Birmingham Grammar Schools – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Birmingham is home to some of the most prestigious and academically successful grammar schools in the UK. There are eight grammar schools in the Birmingham consortium, operated by the Grammar Schools in Birmingham (GSB) group. These schools are selective state schools, admitting students based on performance in the 11+ entrance exam, and are non-fee-paying.
🏫 List of Birmingham Grammar Schools:
- King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys
- King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls
- King Edward VI Aston School
- King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls
- King Edward VI Five Ways School
- King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys
- Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School
- Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls
These schools are either part of the King Edward VI Foundation or operate independently (like Bishop Vesey’s).
🏛️ Historical Background
- The King Edward VI Foundation was established in 1552 by Royal Charter from King Edward VI to provide free education in Birmingham.
- The foundation has since grown into one of the most respected educational networks in the UK, including multiple grammar schools and independent schools.
- Schools such as Camp Hill and Five Ways trace their roots back to the 19th century and have maintained long-standing traditions of academic excellence.
👨🎓👩🎓 Pupil Numbers (Approximate):
| School Name | Pupil Numbers | Sixth Form |
|---|---|---|
| Camp Hill Boys | ~950 | ~300 |
| Camp Hill Girls | ~1,100 | ~350 |
| Aston | ~1,000 | ~250 |
| Five Ways | ~1,200 | ~400 |
| Handsworth Girls | ~1,100 | ~350 |
| Handsworth Boys | ~1,000 | ~300 |
| Bishop Vesey’s | ~1,200 | ~350 |
| Sutton Coldfield Girls | ~1,100 | ~300 |
🎓 Academic Reputation
Birmingham grammar schools are consistently ranked among the top state schools in the UK, with outstanding results at both GCSE and A-Level. They have a strong tradition of Oxbridge and Russell Group university placements.
📈 Key Academic Highlights:
-
GCSE:
- 80–95% of students typically achieve grades 7–9 (A–A)*
- Core strengths in Sciences, Maths, English, and Languages
-
A-Level:
- Majority of students achieve A-B*
- Many schools have 40–60+ Oxbridge applicants per year, with strong success rates
- Subjects like Medicine, Law, Economics, Engineering, and Computer Science are popular university choices
🏆 Awards & Recognition
- Multiple schools are regularly featured in The Sunday Times Parent Power rankings
- Many rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted
- High national rankings for:
- University progression
- STEM success (including Olympiads and UKMT competitions)
- Performing arts, debating, and public speaking
- Success in:
- UKMT Maths Challenges
- British Science Olympiads
- Young Enterprise
- Duke of Edinburgh Award
🎒 11+ Entrance & Admissions
- All eight schools are part of the Grammar Schools in Birmingham Consortium
- Entry is via the 11+ Entrance Test coordinated by The Grammar Schools in Birmingham (GSB)
- The exam includes:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Maths
- Reading Comprehension
Note: These schools are non-fee-paying but extremely competitive, with several thousand applicants for a few hundred places each year.
The Birmingham Grammar Schools represent the pinnacle of free state education in the UK, offering a world-class academic experience, outstanding university preparation, and a vast range of enrichment opportunities. Their rich history, exceptional results, and commitment to student development make them some of the most sought-after schools in the country.
📝 Exam Board: GL Assessment
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for the Birmingham Grammar Schools 11+ Entrance Exam
Admission to Year 7 at Birmingham Grammar Schools is based on performance in the GL Assessment 11+ entrance exam.
To secure a place, students must achieve a high score in the entrance test. ExamTutor’s 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a structured and effective way to prepare, ensuring students are fully familiar with the question types and exam format used in the 11+ entrance exam.
How ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations Help Students Succeed
1. Mirrors the GL Assessment 11+ Test Format
ExamTutor’s practice papers closely follow the GL Assessment 11+ test format, covering:
📌 English – Reading comprehension, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary.
📌 Mathematics – Numerical reasoning, arithmetic, and problem-solving.
📌 Verbal Reasoning – Word patterns, logic, and problem-solving.
📌 Non-Verbal Reasoning – Spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and sequences.
✔ By practicing with ExamTutor papers, students become familiar with the structure and content of the Birmingham Grammar Schools entrance exam, improving confidence and performance.
2. Identify Weak Areas & Improve Performance with a Structured Study Plan
A structured study plan is essential for 11+ success. Our practice papers:
✔ Help identify weaker subjects at the earliest stage.
✔ Allow students to focus on specific question types where they struggle.
✔ Include detailed answer explanations so students understand their mistakes and improve.
📌 Tip: Encourage your child to take regular timed practice tests to build exam stamina and confidence.
3. Boost Confidence with Video Explanations
Some 11+ question types can be challenging for students. Our expert-led video explanations:
🎥 Break down complex questions step by step
🎥 Teach proven problem-solving techniques
🎥 Show shortcuts and strategies to save time in the exam
🎥 Help students reinforce learning and build confidence
How to Use Video Explanations Effectively:
✅ Review incorrect answers with video solutions – Identify and correct mistakes early.
✅ Take notes on key strategies – Record important problem-solving techniques for future reference.
✅ Rewatch explanations for difficult topics – Reinforce learning by revisiting challenging areas.
✔ Video explanations ensure students fully understand concepts rather than just memorising answers.
4. Develop Strong Time Management & Exam Techniques
Success in the 11+ entrance exam isn’t just about knowledge—it’s also about:
✔ Time management – Completing questions quickly and accurately under exam conditions.
✔ Skipping tricky questions – Avoid wasting time on difficult questions and returning to them later.
✔ Eliminating wrong answers – Using logical reasoning to improve accuracy.
📌 Tip: Regular timed practice with ExamTutor tests ensures students develop these key exam skills.
5. Build Confidence Before the Big Day
Confidence is crucial for success in the Birmingham Grammar Schools 11+ exam. Our practice tests help by:
✔ Simulating real exam conditions – So students know exactly what to expect.
✔ Providing motivation through measurable improvement.
📌 Tip: Encourage your child to review their mistakes using our detailed video explanations to turn weaknesses into strengths.
Why Choose ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers for Birmingham Grammar Schools Preparation?
✔ GL Assessment-style practice papers covering all tested subjects.
✔ Video explanations for step-by-step learning.
✔ Used successfully by thousands of students every year.
How to Get Started with ExamTutor Practice Papers
1️⃣ Take a practice test – Identify your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
2️⃣ Create a study plan – Focus on weaker areas while reinforcing strengths.
3️⃣ Practice regularly – Use ExamTutor timed papers to simulate real exam conditions.
4️⃣ Review mistakes using video explanations – Learn from errors and improve.
5️⃣ Track progress – Monitor scores over time to ensure continuous improvement.
📌 Tip: Start preparing at least 6–12 months before the exam to allow enough time for practice and improvement.
Birmingham Grammar Schools Year 7 is highly competitive, but ExamTutor 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations provide a powerful tool to maximise your child’s success.
By mirroring the GL Assessment test format, identifying weak areas, improving time management, and building confidence, our practice tests give students the best chance of securing a high score and gaining admission to Birmingham Grammar Schools.
📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀
Birmingham Grammar Schools – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
There are 8 grammar schools in Birmingham that are part of The Grammar Schools in Birmingham consortium. Admission to Year 7 is selective and based entirely on performance in the 11+ entrance test.
🏫 List of Birmingham Grammar Schools
- Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School (Boys)
- King Edward VI Aston School (Boys)
- King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys
- King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls
- King Edward VI Five Ways School (Co-ed Sixth Form)
- King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys
- King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls
- Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls
✅ Year 7 Admissions Criteria
All schools in the consortium use the same entrance test. Places are offered based on:
1. 11+ Entrance Test
- The test includes:
- English Comprehension
- Verbal Reasoning
- Numerical Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- It is produced by GL Assessment and is multiple choice.
- The results are standardised and candidates are ranked.
2. Qualifying Score
- Each school sets a cut-off score which may vary each year based on demand.
- Students who meet or exceed the cut-off score may be eligible for a place depending on the school’s oversubscription criteria.
3. Oversubscription Criteria
If more students qualify than places available, priority is given in this order (varies slightly by school):
- Looked After / Previously Looked After Children
- Children eligible for Pupil Premium / Free School Meals
- Children living in catchment (for schools with defined areas)
- Siblings (only some schools apply this)
- Highest scoring applicants
- Distance from the school (tie-breaker)
📝 How to Apply for Year 7 Entry
1. Register for the 11+ Test
- Registration Opens: May
- Registration Closes: June
- Register online via the official consortium website:
🔗 www.birminghamgrammarschools.org
2. Take the 11+ Test
- Test Date: September
- Test centres are allocated by the consortium after registration.
3. Receive Results
- Results are sent in mid-October — before the CAF deadline — showing your child’s standardised score and rank range.
4. Submit the Common Application Form (CAF)
- List up to 6 school preferences via your local authority (e.g. Birmingham City Council).
- Deadline: 31st October
5. National Offer Day
- Date: 1st March
- Offers are based on test performance, preferences, and each school’s admissions policy.
ℹ️ Useful Links
-
Birmingham Grammar Schools Consortium:
www.birminghamgrammarschools.org -
Birmingham City Council Admissions:
www.birmingham.gov.uk/schooladmissions -
Admissions Policies:
Available on individual school websites or via the consortium
