Best Grammar Schools in Warwickshire in 2026

Warwickshire has six grammar schools, according to Warwickshire County Council. On the latest published GCSE results, the best performers are King Edward VI School and Stratford Girls' Grammar School in Stratford-upon-Avon. Rugby High School, Lawrence Sheriff School and Alcester Grammar School follow, very close together. All six use the results of one shared 11+ test, and the test is free to sit. 

Looking for the best grammar schools in Warwickshire? This guide explains how many grammar schools there are, which ones get the strongest results, how the 11+ works and the dates you need to know. 

How many grammar schools are there in Warwickshire?

Warwickshire County Council says there are six selective grammar schools in Warwickshire. All of them give places based on the results of an 11+ test. They are free to attend, like any other state school.

About Ashlawn School: Ashlawn is a bilateral school. It has one selective class that follows a slightly different curriculum in Years 7 and 8. The rest of the school is not selective.

Best grammar schools in Warwickshire in 2026

1. King Edward VI School, Stratford-upon-Avon (boys)

King Edward VI School, often called KES, tops the county on GCSE grades 9 to 7, with about nine in ten grades at 9 to 7. It was rated Outstanding by Ofsted at its last full inspection. Boys join in Year 7 through the 11+.

2. Stratford Girls' Grammar School, Stratford-upon-Avon (girls)

Stratford Girls' Grammar School is a very close second. Depending on the measure used, it sometimes comes out just ahead of KES. It was also rated Outstanding by Ofsted at its last full inspection.

3. Rugby High School, Rugby (girls)

Rugby High School is the girls' grammar school in Rugby. Its GCSE results are the strongest of the three schools below the Stratford pair. Please check its latest Ofsted report on the Ofsted website.

4. Lawrence Sheriff School, Rugby (boys)

Lawrence Sheriff School is the boys' grammar school in Rugby. It was rated Outstanding by Ofsted at its last full inspection, and its results are strong and close to Alcester's.

5. Alcester Grammar School, Alcester (boys and girls)

Alcester Grammar School is the only fully selective grammar school in the county that takes both boys and girls. Ofsted rated it Outstanding after an inspection in December 2022, with its sixth form rated Good.

One more thing to remember. These schools only take children who do well in the 11+. That is part of why their results are so high. So the "best" school is not only about the numbers. It is also about where your child will be happy and do well.

How to choose the best grammar school in Warwickshire for your child

Do not pick a school from a league table alone. Here are the simple things we suggest you look at.

1. Boys, girls or mixed

Some schools are single sex and some are mixed. This will narrow your list quickly.

2. Where you live

Places usually go first to children with the highest scores who live in the school's priority area, which is like a catchment area. Check the map for each school.

3. The journey to school

A long daily journey can tire a child out. Think about buses, trains and drop off times.

4. How your child feels

Visit open days if you can. Ask your child how they feel when they walk around. Happy children learn better.

5. Results and Ofsted

Look at GCSE results, progress scores and the latest Ofsted report. They tell you about learning, but not the whole story.

The Warwickshire 11+ test for all grammar schools

Good news for busy parents. In Warwickshire, children register once and sit one 11+ test. The result is then used by the grammar schools in the county. The test is set by GL Assessment, and the County Council runs the registration and the test days.

Here are the key facts, taken from Warwickshire County Council.

• The test is for children who start secondary school the next September. That means Year 5 children register in the spring, and then sit the test early in Year 6.

• You register on the Warwickshire Parent Portal. For 2027 entry, registration opened on 7 May 2026 and closed on 30 June 2026.

• There is no cost to sit the test.

• Registrations sent after the deadline are not counted as "on time".

• Children who need extra support can ask for access arrangements, but these must be applied for by the same June deadline.

The test format and what it covers are explained on the County Council page and in the school guides. Please read them closely before test day. You can also try our 11+ free practice papers to see what exam style questions feel like.

Warwickshire grammar school 11+ dates for 2027 entry

These are the official dates for children starting Year 7 in September 2027.

Is your child in Year 5 now? Your child will take the test in September 2027 for entry in September 2028. Registration has opened in May in recent years, but please check the Warwickshire County Council website for the exact dates, as they can change.

How are places given at Warwickshire grammar schools?

Each grammar school has its own admission arrangements, and you can find them on the school's website. The County Council says that, usually, higher priority goes to children who get the highest scores in the 11+ test and who live inside the school's priority area.

This means two things. First, there is no single pass mark that works for every school. Second, getting a good score is the first step, but where you live also matters.

If you apply to at least one Warwickshire grammar school, you must also send proof of your address. The County Council will email or post a request in early December, and the proof must arrive by 31 December. If it does not, your application to any Warwickshire grammar school will be treated as late.

How does Pass 11 Plus Grammar help your child for Warwickshire Grammar Schools?

At Pass 11 Plus Grammar, we have helped families for over 30 years. Our 11 plus tuition is built to help children grow in skill and confidence, step by step. Our 11 plus tutors in Birmingham teach in a way that is warm and clear, and we also teach online for families across the West Midlands and beyond.

Here is how we help.

• We find where your child is strong and where they need more practice.

• Our 11 plus mocks let your child practise under real test conditions, with clear feedback after.

• Our 11 plus intensive summer course gives a focused boost before the September test.

• We use 11+ past papers and our 11+ free practice papers so your child gets used to exam style questions.

No tutor can promise a place, because places depend on test scores and each school's rules. What we can promise is calm, careful help that makes your child feel ready.

How to prepare for Warwickshire grammar school entry

1. Register on time

Put the registration date in your calendar as soon as your child starts Year 5. Registrations after the deadline are not counted as on time.

2. Start early and keep it calm

Short, regular practice works better than long, stressful sessions. Ten to thirty minutes a day is a good start.

3. Read widely

Reading builds vocabulary and helps with English and reasoning questions. Let your child pick books they enjoy.

4. Visit your shortlist of schools

Go to open days, read each school's admission rules and check the priority area map before you apply.

Final thoughts

Warwickshire has six grammar schools, and every one of them gives children a strong start. King Edward VI School and Stratford Girls' Grammar School lead on GCSE results, with Rugby High School, Lawrence Sheriff School and Alcester Grammar School close behind. The best choice is the school where your child will be happy, safe and ready to learn.

Mark the dates, read each school's rules and keep practice calm and steady. At Pass 11 Plus Grammar, we are always here to help you plan the next step.