About King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham
King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham is a boys independent day school in Birmingham. 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.
King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham 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 King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham
King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham Admissions Criteria
King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham is a boys independent day school in Birmingham. 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 King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham 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 King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham. 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 King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham's own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English and Mathematics. 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 his interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether him child has been offered a place at King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham.
- ✓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 King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham 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 King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham 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 King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham
Step 1 — Visit KES Birmingham at an Open Day
Visit KES Birmingham at an Open Day — held each term, student-led tour, meet staff and existing parents, hear from the Head
Step 2 — Register between March and mid-September of Year 6
Register between March and mid-September of Year 6 — complete the 11+ Application Form online
Step 3 — Pay the £50 non-refundable registration fee at the time
Pay the £50 non-refundable registration fee at the time of application
Step 4 — Indicate interest in a music scholarship
Indicate interest in a music scholarship on the registration form (you'll be sent a further form to complete)
Step 5 — Your son sits the 11+ Entrance Examination at the
Your son sits the 11+ Entrance Examination at the beginning of October — English and Mathematics (two one-hour papers)
Step 6 — School advice: 'do not seek additional tuition
School advice: 'do not seek additional tuition for the examination'
Step 7 — Outstanding candidates called for interview
Outstanding candidates called for interview (academic scholarships do not need separate application)
Step 8 — Following assessment, offers are communicated
Following assessment, offers are communicated — about 96 spots for Year 7 each year
Independent Subjects Tested at King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham
Scholarships & Bursaries at King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic and Music Scholarships at 11+ — 5-50% of fees. About 15-20 scholarships offered annually for Year 7. Music auditions required (high standard). Assisted Places available. Director of Admissions: Miss Neelam Malik (admissions@kes.org.uk / 0121 415 6056).
Outcome announced: 15-20 scholarships offered annually to Year 7 entry. Academic scholarships do not need separate application. Music scholarships require audition.
Additional notes: King Edward's School (KES) is an independent boys' day school in Edgbaston, Birmingham (founded 1552 by King Edward VI). ~825 pupils ages 11-18. IB Diploma (no A-levels) since 2010. Shares site with King Edward VI High School for Girls (KEHS) — joint head teacher (Chief Master & Principal: Kirsty von Malaisé) since Sept 2024. Alumni include J.R.R. Tolkien.
Independent Practice Papers for King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham
King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham 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 King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham 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 King Edward's School, Birmingham (GCSE & IB Results)
King Edward’s School is one of the most academically successful boys’ schools in the country, and since 2010 has taught the International Baccalaureate Diploma (rather than A-Levels) in the Sixth Form.
- GCSE: an outstanding record across a broad curriculum.
- IB Diploma: excellent results, consistently ranked among the best IB schools in the world.
- Progression: strong progression to leading universities, including Oxbridge.
Exam results change annually, so always confirm the latest published figures on the school’s website.
Catchment Area for King Edward's School, Birmingham
King Edward’s School is an independent school and does not operate a catchment area. As a day school, places are open to bright boys from across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands, with selective entry by the school’s own examination rather than where a family lives; the school has a long tradition of widening access, offering Assisted Places each year.
It occupies a 50-acre Edgbaston campus shared with King Edward VI High School for Girls; main entry points are 11+ and 13+, with a dedicated Sixth Form.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Extracurricular Life
Founded in 1552 by King Edward VI and part of the Foundation of the Schools of King Edward VI, King Edward’s School (KES) is a leading independent day school for boys (ages 11–18) on a 50-acre Edgbaston campus shared with its twinned sister school, King Edward VI High School for Girls. With the motto ‘Domine salvum fac regem’ and alumni including J. R. R. Tolkien, it is one of the country’s most academically successful boys’ schools, yet is known for a well-considered, non-‘exam-factory’ ethos and a strong commitment to access through Assisted Places.
Co-curricular strengths include outstanding music (with several bands, a choir that sings at St Philip’s Cathedral and a joint choral society with KEHS) alongside drama, sport and a wide range of societies. For the full list, see the school’s own website.
Frequently Asked Questions about King Edward's School, Birmingham
How do I get into King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham?
To gain entry to King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham 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 King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham use?
King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham sets its own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English and Mathematics. 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 King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham?
King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham 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 King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham?
Yes. King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham 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 King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham?
Most independent schools including King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham 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 King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham?
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 King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham. No registration required.
When is the King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham 11+ registration deadline?
The registration deadline at King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham is Mid-September of Year 6 (applications open in March). The registration fee is £50 non-refundable. Always check the school's official admissions page for current details.
When are King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham 11+ results announced?
At King Edward's School (KES) Birmingham, 11+ assessment results are After assessment + interview. The deadline to accept a place is As specified in offer letter.