Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds
What is the highest common factor of 18 and 25?
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, 1
How to work it out
List the factors of each and find the largest they share: 1.
Alcester Grammar School: 11 Plus entry
A state grammar school in Warwickshire for boys and girls, with entry at 11+. Here is the test it uses, what is in it and how to prepare.
At a glance
- Type
- Grammar school
- Pupils
- Mixed
- Area
- Warwickshire, West Midlands
- Entry
- 11+
- Entrance test
- GL Assessment 11+ (four subjects)
- Tested
- Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning
- Competition
- Highly selective
- Prism’s suggested target
- 85% in practice (our estimate, not a school figure)
About the GL Assessment 11+ (four subjects)
Many local authorities (e.g. Trafford, Wirral, Warwickshire, Lancashire, Calderdale, Bournemouth & Poole, Gloucestershire) use GL papers in some mix of maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
| Stage | Paper | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11+ | English | 49 | 50 minutes |
| 11+ | Maths | 50 | 50 minutes |
| 11+ | Verbal Reasoning | 80 | 50 minutes |
| 11+ | Non-verbal Reasoning | 40 | 40 minutes |
Paper formats are indicative and change from year to year. Always check the current arrangements with the school or local authority.
How to prepare
The GL Assessment 11+ (four subjects) covers maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Most families start steady preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5, building accuracy first and speed later, then sit timed papers through the summer before the test, which usually takes place in September.
For maths, secure the Key Stage 2 arithmetic, fractions, ratio and problem solving before moving to the multi-step questions that separate the strongest candidates.
For English, read widely every day and practise comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar; selective tests reward precise word knowledge.
Verbal reasoning is a set of learnable question types, such as letter codes, hidden words and word analogies. Learning each type, then practising it against the clock, lifts scores quickly.
Non-verbal reasoning is about spotting patterns in shapes: rotations, reflections, sequences and matrices. Short, regular sessions work better than long ones.
Practice questions in the style of the test
Written by Prism in the style of the test, not taken from any school’s papers.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
Which sentence is punctuated correctly?
Show the worked answer
Answer: A, "Where are you going?" asked Sam.
How to work it out
- The correct sentence is: "Where are you going?" asked Sam.
- Speech marks go round the words spoken, with the punctuation inside them.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
If DESK is written in code as FGUM, what is the code for PARK?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C, RCTM
How to work it out
- Compare DESK with its code: each letter moves 2 places forward in the alphabet.
- Do the same to PARK: RCTM.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
Which figure comes next in the series?
?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D
How to work it out
The lshape turns 45° clockwise each step and the shading alternates.
Other selective schools in Warwickshire
Questions parents ask
What entrance test does Alcester Grammar School use?
Alcester Grammar School uses the GL Assessment 11+ (four subjects), which tests maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Check the school’s admissions page for the current arrangements.
What score does my child need for Alcester Grammar School?
Schools do not publish pass marks. As a guide, Prism suggests a child aims to score around 85% consistently in practice for a highly selective school. This is Prism’s own estimate, not a figure from the school, and no score guarantees a place.
When should my child start preparing for Alcester Grammar School?
Most families start in Year 4 or early Year 5, then practise timed papers during the summer before the test, which usually takes place in September.
Preparing for Alcester Grammar School?
Prism starts with a free assessment across maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, then builds a weekly plan for your target schools. Parents follow progress free.
Start the free assessmentPrism Learning is not affiliated with Alcester Grammar School. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.