Bishop Vesey's Grammar School 11+
Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for Bishop Vesey's Grammar School.
How to get into Bishop Vesey's Grammar School
Bishop Vesey's Grammar School is a selective secondary school in Birmingham. To get into Bishop Vesey's Grammar School children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into Bishop Vesey's Grammar School with all the important information you need to know.
Admission Requirements
Children born between 1st September 2014 and 31st August 2015 are eligible for Year 7 entry in September 2026 (see key dates). The school offers 192 places annually for Year 7 admission [1].
Bishop Vesey's Grammar School has a qualifying score of 205 and no longer has a residence requirement, meaning pupils are admitted solely on test performance [1]. The school is a selective boys' school for ages 11-16 with a mixed sixth form for ages 16-18.
Families must ensure their child is currently in Year 5 when applying for Year 7 admission [1]. The school does not have a catchment area, so families from any location can apply based purely on test performance.
Application Process
The application process involves two key components: registering for the entrance test and submitting a Common Application Form. Registration for the West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test opens on Tuesday 6th May 2025 and closes on Friday 27th June at 4pm (see key dates) [1].
Families register online at westmidlandsgrammarschools.co.uk by entering their postcode and child's gender. The system will direct families to the appropriate registration portal and provide email confirmation [1]. A recent passport-sized photograph of the child must be uploaded during registration.
After receiving test results in mid-October, families must complete the secondary school Common Application Form through their home local authority, listing Bishop Vesey's as a preference by 31st October 2025 (see key dates) [1].
- Register online for the entrance test between 6th May and 27th June 2025
- Upload a recent passport-sized photograph during registration
- Apply for reasonable adjustments by 13th June 2025 if needed
- Submit the Common Application Form by 31st October 2025
- Only list the school as a preference if the child meets the qualifying score
- Contact details available in the school information section
Entrance Test Information
Bishop Vesey's is part of the West Midlands Grammar Schools partnership of 19 schools, meaning families need to take only one test regardless of how many partnership schools they apply to [1]. The test takes place between Saturday 13th September and Monday 15th September 2025 (see key dates).
The West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ consists of two one-hour papers divided into smaller, individually-timed sections. Test results are weighted as 50% English/verbal reasoning, 25% non-verbal reasoning, and 25% mathematics [1].
Children are allocated a test venue and morning or afternoon slot, with results released on Friday 17th October (see key dates). As guidance, the minimum qualifying score for 2024 entry was 205 [1].
- Two papers covering English comprehension, verbal reasoning, mathematics, and non-verbal reasoning
- All questions are multiple-choice format with separate answer sheets
- Results are age-standardised to ensure fairness across age groups
- No writing component in the English section
- Test provided by GL Assessment with familiarisation materials available
Oversubscription Criteria
If more children achieve the qualifying score than places available, Bishop Vesey's applies specific oversubscription criteria [1]. Priority is given in the following order:
- Looked-After or previously Looked-After children who achieve the qualifying score, ranked by test score
- Up to 38 children eligible for free school meals who achieve the qualifying score, ranked by test score
- Other children who achieve the qualifying score, ranked by test score
- When test scores are equal, children living nearest the school are prioritised, with distances measured in a straight line to the main entrance
Preparation Guidance
Effective preparation should begin well in advance of the test date. Educational psychologists recommend regular study sessions of 20-30 minutes for children aged 10-11, using a 'little and often' approach to learning [1].
Families should focus on building strong foundations in Key Stage 2 mathematics and English comprehension skills. Practice materials covering verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and spatial reasoning are essential, as these topics may not be taught extensively in mainstream primary schools.
Children consistently scoring 80-85% in practice tests typically perform well in the actual examination. For specific preparation resources, families should explore practice papers and consider tutoring support if additional help is needed.
- Start preparation 12-18 months before the test date
- Focus on Key Stage 2 curriculum mathematics and English
- Practice verbal and non-verbal reasoning regularly
- Use GL Assessment familiarisation materials available online
- Take regular practice tests under timed conditions
- Ensure children are familiar with multiple-choice answer sheets
Practical Advice
On test day, children should arrive well-rested and with appropriate stationery including pencils, erasers, and a ruler. The school provides all necessary materials, but familiar equipment can boost confidence. Children should eat a good breakfast and arrive at the test centre with plenty of time to spare.
Managing test anxiety is crucial for optimal performance. Families should maintain normal routines leading up to the test and avoid intensive cramming sessions. Instead, focus on regular practice and building familiarity with question types and timing constraints.
For backup options in Birmingham, families should research other local grammar schools within the West Midlands partnership as well as high-performing comprehensive schools. Families will receive notification of school allocation in early March 2026 (see key dates).
- Practice completing answer sheets correctly before test day
- Familiarise children with the test venue location and travel time
- Maintain regular sleep patterns in the weeks before the test
- Consider visiting other West Midlands grammar schools as backup options
- Ensure children understand time management across different test sections
- For specific queries, contact details available in the school information section
Important Dates Timeline
The admissions timeline spans from May 2025 through March 2026, with several critical deadlines families must observe:
West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ Information
In order to get into Bishop Vesey's Grammar School, children need to pass the West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+. This 11+ test is written by GL Assessment for use by the school's admissions process.
Other Schools using West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+
As well as Bishop Vesey's Grammar School, several other schools also use West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+. These are:
- King Edward VI Aston School
- King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys
- King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls
- King Edward VI Five Ways School
- King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys
- King Edward VI Handsworth School
- Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls
- Haberdashers' Adams
- Newport Girls' High School Academy
- Queen Mary's Grammar School
- Queen Mary's High School
- Alcester Grammar School
- King Edward VI School
- Lawrence Sheriff School
- Rugby High School
- Stratford Girls' Grammar School
- Wolverhampton Girls' High School
West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ Marking Process
The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as Bishop Vesey's Grammar School is that only children with particularly high marks are admitted. Hence why it is important that children perform well in their 11+ papers.
Different schools (and different 11+ tests) have different marking processes. Some tests are marked in person, some remotely, while others utilise computer-based optical recognition technologies for quickly marking multiple-choice answer sheets.
Many 11+ tests are age-standardised to ensure younger children are not disadvantaged (i.e. their marks may be moderated depending on the month in which they were born). While creative writing papers can be used as tie-breakers, multiple-choice tests in Maths, Comprehension, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning normally make up the bulk of a child's marks. The specific details and weightings can vary from year to year.
It's worth remembering that once children's 11+ tests are being marked, the admissions process is completely outside of the parents' control. Hence, parents should not worry themselves about whether their child has got a place!
West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ Pass Mark
The pass mark for the West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ changes every year and isn't generally made public knowledge. This is due to the academic strength of the children taking the test varying and how challenging the test ends up being (as well as plenty of other smaller variables).
Hence, as a vague rule-of-thumb, it's recommended that children aim for roughly 75-80% in their practice tests. Whilst this won't guarantee them a place at Bishop Vesey's Grammar School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.
Key Dates for the Bishop Vesey's Grammar School 11+ Entrance Tests
Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into Bishop Vesey's Grammar School) as well as other relevant dates.
| Date | Event | Calendar Link |
|---|---|---|
| 06/05/2025 | Registration Opens For The West Midland Grammar Schools Entrance Test | Add Dates to Calendar |
| 13/06/2025 | Reasonable Adjustments Deadline | |
| 27/06/2025 | Test Registration Closes | |
| Late October | Secondary School Applications Close At 5pm | |
| 02/03/2026 | Secondary School National Offers Day |
Although the utmost care has been taken to gather these dates, parents should treat them as a guide and check with Bishop Vesey's Grammar School as they may well change.
11+ Tutor for Bishop Vesey's Grammar School
As the West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ entrance process is particularly gruelling, we would highly recommend using an 11+ private tutor.
Why use a private 11+ tutor?
Personal tutors have the experience and expertise to help children pass their 11+ exams. They know the requirements of the GL Assessment 11+ tests inside-out and can provide tailored support to give children the best possible chance of success. It's also important to bear in mind that plenty of other children will be using private tutors too.
11+ tutors don't need to be face-to-face, plenty of children use online 11+ tutors.
11+ tutors can also provide regular progress reports and feedback, helping parents to monitor their child's progress and make any necessary adjustments to their preparation.
Most importantly, using an 11+ tutor helps ensure that the preparation work gets done!
Private 11+ Tutors for the Bishop Vesey's Grammar School 11+ Tests
We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the Bishop Vesey's Grammar School 11+ entrance tests. Please click here to be put in touch with a range of excellent 11+ private tutors from our friends at exams.courses.
11+ Past Papers for Bishop Vesey's Grammar School
Here are all available past 11+ papers for Bishop Vesey's Grammar School. Please note that this may include 11+ past papers, past familiarisation booklets, past practice materials published by third parties and past 11+ exam guides written by the school. These materials are provided 'as-is' and may no longer reflect the subjects, format, structure or exam board that Bishop Vesey's Grammar School currently uses.
The exam board (or test supplier) that Bishop Vesey's Grammar School chooses to use for their 11+ entrance tests can change and we encourage you to check directly with the school.
As well as these past 11+ papers, you may find our extensive collection of 11+ practice papers helpful for your child's preparation.
| Exam Board | Subject | 11+ Past Paper |
|---|---|---|
| CEM* Now use GL Assessment | Mixed |
11+ Practice Papers for Bishop Vesey's Grammar School
Here are some superb free 11+ practice papers that children can download and use to help prepare for the West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ Ensure you double-check with Bishop Vesey's Grammar School which subjects and topics your child's 11+ tests are in to ensure you prepare for the right tests.
This is just a sample of our extensive collection of 11+ practice papers. Please click here to see the full collection.
11+ Practice Papers for Bishop Vesey's Grammar School by Bond
These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by Bond and cover and cover all the main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. As such they are very helpful for children hoping to pass the West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ to get into Bishop Vesey's Grammar School.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning | ||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | ||
| GL Assessment | Mixed |
11+ Practice Papers for Bishop Vesey's Grammar School by GL Assessment
These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by GL Assessment themselves. As with the Bond papers, they cover all the main 11+ subjects: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. They remain useful and we encourage parents to download and use them with their children to help them get into Bishop Vesey's Grammar School.
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | |||
| GL Assessment | Maths | |||
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Mixed |
11+ Practice Papers for Bishop Vesey's Grammar School by Exam Ninja
These Free 11+ Practice Tests by Exam Ninja are extremely useful. They are straight-forward 10-question tests in Maths and English, following the same GL Assessment style (and multiple-choice format) as the West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | English |
11+ Practice Papers for Bishop Vesey's Grammar School by Owl Tutors
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by Owl Tutors. These too are written in a GL Assessment style and make useful practice for children hoping to get into Bishop Vesey's Grammar School.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | English | ||
| GL Assessment | Writing | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths | ||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Bishop Vesey's Grammar School by CGP
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. As with the Bond, GL Assessment and Exam Ninja papers, they're written for the GL Assessment style, in multiple-choice format and are helpful for children hoping to pass their 11+ tests and get into Bishop Vesey's Grammar School.
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Maths | |||
| GL Assessment | English | |||
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
These Free CEM 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. If Bishop Vesey's Grammar School ever used them then they don't anymore as grammar schools no longer use CEM for any of their 11+ entrance tests. However, as a general practice tool these 11+ tests remain useful.
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CEM | Maths | |||
| CEM | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| CEM | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Bishop Vesey's Grammar School by 11+ For You
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "11+ For You".
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Bishop Vesey's Grammar School by Examberry
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "Examberry".
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Bishop Vesey's Grammar School by Independent Junction
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by Independent Junction.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning |
11+ Practice Papers for Bishop Vesey's Grammar School by IPS
These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by IPS (Internet Primary School Ltd).
| Exam Board | Subject | Answer Sheet | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | |||
| GL Assessment | Maths |
11+ Practice Papers for Bishop Vesey's Grammar School by Schofield & Sims
These 11+ practice papers were published by Schofield & Sims, a large UK educational publisher.
| Exam Board | Subject | Question Booklet | Answers |
|---|---|---|---|
| GL Assessment | Verbal Reasoning | ||
| GL Assessment | Maths |
School Information
Below you will find further information about Bishop Vesey's Grammar School together with their admissions contact details.
| Address | Bishop Vesey's Grammar School, Lichfield Road, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands B74 2NH |
|---|---|
| School Website | https://bvgs.co.uk/admission-policy/ |
| Telephone | 01212505400 |
| Gender | Boys only |
| Total Year 7 Places | Unknown |
| Total Pupils (Girls/Boys) | 1347 (107 Girls / 1240 Boys) |
| Headteacher | Mr Dominic Robson |
Bishop Vesey's Grammar School is a boys only school. It is also an academy, meaning the school is run independently by a trust or sponsor and is directly funded by the central government (not the local authority).
In total 1,347 pupils attend Bishop Vesey's Grammar School and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr Dominic Robson.
Bishop Vesey's Grammar School Location
Below you will find a map showing the school's location:
Ofsted Information
Bishop Vesey's Grammar School was last inspected by Ofsted on 08/10/2014 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 24/10/2014, declaring that the school was 'Outstanding'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.
Last Ofsted Report Data
| Date Inspected | Inspection Duration (Days) | Reporting Date | Rating | Full Report | 08/10/2014 | 1 | 24/10/2014 | Outstanding | Full Report |
|---|
GCSE & A-Level Subjects
Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at Bishop Vesey's Grammar School for the 2022-23 academic year.
| GCSE Subjects Offered |
|
|---|---|
| A-Level Subjects Offered |
|
GCSE & A-Level Performance
Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for Bishop Vesey's Grammar School per subject. Note that this may include children taking GCSEs early (e.g. taking a language GCSE in Year 10) or indeed a child in Year 12 retaking a GCSE.
GCSE Results Information (2022-23)
| Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | ||
| Art & Design | 22 | - | - | - | - | - | 2 | 1 | 8 | 3 | 8 |
| Biology | 155 | - | - | - | - | 3 | 7 | 27 | 35 | 40 | 43 |
| Chemistry | 155 | - | - | - | - | 2 | 10 | 21 | 31 | 47 | 44 |
| Chinese | 29 | - | - | - | - | - | 1 | - | 7 | 9 | 11 |
| Computer Studies/Computing | 68 | - | - | - | - | 3 | 3 | 24 | 11 | 20 | 7 |
| Design & Technology | 35 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 5 | 8 | 16 | 6 |
| Economics | 88 | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | 12 | 26 | 15 | 19 | 12 |
| English Language | 159 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 12 | 42 | 46 | 38 | 20 |
| English Literature | 159 | - | - | 2 | - | - | 14 | 34 | 49 | 33 | 27 |
| French | 58 | 2 | - | - | 7 | 12 | 9 | 13 | 3 | 3 | 9 |
| Geography | 114 | - | - | - | 2 | - | 7 | 22 | 28 | 34 | 21 |
| History | 66 | - | - | - | 1 | - | 9 | 7 | 14 | 21 | 14 |
| Mathematics | 159 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 7 | 19 | 37 | 52 | 43 |
| Music | 11 | - | - | - | - | - | - | 3 | 3 | 2 | 3 |
| Physics | 155 | - | - | - | 1 | 2 | 9 | 23 | 37 | 38 | 45 |
| Religious Studies | 32 | - | - | - | - | - | 3 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 4 |
| Spanish | 71 | - | - | - | - | 4 | 7 | 18 | 23 | 13 | 6 |
| Physical Education/Sports Studies | 30 | - | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | 3 | 11 | 5 | 7 |
A-Level Results Information (2022-23)
| Subject | Total Pupils | Grades Achieved | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U | E | D | C | B | A | A* | |||||
| Art and Design (Fine Art) | 9 | - | - | - | 1 | 3 | 4 | 1 | |||
| Biology | 105 | - | 2 | 5 | 19 | 23 | 30 | 26 | |||
| Chemistry | 96 | - | - | 8 | 12 | 23 | 34 | 18 | |||
| Computer Studies / Computing | 18 | - | - | 2 | 3 | 6 | 4 | 3 | |||
| Economics | 34 | - | - | 1 | - | 7 | 18 | 8 | |||
| English Literature | 17 | - | - | - | 6 | 5 | 4 | 2 | |||
| Geography | 27 | - | - | 1 | 5 | 9 | 9 | 3 | |||
| History | 34 | - | - | 2 | 2 | 10 | 16 | 4 | |||
| Mathematics | 124 | - | 2 | 3 | 15 | 23 | 36 | 44 | |||
| Mathematics (Further) | 23 | - | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 8 | |||
| Physical Education / Sports Studies | 13 | - | - | - | 4 | 1 | 4 | 4 | |||
| Physics | 41 | - | 1 | 1 | 7 | 8 | 11 | 12 | |||
| Psychology | 50 | - | - | 2 | 7 | 9 | 17 | 15 | |||
| Religious Studies | 28 | - | - | 1 | 6 | 10 | 9 | 2 | |||
| Spanish | 17 | - | - | 1 | 2 | 7 | 7 | - | |||
FAQ
Is Bishop Vesey's Grammar School hard to get into?
Yes, Bishop Vesey's Grammar School is hard to get into! Children need to pass their challenging 11+ entrance test (with a high pass mark) and there's tough competition with many other children trying to get a place for Year 7.
Is Bishop Vesey's Grammar School a private school?
No, Bishop Vesey's Grammar School is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.
Is Bishop Vesey's Grammar School free?
Yes, Bishop Vesey's Grammar School is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to Bishop Vesey's Grammar School won't cost you any money.
How do I get my child into Bishop Vesey's Grammar School?
You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact Bishop Vesey's Grammar School for how up to date information on how to apply (it may be automatic or it may require some forms to be filled in). More information on their 11+ entrance test can be found here.
Is Bishop Vesey's Grammar School a boys-only school?
Yes, Bishop Vesey's Grammar School is a boys-only school.
