The 11+ is an optional entrance exam that children sit at the very start of Year 6, used by selective grammar schools to decide admissions. Sandwell itself has no grammar schools, so families in West Bromwich and across the borough apply to schools in neighbouring areas, most commonly the King Edward VI grammar schools in Birmingham, Queen Mary’s in Walsall and the Wolverhampton grammar schools. Registration typically closes before the end of Year 5, months before the test itself, which catches many families out.

Key takeaways

• Sandwell children sit the 11+ for grammar schools in Birmingham, Walsall and Wolverhampton, not in Sandwell itself.

• You register in Year 5, usually by early summer, and the test is sat at the start of Year 6, typically in September.

• Most local grammar schools use GL Assessment style papers covering Maths, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.

• Places are competitive: preparation of 6 to 12 months makes a significant difference.

• Always confirm dates and requirements on each school’s own admissions page, as details change year to year.

Which schools can Sandwell children apply to?

Most of our families apply to the King Edward VI foundation grammar schools across Birmingham, such as Handsworth Grammar School for Boys and King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls, which are the closest to West Bromwich. Queen Mary’s Grammar School and Queen Mary’s High School in Walsall are also popular choices, as are the Wolverhampton grammar schools. Each school sets its own catchment rules and admissions criteria, so check the individual school websites before deciding where to apply.

What does the test involve?

The grammar schools our families apply to use GL Assessment style examinations. The test covers four areas:

• Maths: arithmetic, problem solving and worded questions beyond the standard Year 5 curriculum.

• English: reading comprehension, vocabulary, spelling and grammar.

• Verbal Reasoning: logic problems using words and letters.

• Non-Verbal Reasoning: patterns, shapes and spatial thinking that children rarely meet at school.

The reasoning papers are the great equaliser: bright children who have never seen these question types will struggle with timing, while prepared children treat them as routine. That is why familiarity and timed practice matter as much as raw ability.

When should preparation start?

Most families start structured preparation in Year 4 or early in Year 5, giving 6 to 12 months before the September test. That allows time to cover the content, master each question type, and then complete several timed mock exams without cramming. Starting later is possible, but the shorter the runway, the more the final weeks depend on pressure rather than steady progress.

How we prepare children at Rightchoice

Our 11+ preparation classes run at weekends at our centre on Lodge Road, West Bromwich. Children are first assessed so we know their exact starting point, then work through Maths, English, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning using our own sample tests and past papers. Regular timed mock exams at the centre build the exam stamina the real test demands, and parents receive clear feedback after every mock.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 11+ compulsory?

No. It is entirely optional and only needed if you want your child considered for a selective grammar school place. Children who do not sit it simply apply to comprehensive schools as normal.

What score does my child need to pass?

There is no fixed pass mark. Scores are standardised for age, and each school offers places to its highest scorers until places run out, so the effective cut-off changes each year with the cohort. The practical goal is simple: score as highly as possible.

Can you prepare in six months?

Yes, six months of consistent weekly preparation is workable for many children, especially with structured teaching and mock exams. Twelve months is more comfortable and far less stressful. Less than three months is rarely enough for the reasoning papers.

Thinking about the 11+ for your child? Send us an enquiry or call 07811 104801 and we will talk you through where your child currently stands and what preparation would look like.