckmondwike Grammar School was inspected by Ofsted on 15/06/2022 and received an overall rating of Good. The school demonstrated Good quality of education, Outstanding behaviour and attitudes, and Good personal development and leadership and management.

However, the sixth form provision was found to Require Improvement. This suggests that while the school performs well in most areas, there are some aspects of the sixth form that need to be addressed to ensure students receive the best possible education and support.

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

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

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Heckmondwike Grammar School 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)

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)