Stratford-upon-Avon Grammar School for Girls: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Name: Stratford-upon-Avon Grammar School for Girls
• Location: Shottery Road, Shottery, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 9HA
• Type: Fully selective girls' grammar school (state-funded)
• Age Range: 11-18 years
• Headteacher: Mrs Jacqueline Cornell
• Contact: 01789 293759
• Website: sggs.org.uk
• Application Authority: Warwickshire County Council

About Stratford-upon-Avon Grammar School for Girls

Located in the heart of Shakespeare's birthplace, Stratford-upon-Avon Grammar School for Girls has established itself as one of Warwickshire's premier educational institutions since its founding. The school occupies a distinguished position within the historic town of Stratford-upon-Avon, providing an inspiring environment where academic excellence meets cultural heritage.

As a fully selective state grammar school, SGGS maintains exceptionally high academic standards whilst fostering a supportive community atmosphere. The school's comprehensive curriculum extends far beyond traditional subjects, incorporating extensive extra-curricular programmes that develop well-rounded individuals prepared for university and beyond. The school particularly excels in STEM subjects, humanities, and the arts, with many students progressing to prestigious universities including Oxford and Cambridge.

The school's ethos centres on empowering young women to achieve their full potential through academic rigour, personal development, and leadership opportunities. With its strong house system and extensive pastoral care network, SGGS creates an environment where students thrive both academically and personally, developing the confidence and skills necessary for future success.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Entry to Stratford-upon-Avon Grammar School for Girls is through Warwickshire's selective admission system, which requires all candidates to sit the 11+ examination. The assessment is designed to identify students who will benefit most from the school's academic environment and contribute positively to the school community.

Assessment Components

The 11+ examination consists of four key areas:

• Verbal Reasoning: Tests comprehension, vocabulary, and logical thinking through language-based problems
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Assesses spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and logical reasoning using diagrams and shapes
• Mathematics: Evaluates numerical understanding, problem-solving abilities, and mathematical reasoning appropriate to Year 6 level
• English: Measures reading comprehension, writing skills, grammar, and overall literacy competence

Assessment Timeline

The 11+ examination typically takes place in September of Year 6, with results released in October. The assessment is administered across multiple venues within Warwickshire, ensuring accessibility for all candidates. Students receive their results alongside guidance on next steps in the application process.

How to Apply

The application process for Stratford-upon-Avon Grammar School for Girls follows Warwickshire County Council's coordinated admissions scheme:

Step 1: Registration

Parents must register their daughter for the 11+ examination through Warwickshire County Council by the specified deadline, typically in late June of Year 5. Registration includes completion of the candidate information form and payment of the examination fee.

Step 2: 11+ Examination

Candidates sit the 11+ assessment at their designated test centre in September of Year 6. The examination takes place over one day, with appropriate breaks provided between test sections.

Step 3: Results and Qualification

Results are released in October, indicating whether candidates have achieved the required standard for grammar school entry. Successful candidates receive a certificate confirming their qualification for selective school places.

Step 4: School Application

Qualified candidates can then apply for places at SGGS through Warwickshire's standard secondary school application process. Applications must be submitted by 31st October of Year 6, ranking grammar school preferences accordingly.

Step 5: Offers and Acceptance

Offers are made on National Offer Day in March of Year 6. Parents must accept or decline offers by the specified deadline to secure their daughter's place for September entry.

Preparing for the Stratford-upon-Avon Grammar School for Girls 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Families preparing for the Stratford-upon-Avon Grammar School for Girls 11+ usually come to us a year or so before the assessment, though shorter runs work where the foundations are already sound. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors build each programme around the format the school actually uses, whether a written paper, an online pre-test, an interview or a combination of them.

More than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status and around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, so the preparation is led by people who know how selective schools assess. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families work with us online from anywhere in the UK or abroad, 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.