A state grammar school in Walsall for boys, with entry at 11+. Here is the test it uses, what is in it and how to prepare.
The Birmingham consortium and neighbouring grammars use two GL papers mixing English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
| Stage | Paper | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test day | Paper 1 | 60 | 60 minutes |
| Test day | Paper 2 | 60 | 60 minutes |
Paper formats are indicative and change from year to year. Always check the current arrangements with the school or local authority.
The West Midlands 11+ (Birmingham & Walsall) 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.
Written by Prism in the style of the test, not taken from any school’s papers.
Noor buys 5 pens at 70p each and a notebook for £1.34. They pay with £5. How much change do they get?
Answer: A, £0.16
Which part has a punctuation mistake? Choose “No mistake” if there is none.
Answer: C, asked grandmarandma
“Grandma” is used as a name here, so it needs a capital letter.
Here are four words and three number codes. The codes are not in the same order as the words, and one code is missing. What is the code for ARMY?
PART DARK ARMY MANY 7591 2596 4583
Answer: D, 5943
The first figure changes into the second. Which option changes the third figure in the same way?
Answer: B
Queen Mary’s Grammar School uses the West Midlands 11+ (Birmingham & Walsall), which tests maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Check the school’s admissions page for the current arrangements.
Schools do not publish pass marks.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.
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.
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 Queen Mary’s Grammar School. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.