Haberdashers' Adams School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

School Type: Co-educational grammar school
Age Range: 11-18 (day), 11-18 (boarding for boys only)
Location: Newport, Shropshire
Admissions: West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ entrance test
Test Date: Mid-September annually
Application Deadline: Late October
Boarding: State boarding available for boys
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding for teaching

About Haberdashers' Adams School

Established nearly 400 years ago, Haberdashers' Adams School combines centuries of educational tradition with contemporary innovation in Newport, Shropshire. This co-educational grammar school serves pupils aged 11-18, offering day places for both boys and girls, whilst providing unique state boarding opportunities exclusively for boys.

The school's educational philosophy centres on developing pupils who are intellectually curious, broadly engaged, and caring individuals. Students are encouraged to make connections across diverse subject areas, think critically about global events, and participate in meaningful academic discourse. The school's commitment to traditional values of courtesy, respect, and strong work ethic forms the foundation for a modern, technology-enhanced learning environment.

Haberdashers' Adams operates within a supportive House system that fosters community spirit and belonging. This structure provides pupils with pastoral care whilst encouraging healthy competition and collaboration. The school's broad curriculum is complemented by extensive extracurricular opportunities, allowing students to explore diverse interests and develop well-rounded personalities.

Academic excellence remains a hallmark of the school, with consistently strong GCSE and A-level results. Many graduates progress to prestigious universities, reflecting the school's commitment to preparing students for higher education and future careers. The school's location in Newport provides a conducive learning environment whilst maintaining excellent transport links across Shropshire and beyond.

The 11+ Assessment Process at Haberdashers' Adams

Haberdashers' Adams participates in the West Midlands Grammar Schools partnership, streamlining the admissions process for families applying to multiple grammar schools within this consortium. This collaborative approach means pupils take a single entrance examination that serves applications to all participating schools.

Test Format and Content

The West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test comprises two one-hour papers administered in mid-September. The assessment evaluates:

• English Comprehension: Reading analysis, vocabulary, and language understanding
• Mathematics: Numerical reasoning, problem-solving, and mathematical concepts
• Verbal Reasoning: Logic, patterns, and analytical thinking using words
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and visual problem-solving

All questions follow a multiple-choice format, designed to assess academic potential and readiness for grammar school education. The test aims to identify pupils who will thrive in Haberdashers' Adams' intellectually demanding environment.

Assessment Timeline

Registration for the entrance test typically opens in early May, with the deadline falling in late June. Parents must complete online registration during this window to secure their child's test place. The examination takes place in mid-September, with results released in mid-October. Following receipt of test results, parents must list Haberdashers' Adams on their local authority's secondary school application form by late October. Final offers are communicated on the national secondary school offers day in early March.

How to Apply to Haberdashers' Adams

Registration Process

Begin by registering for the West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test during the May-June registration period. Ensure all required documentation is submitted accurately and within the specified timeframe. Late registrations are typically not accepted, making adherence to deadlines crucial.

Oversubscription Criteria for Day Places

When qualified applicants exceed available day places, Haberdashers' Adams applies the following criteria in order:

• Looked After Children or previously Looked After Children
• Children receiving Pupil Premium who achieve within 5% of the qualifying score
• Children attending designated primary schools in Telford & Wrekin, including all Newport (TF10) area primary schools
• All other children ranked by entrance test scores, with proximity to school as tiebreaker

Boarding Applications

Boarding places are available exclusively for boys and require both entrance test success and interview assessment. The school evaluates boarding suitability considering family circumstances and individual needs. Priority is given to:

• Looked After Children or previously Looked After Children
• Children of UK Armed Forces members eligible for Ministry of Defence boarding assistance
• Children with demonstrated boarding need due to distance, family circumstances, or educational requirements
• Other qualified candidates ranked by test scores

Application Strategy

Research the school thoroughly through open days, website resources, and direct contact with the admissions team. Understanding the school's ethos and educational approach helps determine fit and preparation focus. Consider visiting during a normal school day to observe the learning environment and community atmosphere.

Preparing for the Haberdashers' Adams School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

The Haberdashers' Adams School 11+ rewards steady preparation over a year or so, with the last term given to timed practice and interview confidence. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors match the programme to the school's assessment format and to where the child is starting from.

Because the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, and more than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status, families get a tutor who understands what the assessors are looking for. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families in London and further afield work with us online, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.