Alcester Grammar School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Co-educational grammar school (ages 11-18)
• Location: Birmingham Road, Alcester, Warwickshire B49 5ED
• Current Roll: Approximately 1,290 pupils
• Ofsted Rating: Outstanding (December 2022)
• Academy Status: Since April 2011
• 11+ Test: West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test
• Registration Period: Early May to late June
• Test Date: Mid-September weekend
• Priority Area: 16.885 miles radius from Stratford upon Avon Fountain

About Alcester Grammar School

Alcester Grammar School has established itself as one of Warwickshire's premier educational institutions, consistently delivering exceptional academic outcomes for over a century. Located in the historic market town of Alcester, the school serves families across Warwickshire and the broader West Midlands region who seek rigorous academic preparation and outstanding pastoral care.

Under the leadership of Headteacher Ms Rachel Thorpe, AGS maintains its reputation for academic excellence whilst fostering a harmonious community built on mutual respect and high expectations. The school's recent substantial building programme, including a state-of-the-art science teaching block, demonstrates its commitment to providing modern facilities that support exceptional learning outcomes.

The school's academy status, achieved in 2011, has enabled greater autonomy in curriculum design and resource allocation, allowing AGS to maintain its distinctive character whilst adapting to evolving educational demands. This independence has been instrumental in sustaining the school's Outstanding Ofsted rating across multiple inspections.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Alcester Grammar School participates in the West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test, a standardised assessment designed specifically for selective secondary school entry. This comprehensive examination ensures fair and consistent evaluation across all participating grammar schools in the region.

Test Structure and Content

The entrance examination comprises two one-hour papers administered on a single weekend in mid-September:

• Paper 1: English comprehension and verbal reasoning
• Paper 2: Mathematics and non-verbal reasoning

Each section is carefully calibrated to assess academic potential rather than simply testing curriculum knowledge, ensuring that capable students from diverse educational backgrounds can demonstrate their abilities effectively.

Registration and Timeline

• Registration Opens: Early May
• Registration Closes: Late June
• Test Administration: Mid-September weekend
• Results Released: Mid-October

Parents must register their children online through the official testing portal during the specified registration window. Late registrations are not typically accepted, making adherence to these deadlines crucial for prospective families.

How to Apply

Oversubscription Criteria

Given AGS's exceptional reputation, the school consistently receives more qualified applications than available places. When oversubscribed, places are allocated according to the following priority order:

1. Looked-After and Previously Looked-After Children: Children in care or previously in care who achieve the required minimum academic standard receive highest priority
2. Free School Meals Eligibility: Children within the priority area eligible for Free School Meals who meet academic requirements
3. Priority Area Residents: Children living within the designated priority area who achieve the automatic qualifying score
4. Outside Priority Area: Children from outside the priority area who achieve the automatic qualifying score
5. Waiting List Candidates: Children scoring above the minimum academic standard but below the automatic qualifying threshold

Priority Area Definition

The priority area encompasses a 16.885-mile radius from the Fountain in Rother Street, Stratford upon Avon. This generous catchment area reflects the school's role as a regional centre of excellence, serving families across multiple local authority boundaries who value selective education.

Application Process

Following successful completion of the 11+ examination, parents must submit their secondary school preferences through their local authority's standard application process. AGS should be listed among the preferences, with careful consideration given to the likelihood of meeting oversubscription criteria based on geographic location and test performance.

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition's comprehensive 11+ preparation programme has supported numerous families in securing places at Alcester Grammar School and other prestigious selective institutions. Our experienced tutors understand the specific demands of the West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test and have developed targeted strategies that maximise student performance across all assessment areas.

Tailored Preparation Programme

Our AGS-specific preparation includes:

• Diagnostic Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation of current academic level and identification of areas requiring focused development
• Structured Learning Path: Systematic coverage of verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, mathematics, and English comprehension
• Mock Examination Practise: Regular testing under timed conditions using questions formatted to match the official examination
• Confidence Building: Techniques for managing examination anxiety and optimising performance under pressure

Strategic Application Guidance

Beyond academic preparation, Taylor Tuition provides expert guidance on:

• Understanding oversubscription criteria and realistic chances of success
• Strategic school preference ordering to maximise placement opportunities
• Alternative school options that align with family aspirations and values
• Timeline management to ensure all deadlines are met effectively

Our deep understanding of Alcester Grammar School's ethos and expectations enables us to prepare students not only for examination success but also for thriving in the school's demanding academic environment. We recognise that securing a place at AGS represents the beginning of an educational journey that requires sustained excellence and intellectual curiosity.

For families committed to pursuing a place at Alcester Grammar School, Taylor Tuition offers the expertise, resources, and personalised support necessary to navigate the competitive admissions process successfully whilst developing the academic foundations essential for long-term educational achievement.