The Shropshire, Walsall and Wolverhampton 11+ test explained

In 2012, the five grammar schools in the Shropshire, Walsall and Wolverhampton joined together in a Consortium.

Children sit two separate papers, each of which takes 45 to 60 minutes. Each paper is divided into several separately timed sections, with examples of how to answer the questions at the start of each section. Some of the questions are multiple choice.

The tests cover:
 

• Verbal reasoning
• Non-verbal reasoning
• Reading comprehension
• Maths

The test in this area is devised by the CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring) at the University of Durham. This body is one of the main organisations providing 11+ tests, but the exact content and format will vary by school and region. The tests are changed year on year, and the CEM never gives prior notice of the tests' contents.

You must fill in a registration form for the Consortium of Grammar Schools' entrance test. This can be downloaded from any of the Consortium schools' websites, and should be returned to the school at which you want your child to take the test. The closing date for registration is usually early in June. You'll be told if your child is eligible to apply to grammar school based on their test results before you have to apply for a school place, but if schools are oversubscribed, eligibility doesn't guarantee them a place. You can apply for more than one grammar school.

The tests are held at each of the individual grammar schools; you can choose which one you would like your child to take the test at, and should return their registration form to that school.

The pass mark differs each year, but children are awarded places on a merit basis according to their results in the entrance exams. Results are standardised to take account of your child's exact age at the time of the test.

You can download sample questions and familiarisation sheets from each individual grammar school's website.

Past papers are not available, but if your child wants more test practice the Consortium recommends using commercially available preparation materials (available from leading bookshops) that cover verbal and non-verbal reasoning, maths and reading comprehension. The Consortium advises against intensive coaching or tutoring. 

TheSchoolRun team makes every effort to ensure the information about individual schools is accurate, but admissions arrangements for Year 7 entry change regularly and it is essential to check for the most up-to-date advice on schools' own websites.