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.

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.

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).

- 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:
- Bishop Vesey's Grammar School
- King Edward VI Aston School
- King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys
- King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls
- King Edward VI Five Ways School
- King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys
- King Edward VI Handsworth School
- Haberdashers' Adams
- Newport Girls' High School Academy
- Queen Mary's Grammar School
- Queen Mary's High School
- Alcester Grammar School
- King Edward VI School
- Lawrence Sheriff School
- Rugby High School
- Stratford Girls' Grammar School
- Wolverhampton Girls' High School
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.

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).

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.
Date | Event | Calendar Link |
---|---|---|
06/05/2025 | Registration Opens For The West Midlands Grammar Schools' Entrance Test | Add Dates to Calendar |
13/06/2025 | Reasonable Adjustments Deadline | |
27/06/2025 | Test Registration Closes | |
Mid October | Parents Receive Test Results | |
Late October | Secondary School Applications Close At 5pm | |
02/03/2026 | Secondary 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 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 Board | Subject | 11+ 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 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 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 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 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 Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
---|---|---|---|
GL Assessment | Maths | ||
GL Assessment | English |
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 Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
---|---|---|---|
GL Assessment | English | ||
GL Assessment | Writing | ||
GL Assessment | Maths | ||
GL Assessment | Verbal 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 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 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 Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
---|---|---|---|---|
CEM | Maths | |||
CEM | Verbal Reasoning | |||
CEM | Non-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 Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
---|---|---|---|
GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls 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 Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls 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 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 Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
---|---|---|---|---|
GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
GL Assessment | Maths |
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 Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
---|---|---|---|
GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | ||
GL Assessment | Maths |
School Information
Below you will find further information about Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls together with their admissions contact details.

Address | Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls, Jockey Road, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B73 5PT |
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School Website | https://www.suttcold.bham.sch.uk/ |
Telephone | 01213541479 |
Email Address | enquiry@suttcold.bham.sch.uk |
Gender | Girls only |
Total Year 7 Places | 180 |
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.

Last Ofsted Report Data
Date Inspected | Inspection Duration (Days) | Reporting Date | Rating | Full Report | 08/11/2022 | 1 | 15/12/2022 | Good | Full Report |
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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 |
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A-Level Subjects Offered |
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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)
Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | ||
Art & Design (Textiles) | 16 | - | - | - | - | - | 2 | 2 | 7 | 3 | 2 |
Art & Design (Fine Art) | 41 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | 10 | 11 | 19 |
Biology | 177 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | 27 | 29 | 46 | 71 |
Business Studies:Single | 85 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 4 | 11 | 13 | 29 | 27 |
Chemistry | 177 | - | - | - | - | 3 | 12 | 19 | 34 | 53 | 56 |
Computer Studies/Computing | 44 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 3 | 5 | 16 | 10 | 8 |
Design & Technology | 10 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | 2 | 6 | 1 |
English Language | 178 | - | - | - | - | - | 6 | 29 | 49 | 61 | 33 |
English Literature | 178 | - | - | - | 1 | - | 8 | 33 | 57 | 47 | 32 |
D&T Food Technology | 33 | - | - | - | - | - | 2 | 5 | 6 | 9 | 11 |
French | 66 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | 4 | 9 | 20 | 29 |
Geography | 98 | - | - | - | - | - | 2 | 5 | 18 | 33 | 40 |
History | 40 | - | - | - | - | - | 2 | 1 | 5 | 19 | 13 |
Mathematics | 178 | - | - | - | - | - | 3 | 9 | 32 | 70 | 64 |
Music | 16 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 3 | 3 | 9 | 1 |
Physics | 177 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 9 | 31 | 42 | 44 | 49 |
Religious Studies | 57 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 2 | 8 | 19 | 28 |
Spanish | 45 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 1 | 8 | 13 | 10 | 12 |
Drama & Theatre Studies | 39 | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
Physical Education/Sports Studies | 8 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
A-Level Results Information (2022-23)
Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
U | E | D | C | B | A | A* | |||||
Art and Design (Fine Art) | 21 | - | - | 1 | - | - | 8 | 12 | |||
Biology | 87 | - | 1 | 7 | 16 | 20 | 33 | 10 | |||
Chemistry | 73 | - | 2 | 6 | 7 | 20 | 27 | 10 | |||
Computer Studies / Computing | 9 | - | - | 1 | - | 6 | 2 | - | |||
Drama and Theatre Studies | 8 | - | - | - | - | 4 | 1 | 3 | |||
Economics | 27 | - | - | 3 | 1 | 8 | 12 | 3 | |||
English Literature | 30 | - | - | - | 3 | 8 | 9 | 10 | |||
Geography | 25 | - | - | - | 1 | 10 | 11 | 3 | |||
History | 18 | - | - | - | 2 | 11 | 4 | 1 | |||
Mathematics | 74 | - | 3 | 5 | 11 | 13 | 31 | 11 | |||
Mathematics (Further) | 13 | - | - | - | - | 4 | 8 | - | |||
Media/Film/Tv Studies | 10 | - | - | - | 1 | 1 | 7 | 1 | |||
Music | 6 | - | - | - | 1 | 5 | - | - | |||
Physics | 19 | - | 1 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 1 | |||
Psychology | 59 | - | - | 2 | 5 | 17 | 20 | 15 | |||
Religious Studies | 11 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 7 | 2 | |||
Sociology | 18 | - | - | - | - | 6 | 6 | 6 |
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.