Don’t Miss Out: The Deadline for Secondary School / Grammar School Applications is approaching! 31-Oct-2023

The countdown to the secondary school application deadline is upon us, and you don’t want to be caught unprepared. Tomorrow, at the stroke of midnight on October 31st, the window to submit your applications will officially close. It’s crucial to understand the process and make informed choices, as this decision plays a pivotal role in your child’s education.

Here are some important points to consider when applying for secondary school:

Pay Attention to the Number of Preferences Allowed

Different councils allow a varying number of preferences when applying for secondary schools. For instance, Birmingham may allow you to list up to 6 preferences, while Warrington might only permit 3. Other councils have their own preferences limits. Be sure to check the specific guidelines provided by your local council and use all available preferences wisely.

Order Your Preferences Carefully

The order in which you list your preferences is crucial. Your top preference should be the school you most want your child to attend, followed by your second choice, and so on. This order determines the priority in which your child’s application will be considered. If your first choice cannot be accommodated, your second choice becomes the top priority, and so on.

Don’t Waste Choices on Ineligible Schools

One common mistake is applying to schools where you already know your child doesn’t qualify. Don’t waste your preferences on schools that have strict admission requirements your child doesn’t meet. Instead, focus on schools where your child has a real chance of being admitted, increasing the likelihood of securing a place at a school that suits your child’s needs.

Check Catchment Area Rules

It’s essential to be aware of catchment area rules for each school you’re considering. Catchment areas are geographical boundaries set by schools to determine which students are eligible for admission. Choosing a school outside of your catchment area can limit your chances of securing a spot. Therefore, it’s wise to evaluate your eligibility for each school based on these catchment area rules.

Apply Online through Your Local Council

One of the most convenient ways to apply for secondary school is by utilizing the online application option provided by your local council. No matter which secondary school you’re eyeing for your child, the application process starts with your local council. Your council is responsible for processing your application and ensuring it reaches the relevant schools. So, it’s essential to contact your local council, even if your desired school is located in a different council area.

CouncilNo. of  PreferenceWebsite (More Info and Apply)
Birmingham 6Birmingham Council Admission Info
Warrington3Warrington Council Admission Info
Liverpool3Liverpool Council Admission Info
Wirral5Wirral Council Admission Info
Trafford3Trafford Council School Admission Info
Warwickshire6Warwickshire Council Admission Info
Walsall5Walsall Council Admission Info
Staffordshire3Staffordshire Council Admission Info
Wolverhampton5Wolverhampton Council Admission Info

The last date for secondary school applications is right around the corner, and it’s vital to be well-prepared and informed. Take your time to research the schools, choose your preferences wisely, and ensure you meet any catchment area requirements. Don’t let the opportunity slip away – make your child’s secondary school journey a well-informed and successful one. Apply online through your local council before the clock strikes midnight on October 31st!

Celebrating Success: Congratulations to Our 11+ Exam Achievers and Their Proud Parents

At Gurukul, we are overjoyed to extend our warmest congratulations to the young talents who have successfully passed the challenging 11+ exams, as well as their parents who have provided unwavering support and guidance throughout this journey. This significant accomplishment marks a remarkable milestone, signifying the culmination of hard work, dedication, and a bright future filled with possibilities.

A Journey of Dedication and Perseverance:

The 11+ exam is a formidable challenge that demands not only intellectual prowess but also unwavering commitment. To all the students who have emerged victorious, your accomplishments are a testament to your diligence and relentless effort. You have displayed a true hunger for knowledge and a spirit that never shies away from challenges. Your outstanding performance in the 11+ exam is not just a testament to your intelligence, but also your resilience in the face of academic adversity.

Parents: Pillars of Support:

Behind every successful student, there are parents who have stood as pillars of support. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the parents who have played a crucial role in nurturing their children’s potential. Your guidance, encouragement, and faith in your children’s abilities have been the wind beneath their wings, propelling them toward academic excellence. Your sacrifices and commitment to their educational journey are truly commendable.

The Path Forward:

As these talented young individuals enter this new chapter of their educational journey, it’s essential to remember that this success is just the beginning. The 11+ exam is a stepping stone towards an exciting and promising future. The knowledge, skills, and experiences gained along this path will be the foundation for greater achievements in the years to come.

Important Notice: Email Delivery of Results

Your 11+ exam results will be sent via email from the address noreply@birminghamgrammarschools.org. Please ensure that you regularly check your email, including your spam or junk folder, to ensure that you receive your results. If you haven’t received your results by the designated date, please contact the admissions office as mentioned in the previous communication.

At Gurukul, we are committed to providing continuous guidance and support to these budding scholars. Our aim is to nurture their potential, encourage curiosity, and instill a lifelong love for learning. Together, we will strive for even greater heights in the academic world.

The Journey Continues:

In closing, we celebrate the success of our 11+ exam achievers and extend our heartfelt gratitude to the parents who have played an indispensable role in this journey. As these young minds move forward, they carry with them the promise of a brilliant future, where they will continue to shine and excel.

To all the students, remember that your potential knows no bounds, and your dreams are within reach. At Gurukul, we believe in your abilities, and we are excited to witness the remarkable achievements that lie ahead.

Once again, congratulations to all our 11+ exam achievers and their proud parents. Together, we embrace the bright future that awaits us on this journey of learning and success.

Understanding the 11+ Entrance Test Results and Admissions Process in Birmingham Grammar Schools

Are you among the many parents eagerly awaiting the results of the 11+ entrance test for Birmingham’s prestigious grammar schools? If so, we’ve got the latest information to guide you through this crucial phase of your child’s educational journey.

Important Update: Results Notification

As of October 12, 2023, the Birmingham grammar schools’ entrance test results for the 2024 entry will be dispatched via email on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, to the email address provided during your child’s test registration. These emails will be sent throughout the day. However, if you haven’t received the email by Wednesday, October 18, and you’ve confirmed that it’s not in your spam or junk folder, please note that you should contact the admissions office starting on Wednesday, October 18. Please avoid contacting the admissions office on Tuesday, October 17.

Understanding the Test Results

For the 2024 entry, you will receive your child’s test score by Friday, October 20, 2023. This information is vital because you must complete your Local Authority preference form by October 31, 2023. Parents and guardians will then have the opportunity to decide whether or not to include any of the Birmingham Grammar Schools on their Local Authority preference form.

Qualifying Scores and Priority Scores

It’s essential to understand the scores your child achieved. For the 2024 intake, the qualifying score is 205, the same as it was for the 2023 intake. Priority scores for 2024 and 2023 also remain the same at 224. This consistency ensures a level playing field for all students.

Not Achieving the Qualifying Score

If your child’s score falls below the qualifying score, it’s crucial not to list the school on your preference form. Only students who meet or exceed the qualifying score will be considered for a place in the Birmingham Grammar Schools.

Equal Preference System

When it comes to offers, all Local Authorities must operate an equal preference system. If your child meets the criteria for two or more schools, the Local Authority will offer a place at the school ranked highest on your preference form. Therefore, putting a grammar school first on your preference form doesn’t put at risk the chance of being offered a place at other schools you’ve listed. The decision often depends on the distance between your home and the school, especially for non-selective schools.

Moreover, if your child achieves the qualifying score or above, they will automatically be placed on the waiting list for schools listed higher than the school offered on your preference form.

‘Cut-Off’ Scores

The ‘cut-off’ scores represent the score required for entry at each of the schools. These scores are determined based on the child offered the final place at the school on offer day in March. Understanding these scores provides insights into your child’s prospects.

In conclusion, navigating the Birmingham grammar school admissions process can be challenging, but it’s essential to stay informed and make decisions that align with your child’s abilities and aspirations. Keep these key dates and information in mind as you await your child’s test results and prepare for the next steps in their educational journey. The Birmingham Grammar Schools prioritize transparency and fairness, ensuring a level playing field for all applicants.

For detail refer Birmingham Grammar Schools Website