About BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School)
BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School) is a co-educational independent day school in Birmingham & West Midlands. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own assessment process, which includes academic assessment in English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School) is committed to providing an outstanding educational experience for every pupil, with excellent academic results, strong pastoral care and a thriving extracurricular programme. Scholarships and bursaries are available to support pupils with talent and financial need.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School)
BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School) Admissions Criteria
BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School) is a co-educational independent day school in Birmingham & West Midlands. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own assessment process, which includes academic assessment in English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
- ✓Step 1 — Initial enquiry: Contact the Admissions Team at BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School) to register your interest and request a prospectus. Visit the school on an Open Day or arrange a private tour to experience the school environment first-hand.
- ✓Step 2 — Submit registration: Complete the online (or paper) registration form and pay the registration fee to formally apply for a Year 7 place at BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School). Early registration is recommended — many independent schools have rolling admissions and limited Year 7 places.
- ✓Step 3 — Reference from current school: The school will request an academic and pastoral reference from your child's current school. This provides insight into your child's academic progress, character and suitability.
- ✓Step 4 — Entrance assessment: Your child will sit BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School)'s own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The assessment is designed by the school's academic staff to identify both current ability and future academic potential.
- ✓Step 5 — Interview (where applicable): Many independent schools include an interview as part of the selection process — this is a friendly conversation to learn about their interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether them child has been offered a place at BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School).
- ✓Step 7 — Accept the place: To accept an offer, parents complete an acceptance form and pay a deposit to secure the place. The deposit is typically credited against future school fees.
- ✓Academic Scholarships: Awarded to applicants demonstrating exceptional academic ability in the entrance assessment.
- ✓Music Scholarships: For pupils with proven musical ability — supported by an audition.
- ✓Art & Drama Scholarships: For pupils with strong creative and performance ability, supported by a portfolio or audition.
- ✓Sport Scholarships: For pupils with talent and achievement in sport at a competitive level.
- ✓Bursary Awards: Means-tested financial support for families who require help with school fees at BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School). Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School) Oversubscription Criteria
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- Children who achieve the highest scores in the 11+ entrance test.
- Children living within the school's priority catchment area.
- Children with siblings currently attending BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School).
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School) 2026
| 📌 Open Events | Throughout the year — check school website to register |
| 📌 Application Window | Rolling admissions — apply early to secure assessment slot |
| 📌 Entrance Assessment | Arranged after registration submitted |
| 📌 Decision Notification | Following assessment, by written letter from the Head |
| 📌 Acceptance & Deposit | Deposit required to secure offered place |
How to Apply to BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School)
Step 1 — Attend an Open Event or book an individual tour at Bablake
Attend an Open Event or book an individual tour at Bablake (Coundon Road) or King Henry VIII (Warwick Road) site
Step 2 — Complete the online application form available
Complete the online application form available on the school's website
Step 3 — Pay the non-refundable £90 registration fee
Pay the non-refundable £90 registration fee
Step 4 — The school confirms receipt
The school confirms receipt and sends details of the admissions process
Step 5 — Your child attends Bablake
Your child attends Bablake or KHVIII for an entrance assessment day (typically November or January)
Step 6 — Sit the 11+ assessments in English, Mathematics
Sit the 11+ assessments in English, Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning
Step 7 — The school requests a reference from your child's current
The school requests a reference from your child's current school
Step 8 — Following assessment and review, offers are communicated
Following assessment and review, offers are communicated — on acceptance, pay the deposit to secure the place
Independent Subjects Tested at BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School)
Scholarships & Bursaries at BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School)
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Art, Music, Sport Scholarships, plus New Entrant Bursaries. Part of the Coventry School Foundation (HMC member).
Outcome announced: Year 7 Entry Scholarships awarded for English, Maths, Music, Art and General Academic
Additional notes: BKHS is the merged identity of Bablake School (founded 1344) and King Henry VIII School (founded 1545). Senior school is split across Bablake (Coundon Road) and KHVIII (Warwick Road) sites in Coventry.
Independent Practice Papers for BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School)
BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School) uses School's own bespoke 11+ format. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
How to Prepare for the BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School) 11+ Exam
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Academic Performance at Bablake and King Henry VIII School (GCSE & A-Level Results)
Bablake and King Henry VIII School (BKHS) is one of Coventry’s leading independent providers, with a strong academic record at GCSE and A-Level and a sixth form regarded as one of the most successful in the region.
- GCSE: a strong record across a broad curriculum.
- A-Level: a successful regional sixth form with strong results.
- Progression: high rates of progression to leading universities.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for Bablake and King Henry VIII School
Bablake and King Henry VIII School is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. As day schools, places are open to families from across Coventry, Warwickshire and the wider West Midlands, with entry by assessment rather than where a family lives.
The schools sit on campuses just outside Coventry city centre (Bablake on Coundon Road and King Henry VIII on Warwick Road), with main entry points from Nursery and Reception, at 7+, and at 11+ and the Sixth Form.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Bablake and King Henry VIII School (BKHS) brings together two historic Coventry independent schools — Bablake, founded in 1344, and King Henry VIII, founded in 1545 — under the Coventry School Foundation, with both names preserved. They are co-educational independent day schools (ages 3–18) and members of HMC, known for high expectations, strong pastoral care and a rich, mutually supportive community.
There is an extensive co-curricular programme spanning sport, music, art, drama and outdoor education. For the full list, see the schools’ own websites.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bablake and King Henry VIII School
How do I get into BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School)?
To gain entry to BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School) Year 7, parents register their child with the Admissions Team, submit a registration fee and arrange for the child to sit the 11+ entrance assessment covering English and Mathematics. A reference from the current school is required. Following the assessment and any interview, parents are notified in writing of the outcome.
What entrance exam does BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School) use?
BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School) sets its own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The papers are designed by the school's academic staff and may differ from national exam boards. Practice papers in the relevant 11+ format (such as the ones ExamTutor provides) are excellent preparation for the school's own assessment.
What is the 11+ exam at BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School)?
BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School) uses its own 11+ entrance assessment for Year 7 entry. The assessment covers English and Mathematics, designed to identify both current ability and future academic potential. An interview with the Head or Deputy Head may also form part of the selection process.
Are there scholarships at BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School)?
Yes. BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School) offers Academic, Music, Art, Drama and Sport scholarships. Means-tested Bursary Awards are also available to support families requiring financial assistance with school fees. Contact the Admissions Office for current scholarship and bursary information.
When should I apply to BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School)?
Most independent schools including BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School) accept applications throughout the year, but Year 7 places are often offered 12-18 months in advance. Register early — ideally by Year 5 (age 9-10) — to secure assessment slots and avoid disappointment.
Are there free Independent 11+ practice papers for BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School)?
Yes. ExamTutor offers a free Independent 11+ Practice Test Paper and free Tutor Video Explanations. The practice paper matches the format of independent school 11+ entrance exams covering English and Mathematics — the subjects typically tested at BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School). No registration required.
When is the BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School) 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School) is Before the November or January assessment date. The registration fee is £90 non-refundable. Always check the school's official admissions page for current details.
When are BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School) 11+ results announced?
At BKHS (Bablake and King Henry VIII School), 11+ assessment results are After assessment. The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.