Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School (BVGS) – 11+ Practice Papers with Video Explanations
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School (BVGS) is a selective grammar school for boys aged 11 to 18, with a co-educational Sixth Form, located in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham. Recognised for its academic excellence, strong sporting tradition, and leadership development, BVGS consistently ranks among the top-performing state grammar schools in the West Midlands.
1. History & Background
- Founded in 1527, BVGS is one of the oldest state schools in England, established by Bishop John Vesey, who was the Bishop of Exeter and a close advisor to King Henry VIII.
- Originally, the school was created to provide classical education to local boys, but over the centuries, it has evolved into a high-achieving academic institution.
- BVGS became an academy in 2011, allowing greater control over its curriculum, funding, and governance.
- The school is renowned for its strong academic standards, sports excellence, and emphasis on leadership, character, and service.
- Its motto, “Dare to be Wise,” reflects the school’s ethos of intellectual curiosity and personal development.
2. Pupil Numbers
- Total student population: Approximately 1,200 pupils, from Years 7 to 13.
- Lower School (Years 7–11) – Around 900 students.
- Sixth Form (Years 12–13) – Around 300 students (co-educational, admitting both boys and girls).
- Highly selective admissions process – Entry into Year 7 is based on performance in the West Midlands 11+ entrance exam, while Sixth Form places require strong GCSE results.
3. Academic Reputation & Results
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School is one of the highest-achieving schools in the West Midlands, known for its academic excellence, leadership development, and university success.
📈 Exam Performance & National Rankings
- A-Level Results:
- Over 85% of grades were A–B*.
- Many students secure places at Russell Group universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London.
- GCSE Results:
- *Over 90% of grades were 9–7 (A–A equivalent)**.
- Regularly ranked among the top 20 grammar schools in England based on academic performance.
- Strong reputation in STEM subjects, with students excelling in maths, sciences, and computing competitions.
🏆 Awards & Achievements
- Rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted, with praise for teaching quality, student progress, and extracurricular provision.
- STEM Excellence – BVGS students regularly achieve high rankings in UK Maths Challenges, Science Olympiads, and engineering competitions.
- Sporting Excellence – The school is famous for its success in rugby, hockey, athletics, and cricket, competing at county and national levels.
- Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Programme – Many students achieve Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.
- Strong Music & Performing Arts Tradition, with students performing in choirs, orchestras, and theatre productions.
- National Debating & Public Speaking Champions, with success in Model United Nations (MUN) and national essay competitions.
- Recognised for leadership development, with a strong mentoring and community engagement programme.
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School is one of the UK’s most prestigious and high-achieving state grammar schools, offering exceptional academic results, strong university placements, and outstanding extracurricular activities. With its rich history, modern facilities, and emphasis on leadership and service, BVGS provides an ideal environment for ambitious students.
🏫 Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School – Contact Information
School Name: Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School (BVGS)
Type: Selective State Grammar School for Boys (Co-educational in Sixth Form, Ages 11–18)
📍 Address:
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School
Lichfield Road
Sutton Coldfield
West Midlands
B74 2NH
United Kingdom
☎️ Telephone:
+44 (0)121 250 5400
📧 Email:
enquiry@bishopveseys.bham.sch.uk
🌐 Website:
bvgs.co.uk
📱 Social Media:
-
Twitter/X: @BVGS1527
-
Facebook: Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School
📝 Exam Board: GL Assessment
You can view the school’s location on the map below:
How to Use ExamTutor 11 Plus Practice Papers with Video Explanations to Achieve High Scores for the Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School (BVGS) 11+ Entrance Exam
Admission to Year 7 at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School (BVGS) 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 Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School (BVGS) 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 Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School (BVGS) 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 Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School (BVGS) 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.
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School (BVGS) 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 Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School (BVGS).
📌 Start preparing today with ExamTutor and set your child on the path to 11+ success! 🚀
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School (BVGS) – Year 7 Admissions Criteria & How to Apply
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School (BVGS) is a highly selective boys’ grammar school located in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham. Established in 1527, it is known for its academic excellence, strong extracurricular activities, and outstanding GCSE and A-Level results.
Admission to Year 7 at BVGS is based on performance in the 11+ entrance exam, which is part of the West Midlands Grammar Schools Consortium (formerly the Birmingham Grammar Schools Consortium) and follows the GL Assessment format.
Year 7 Admissions Criteria
To secure a place at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School for Year 7, students must meet the following requirements:
1. 11+ Entrance Examination (GL Assessment)
All applicants must sit the West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ Test, which assesses:
📌 English – Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and punctuation.
📌 Mathematics – Numerical reasoning, arithmetic, and problem-solving.
📌 Verbal Reasoning – Language-based problem-solving skills.
📌 Non-Verbal Reasoning – Pattern recognition, spatial awareness, and sequences.
✔ The test is provided by GL Assessment, and results are standardised.
✔ Only students who achieve the qualifying score will be considered for admission.
✔ The test is taken by students applying to all Birmingham and Warwickshire grammar schools.
2. Oversubscription Criteria
If more students pass the 11+ test than the number of available places, the following priority order is applied:
1️⃣ Looked After or Previously Looked After Children (children in foster care or adopted from care).
2️⃣ Students eligible for Free School Meals/Pupil Premium (who meet the required academic standard).
3️⃣ Students who live within the school’s priority catchment area.
4️⃣ Students with the highest 11+ scores.
📌 Catchment Area:
BVGS gives priority to students living within the Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield areas, but students from outside the catchment may still be considered based on their test scores.
How to Apply for Year 7 Admission
Since BVGS is part of the West Midlands Grammar Schools Consortium, applications follow a two-step process through the school’s registration system and the local authority (Birmingham City Council).
Step 1: Register for the 11+ Exam
📅 Registration Opens: May (Year 5)
- Parents must complete the 11+ registration form via the West Midlands Grammar Schools website.
- A confirmation email will be sent with test details.
Step 2: Attend Open Events (Optional but Recommended)
- Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School holds Open Evenings and Taster Days for prospective students and parents.
- These events provide an opportunity to tour the school, meet teachers, and learn about the curriculum.
Step 3: Sit the 11+ Entrance Exam
📅 Exam Date: September (Year 6)
- The test is conducted at designated Birmingham grammar school test centres.
- Results are standardised to ensure fairness.
Step 4: Receive 11+ Results
📅 Mid-October (Year 6)
- Parents receive their child’s 11+ results before submitting the school preference form.
Step 5: Submit Secondary School Preference Form
📅 Deadline: October 31st (Year 6)
- Parents must list Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School as their preferred school on the Birmingham City Council Secondary School Admissions Form.
Step 6: National Offer Day – Receive Admission Decision
📅 March 1st (Year 6)
- Parents are informed whether their child has secured a place at BVGS.
- If successful, parents must accept the offer to confirm their child’s place.
Step 7: Transition & Induction
📅 Summer Term (before September start)
- Induction Days are held to help students settle in.
Key Dates to Remember
📌 11+ Registration Opens: May (Year 5)
📌 11+ Exam Date: September (Year 6)
📌 11+ Results Sent: Mid-October (Year 6)
📌 Secondary School Application Deadline: October 31st (Year 6)
📌 National Offer Day: March 1st (Year 6)
📌 Year 7 Induction: Summer Term before September entry
(Exact dates may vary each year, so always check the Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School website or Birmingham City Council Admissions Office for updates.)
Scholarships & Bursaries
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School does not offer academic scholarships, but some financial assistance may be available through Pupil Premium funding.
✔ Pupil Premium students may receive priority in admissions.
✔ Free School Meals (FSM) eligibility can support applications.
📌 Parents should indicate eligibility when applying.
Final Tips for a Successful Application
✔ Prepare for the 11+ exam early – Use past papers and reasoning exercises to improve performance.
✔ Encourage reading and problem-solving practice – Strong reasoning skills are essential for the test.
✔ Practice exam techniques – Focus on time management and accuracy under timed conditions.
✔ Attend Open Events – Get familiar with the school environment and ethos.
✔ Check eligibility for Free School Meals/Pupil Premium – This can help if the school uses it as a selection criterion.
Admission to Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School Year 7 is highly competitive, but with early preparation and strong academic performance, your child can maximise their chances of success.
For the most up-to-date information and to apply, visit:
🔗 Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School Website
🔗 West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ Admissions
🔗 Birmingham City Council Admissions
