Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls 11+ Guide

A detailed look at Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls including past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers.

About Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls

Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls is a selective secondary school in Birmingham. For children to get into Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls they need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Hence, Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls is a traditional grammar school, one of only 163 remaining in England.

Nestled in the tranquil suburbs of Birmingham, Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls (SCGSG) stands as a beacon of academic brilliance, offering an exceptional educational experience to young women. With a rich heritage spanning nearly a century, this prestigious institution has consistently nurtured generations of accomplished and empowered individuals.

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

At SCGSG, students embark on a transformative journey through a meticulously crafted curriculum that seamlessly blends rigorous academics with a vibrant array of extracurricular activities. The school's unwavering commitment to excellence is evident in its comprehensive range of subjects, encompassing the core disciplines of English, mathematics, and the sciences, alongside a diverse selection of modern foreign languages. This well-rounded approach ensures that students develop a deep understanding and appreciation for various fields of study.

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

Beyond the classroom, SCGSG offers a wealth of opportunities for personal growth and exploration. From captivating theatrical productions and thought-provoking guest lectures to thrilling athletic competitions and immersive STEM initiatives, students are encouraged to pursue their passions and discover new horizons. The school's dedication to fostering a strong sense of community is evident in its collaborative partnership with Bishop Vesey's Grammar School, resulting in joint events that showcase the talents and camaraderie of both institutions.

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

At the heart of SCGSG's ethos lies a steadfast commitment to nurturing resilience, independence, and a growth mindset. Through a supportive and challenging environment, students are empowered to embrace obstacles as opportunities for growth, cultivating the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world. The school's track record of academic excellence, as evidenced by its students' outstanding performance in GCSE and A-level assessments, is a testament to the effectiveness of its approach.

With its unwavering dedication to academic excellence, holistic development, and community spirit, Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when young minds are nurtured in an environment that values effort, fosters independence, and inspires greatness.

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

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
School Website
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:

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 Literature (178 pupils)
  • English Language (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)
  • Sociology (18 pupils)
  • History (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)

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.

West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ Key Dates for your Diary

Here are all the important dates for the West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ tests (to get into Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls) as well as other relevant dates.

Date Event Calendar Link
07/05/2024 Registration Opens For The West Midland Grammar Schools' Entrance Test
14/06/2024 Reasonable Adjustments Deadline
28/06/2024 Test Registration Closes
14/09/2024 West Midlands Grammar Schools' Entrance Test
18/10/2024 Parents Receive Test Results
31/10/2024 Secondary School Applications Close At 5pm
03/03/2025 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.

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 Inspected Inspection Duration (Days) Reporting Date Rating Full Report
08/11/2022 1 15/12/2022 Good Full 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 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

Past 11+ Paper Downloads

Here are all available past 11+ papers for Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls. Please note that this may include past 11+ 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 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.

Exam Board Subject 11+ Past Paper
CEMMixed

Practice 11+ Paper Downloads

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.

GL Assessment

These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by GL Assessment themselves. They remain useful and we would encourage parents to download and use them with their children.

Exam Board Subject Answer Sheet Question Booklet Marking Scheme (Answers)
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning

CGP

These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. They are up to date and extremely useful.

Exam Board Subject Answer Sheet Question Booklet Marking Scheme (Answers)
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. Grammar schools no longer use CEM for any of their 11+ entrance tests. However, as a general practice tool these tests remain useful.

Exam Board Subject Answer Sheet Question Booklet Marking Scheme (Answers)
CEMMaths
CEMVerbal Reasoning
CEMNon-Verbal Reasoning

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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