Withington Girls' School (11+) 11 Plus Exam - 2026 Key Information

​Withington Girls' School is a leading selective independent school for girls located in Fallowfield, Manchester. Established in 1890, it provides education to 720+ students aged 7 to 18, covering Key Stage 3 (KS3) and sixth form (6th Form).

Ranked among the best independent schools in the UK, WGS consistently delivers stellar academic results. Parents can view the school's most recent ISI inspection report, which awards WGS the highest possible rating of 'Excellent'.

Recognised as the North West Independent School of the Decade, WGS balances elite academics with a grounded ethos. Students thrive through unique collaborative projects with neighbouring schools and a robust bursary programme, ensuring a diverse, high-achieving community focused on holistic success.

In this guide, I leverage my 18-year education consultancy background to simplify Withington Girls' School 2026 11 plus (11+) Exam admissions for every parent.

Withington Girls' School (WGS) is a leading independent day school in Manchester, renowned for its exceptional academic standards and supportive pastoral care. Catering to girls aged 7 to 18, the school fosters a distinct atmosphere where learning is celebrated. 

With a total population of approximately 720+ pupils, the Senior School maintains a close-knit community. It is highly oversubscribed, with Year 7 admission strictly determined by academic merit. 

The school consistently tops regional league tables, making it a premier choice for parents seeking a rigorous yet balanced education in the North of England.

School Details

• Type of School: Independent Day School
  
• Boarding Type: No Boarding
  
• Gender Type: Girls
  
• Religion: Non-denominational
  
• Age Range: 7–18 years
  
• Number of Pupils (Total): 720+
  
• Withington Girls' School GCSE Results (2025): 92.9% Grades 9–7
  
• Withington Girls' School A-Level Results (2025): 91.4% Grades A*–B
  

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Admissions Details

• Admissions Policy: Selective (Academic Merit)
  
• Number of Places in Year 7 (PAN): ~80–100
  
• Exam Board: Internal Assessment
  
• Number of Stages: 2 (Entrance Exam & Interview)
  
• School Catchment Area: No
  
• Sibling Policy: Yes
  
• Pass Mark: Aim for 90%
  

Attending a Withington Girls' School open day provides vital insight into their supportive academic environment. I have compiled the definitive Withington Girls' School 11 plus exam dates to guide your application strategy. This schedule covers the upcoming 11 plus exam dates and deadlines, ensuring you are fully prepared for every 11+ Exam date milestone.

These dates are arranged chronologically to help you plan the academic year.

Withington Girls' School (WGS) manages its own 11 plus exam process for Year 7 entry in September 2026. As one of the top independent schools in Manchester, the school maintains an "Excellent" ISI rating and a highly competitive admissions cycle, making adherence to strict deadlines essential.

How to Register for 11+ Exam

• Submit the Online Application: Complete the formal registration form by the deadline of Friday 5^th December 2025.
  
• Registration Fee: Pay the non-refundable £50 application fee to finalize your daughter's 11 plus exam registration.
  
• Financial Assistance: Indicate clearly on the application form if you intend to apply for a means-tested bursary. The secondary deadline for the full bursary application is Thursday 11^th December 2025.
  
• Music Scholarships: If your daughter has reached Grade 4 or 5 standard, you must submit a separate Music Scholarship application form alongside the main registration.

What exam board does WGS follow?

The papers are set internally by the school.

How long is the 11+ Exam for WGS?

Parents asking how long the 11+ exam should expect the English, Mathematics, and Reasoning papers to last a full morning.

In this section, we explore the content of the Withington Girls' School 11 Plus Test. The admissions process for Year 7 entry in September 2026 is designed to identify students with academic potential and independent thought. Candidates for the 2026 entry will sit their entrance assessment in January 2026.

As stated in the Withington Girls' School Admissions Policy, the school conducts a rigorous single-day examination. All registered applicants are invited to the school to complete papers in English, Mathematics, and Reasoning.

11+ English

The 11+ English assessment typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes and evaluates reading fluency and sophisticated writing.

• Comprehension: A challenging unseen passage (often literary fiction) followed by questions testing inference and language analysis.
  
• Creative Writing: A task requiring candidates to continue a story or write a vivid description.
  
• What they look for: Sophisticated vocabulary, varied punctuation, and the ability to "show, not tell.
  

11+ Mathematics

The 11+ Mathematics paper (approx. 45–50 minutes) focuses on the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum but scales up to include non-routine challenges.

• Part 1: Rapid arithmetic to check numerical fluency.
  
• Part 2: Multi-step word problems involving fractions, decimals, area, and logic.
  
• Method Marks: WGS awards marks for the correct mathematical process, even if the final answer is incorrect.
  

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11+ Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning

WGS includes these standardized assessments to identify underlying cognitive potential that may not be captured by traditional subjects.

• Format: Typically multiple-choice and strictly timed to measure processing speed.
  
• Skills: Logic, pattern recognition, code-breaking, and spatial reasoning.
  

The 11+ Interview

Following the written examination, a number of girls are invited back for an interview. This is a vital part of the holistic review to see how the child thinks and communicates.

• The interview is informal and explores the child's interests outside of school.
  
• It assesses intellectual curiosity and the student's "teachability."
  
• Parents should review PiAcademy’s 11+ interview questions to help their child feel comfortable during this discussion.
  

WGS does not publish a specific pass mark for the eleven plus exam. Instead, the school assesses candidates holistically based on:

• Entrance examination results
  
• Interview performance
  
• Current school report
  

While the school does not have an official pass mark, if the child is able to achieve 95%+ score in PiAcademy’s 11+ Practice Papers, they will be able to ace the Withington Girls' School 11 plus exam.

Withington Girls' School is widely considered the academic gold standard for girls in the North West. However, securing a place is incredibly competitive, with hundreds of talented girls applying for roughly 80 external Year 7 spots.

I have guided Manchester families through this process for nearly two decades. I often see parents fixate solely on WGS, only to face disappointment if the entrance assessment doesn't go to plan. A robust backup strategy is essential for your peace of mind.

I recommend a portfolio approach: target the Trafford grammar schools alongside two independent alternatives. This ensures your daughter has elite options available, even if Withington Girls' School isn't the final destination.

Top 5 Alternative Grammar and Independent Schools

Most applicants sit for the Trafford Consortium 11+ in September before attempting the independent school exams in January. Here is how the top alternatives compare to WGS.

Why these schools are top alternatives to Withington Girls' School

• Altrincham Grammar School for Girls (AGGS): This is the primary state rival to Withington. It offers exceptional academic results comparable to the private sector but is tuition-free. Admission depends heavily on catchment area and high scores in the Trafford Consortium test.
  
• Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG): Located extremely close to Withington, MHSG is the most natural independent alternative. It offers a slightly broader curriculum and is less intense than WGS, suiting girls who want elite academics with a different pastoral feel.
  
• Loreto Grammar School: For Catholic families, Loreto is a superb option. It combines strong academic rigour with a supportive faith-based environment, consistently achieving top results in national league tables.
  
• Stockport Grammar School: If you are open to a co-educational setting, Stockport Grammar is a fantastic choice. It provides a balanced environment with excellent facilities and is often used as a secure backup by ambitious families.
  

Withington Girls' School (WGS) conducts its own entrance examination for Year 7 entry. This single-stage assessment ensures that candidates possess the academic agility required for their fast-paced curriculum. The assessment consists of four key papers: English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Maths Topics

The Withington Girls' School Maths paper lasts 45 minutes and focuses on National Curriculum Key Stage 2 content. Our analysis of recent 11+ past papers shows a heavy emphasis on problem-solving and mental arithmetic. Mastering 11+ maths requires speed and accuracy under time pressure.

Enhance your preparation with our 11 Plus Maths topics-wise Questions. These resources include comprehensive 11+ maths papers and worksheets designed to build confidence in every topic area.

Analysis of 11+ Exam English Topics

The English assessment is 60 minutes long and evaluates reading and writing skills. Data from 11+ English past papers indicates that girls must demonstrate high-level inference and sophisticated vocabulary.

Mastering these sections is vital. We recommend practicing with our 11+ creative writing resources and comprehension packs to improve speed and accuracy.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Verbal Reasoning Topics

The 50-minute Verbal Reasoning paper tests logic and linguistic ability. Success in 11 plus verbal reasoning depends on a broad vocabulary and the ability to spot patterns quickly. Many 11 plus test papers include sections on making and missing words to challenge students.

Students should familiarise themselves with these patterns using our targeted 11+ practice papers for Verbal Reasoning.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Non-Verbal Reasoning topics

The Non-Verbal Reasoning paper is 20 minutes long and requires spatial awareness. Analysis shows that "Odd One Out" and "Analogies" are frequently featured in 11+ practice papers. This section ensures candidates can process visual information effectively without relying on language.

Which are the Best 11+ Practice Papers for Withington Girls' School?

To succeed at Withington Girls' School, students must practice with materials that mirror the school's challenging standards. Our 11+ english papers and maths resources are specifically tailored for independent school entry.

For the 2024/25 academic year, Senior School fees are set at £6,666 per term. This comprehensive fee covers tuition, most textbooks, and school lunches for every pupil. Parents should anticipate potential adjustments due to upcoming VAT changes on independent school fees.

The school is committed to accessibility through generous Withington Girls' School bursaries. These means-tested awards offer more substantial support than typical private school scholarships. Eligible families can secure up to 100% fee remission via a successful Withington Girls' School bursary application.

Please visit our guide on the most expensive Private Schools UK to see how these costs compare.

• Autumn Half Term 1: 3^rd September 2025 to 17^th October 2025
  
• Autumn Half Term 2: 3^rd November 2025 to 18^th December 2025
  
• Spring Half Term 1: 6^th January 2026 to 13^th February 2026
  
• Spring Half Term 2: 23^rd February 2026 to 2^nd April 2026
  
• Summer Half Term 1: 21^st April 2026 to 22^nd May 2026
  
• Summer Half Term 2: 1^st June 2026 to 3^rd July 2026
  

This information has been sourced from Get Information about Schools and Withington Girls' School Official Website.

Independent school admissions involve direct applications, distinct registration deadlines, and bespoke pre-testing. Review these official inspection reports and testing guidelines to prepare your child for Withington Girls' School.​

• UK Govt. - Get Information on Withington Girls' School Page​
  
• Withington Girls' School ISI Report​
  
• Withington Girls' School Admissions Policy​
  
• UK Govt. - Schools, pupils and their characteristics data​
  
• Withington Girls' School - Charity Commission​