Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls 11+

Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls.

How to get into Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls

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

Admission Requirements

Children born between 1st September 2014 and 31st August 2015 are eligible for Year 7 entry in September 2026 (see key dates) [1]. The school offers places to girls who pass the selective entrance test.

Families must first register for the West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ examination between Tuesday 6th May 2025 and Friday 27th June 2025 (see key dates) [1]. Late registrations are not permitted.

Sutton Coldfield Grammar School does not have a defined catchment area. Places are offered based on children's performance in the test. The minimum qualifying score for entry in 2024 was 205.

All images © Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls.
All images © Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls.

Application Process

Families must complete two separate applications for admission to Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls. First, register for the entrance test through the West Midlands Grammar Schools portal. Families enter their home postcode and child's gender to be directed to the relevant registration website.

Second, complete the local authority Common Application Form (CAF) by Friday 31st October 2025 (see key dates). Families should wait for test results before naming grammar schools as preferences. Including a grammar school without passing the test reduces available preference options.

  • Register for the West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ examination online
  • Provide a recent photograph of the child during registration
  • Complete the local authority preference form after receiving test results
  • Submit all applications by the specified deadlines
  • Contact the school information section for specific guidance

The 11+ Examination

The entrance test takes place on Saturday 13th September 2025 (see key dates) [1]. Two sessions are held (morning and afternoon) and families should keep the entire day free. Children are allocated to a session with confirmation provided by the end of July.

All images © Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls.
All images © Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls.

The examination consists of two papers provided by GL Assessment, each lasting approximately one hour. The papers are divided into smaller, individually-timed sections that assess English comprehension, mathematics, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and spatial reasoning.

  • All questions are multiple choice format
  • Children write answers in test booklets
  • Marks are age-standardised before being combined
  • Test venue may differ from preferred school choice
  • Results are provided by mid-October 2025 (see key dates)

Oversubscription Criteria

When the number of children achieving the qualifying score exceeds available places, oversubscription criteria apply. Children are prioritised as follows: looked-after or previously looked-after children, up to 36 children eligible for free school meals, then other children who achieve the qualifying score.

When test scores are equal, children living nearest the school receive priority. Final offers are made by local authorities on Monday 2nd March 2026 (see key dates).

All images © Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls.
All images © Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls.
  • First priority: Looked-after and previously looked-after children
  • Second priority: Children eligible for Pupil Premium
  • Third priority: Other children by test score ranking
  • Distance: Used only when test scores are identical

Preparation Guidance

Effective preparation should begin well in advance of the examination date. Building a solid knowledge base is essential, using a 'little and often' approach with smaller information chunks. Child psychologists recommend regular study sessions of 20-30 minutes for children aged 10-11.

The qualifying score requires consistent performance in practice tests. Families should focus preparation on all assessed subjects including English comprehension, mathematics, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and spatial reasoning.

  • Begin preparation early with consistent daily practice
  • Use practice 11+ papers for familiarisation
  • Consider professional tutoring for targeted support
  • Focus on all examination components equally
  • Maintain regular revision schedule throughout Year 5 and Year 6

Practical Advice

On examination day, children should arrive prepared with necessary equipment and documentation. Families must keep the entire test day free from other commitments as session allocation is confirmed by the end of July.

Families should research backup school options within Birmingham and surrounding areas. Local authorities operate equal preference systems, ensuring grammar school applications do not affect chances at other preferred schools.

  • Prepare all required documentation in advance
  • Plan transport to the allocated test venue
  • Research alternative school options as backup choices
  • Ensure proper rest and nutrition before examination day
  • Contact the school information section for specific queries
  • Review the school's open evening on Wednesday 25th June 2025 (see key dates)

[1]Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls official website

West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ Information

In order to get into Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls, 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 Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls to assess prospective students. The test is composed of two papers, each lasting one hour. These papers are further divided into smaller sections, each with its own allocated time.

The exam covers a range of subjects designed to evaluate the candidate's abilities in various areas. These subjects include English comprehension, which tests the student's understanding and interpretation of written passages; Maths, which assesses the child's numerical and problem-solving skills; Verbal reasoning, which measures the ability to analyze and manipulate language; and Non-verbal reasoning, which examines the capacity to recognize patterns and solve problems using visual cues.

All questions in the entrance test are presented in a multiple-choice format. Candidates are provided with separate answer sheets on which they mark their selected responses. These answer sheets are then electronically marked to determine the student's performance in each subject area.

Other Schools using West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+

As well as Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls, 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 Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls 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 Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Key Dates for the Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls 11+ Entrance Tests

Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls) 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
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 Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls as they may well change.

11+ Tutor for Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls

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 Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls 11+ Tests

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

Here are all available past 11+ papers for Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls. 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 Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls currently uses.

The exam board (or test supplier) that Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls 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 Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls

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 Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls 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 Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls 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 Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls.

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

11+ Practice Papers for Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls 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 Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls.

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

11+ Practice Papers for Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls 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 Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls 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 Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls.

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

11+ Practice Papers for Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls 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 Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls.

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 Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls 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 Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls 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 Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls 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 Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls 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 Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls 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 Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls together with their admissions contact details.

Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls is a girls-only grammar school.
Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls is a girls-only grammar school.
Address
Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls,
Jockey Road,
Sutton Coldfield,
West Midlands
B73 5PT
School Website
Telephone01213541479
Email Addressenquiry@suttcold.bham.sch.uk
GenderGirls only
Total Year 7 Places180
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys)1220 (1220 Girls / 0 Boys)
Headteacher Dr Barbara Minards

Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls is a girls 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).

In total 1,220 pupils attend Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls and it's led by the Headteacher, Dr Barbara Minards.

Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls Location

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

Ofsted Information

Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls was last inspected by Ofsted on 08/11/2022 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 15/12/2022, declaring that the school was 'Good'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls obtained <strong>Good</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2022.
Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls obtained Good in their last Ofsted inspection in 2022.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date InspectedInspection Duration (Days)Reporting DateRatingFull Report
08/11/2022115/12/2022GoodFull Report

Ofsted Report Summary

Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls was inspected by Ofsted on 8 November 2022. The overall outcome of the inspection was Good. This rating was consistent across all key areas assessed, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth form provision.

The school demonstrated a strong performance in providing a high-quality education to its students. The behaviour and attitudes of students were commendable, indicating a positive learning environment. The school's efforts in fostering personal development among students were also recognized as effective.

The leadership and management of Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls were found to be Good, contributing to the overall success of the institution. Additionally, the sixth form provision was deemed to be of a high standard, preparing students well for their future endeavors.

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

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

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • English Language (178 pupils)
  • English Literature (178 pupils)
  • Mathematics (178 pupils)
  • Biology (177 pupils)
  • Chemistry (177 pupils)
  • Physics (177 pupils)
  • Geography (98 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (85 pupils)
  • French (66 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (57 pupils)
  • Spanish (45 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (44 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Fine Art) (41 pupils)
  • History (40 pupils)
  • Drama & Theatre Studies (39 pupils)
  • D&T Food Technology (33 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Textiles) (16 pupils)
  • Music (16 pupils)
  • Design & Technology (10 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (8 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Biology (87 pupils)
  • Mathematics (74 pupils)
  • Chemistry (73 pupils)
  • Psychology (59 pupils)
  • English Literature (30 pupils)
  • Economics (27 pupils)
  • Geography (25 pupils)
  • Art and Design (Fine Art) (21 pupils)
  • Physics (19 pupils)
  • History (18 pupils)
  • Sociology (18 pupils)
  • Mathematics (Further) (13 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (11 pupils)
  • Media/Film/Tv Studies (10 pupils)
  • Computer Studies / Computing (9 pupils)
  • Drama and Theatre Studies (8 pupils)
  • Music (6 pupils)

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls 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 & Design (Textiles)16-----22732
Art & Design (Fine Art)41------1101119
Biology177----1327294671
Business Studies:Single85----1411132927
Chemistry177----31219345356
Computer Studies/Computing44----23516108
Design & Technology10------1261
English Language178-----629496133
English Literature178---1-833574732
D&T Food Technology33-----256911
French66----13492029
Geography98-----25183340
History40-----2151913
Mathematics178-----39327064
Music16------3391
Physics177----2931424449
Religious Studies57------281928
Spanish45----118131012
Drama & Theatre Studies39-----111999
Physical Education/Sports Studies8------3221

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
UEDCBAA*
Art and Design (Fine Art)21--1--812
Biology87-1716203310
Chemistry73-267202710
Computer Studies / Computing9--1-62-
Drama and Theatre Studies8----413
Economics27--318123
English Literature30---38910
Geography25---110113
History18---21141
Mathematics74-3511133111
Mathematics (Further)13----48-
Media/Film/Tv Studies10---1171
Music6---15--
Physics19-142471
Psychology59--25172015
Religious Studies11----272
Sociology18----666

FAQ

Is Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls hard to get into?

Yes, Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls 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 Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls a private school?

No, Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.

Is Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls free?

Yes, Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls won't cost you any money.

How do I get my child into Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls?

You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls 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 Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls a girls-only school?

Yes, Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls is a girls-only school.

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