King Edward VI Aston School 11+

Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for King Edward VI Aston School.

How to get into King Edward VI Aston School

King Edward VI Aston School is a selective secondary school in Birmingham. To get into King Edward VI Aston School children need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Here is the step-by-step guide to getting your child into King Edward VI Aston 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 participates in the West Midlands Grammar Schools partnership which serves 19 grammar schools across Birmingham, Warwickshire, Shropshire, Walsall and Wolverhampton [1].

King Edward VI Aston School offers 140 Year 7 places annually. Only pupils who reach the required standard via an 11+ entrance exam will be considered for entry, and pupils must attain the minimum qualifying score in the exam to be considered for a place [1].

The school has a defined catchment area consisting of electoral wards in Birmingham including Alum Rock, Aston, Bromford & Hodge Hill, Castle Vale, Erdington, Garretts Green, Glebe Farm & Tile Cross, Gravelly Hill, Heartlands, Nechells, Perry Common, Pype Hayes, Shard End, Sheldon, Stockland Green, Sutton Four Oaks, Sutton Mere Green, Sutton Reddicap, Sutton Roughley, Sutton Trinity, Sutton Vesey, Sutton Walmley & Minworth, Sutton Wylde Green, Ward End, Yardley East, Yardley West & Stechford, and Solihull areas including Castle Bromwich, Chelmsley Wood, Kingshurst & Fordbridge, Smith's Wood [1].

All images © King Edward VI Aston School.
All images © King Edward VI Aston School.

Application Process

Families must complete two separate applications for admission consideration. The registration portal for the West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test opens on Tuesday 6th May 2025 and closes on Friday 27th June 2025 (see key dates). Parents must register their child directly with the West Midlands Grammar School Consortium online [1].

Families must name the school as one of their preferred schools on the secondary school common application form, which will be available on home council websites from early September and must be submitted by Friday 31st October 2025 (see key dates). Parents are also obligated to complete a Local Authority Preference form through their home local authority [1].

  • Register for the test through the West Midlands Grammar Schools portal between 6th May 2025 and 27th June 2025 (see key dates)
  • Complete Common Application Form through home local authority by 31st October 2025 (see key dates)
  • Wait for test results before listing grammar schools on application form
  • For contact information, see the school information section

The West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ Test

The 11+ exam takes place in September when children are in Year 6, specifically between Saturday 13th September 2025 and Monday 15th September 2025 for Year 7 entry in September 2026 (see key dates). After registration, children will be invited to take the 11+ exam at one of the participating schools and allocated a test venue and slot to take the test in September [1].

All images © King Edward VI Aston School.
All images © King Edward VI Aston School.

The West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ comprises two papers provided by GL Assessment, with each test lasting around one hour, and children take both tests on the same day. Each paper lasts approximately 60 minutes and the weightings for the test results are 50% for English/verbal reasoning, 25% for non-verbal reasoning and 25% for mathematics [1].

  • English Comprehension - reading passages and answering questions to demonstrate understanding
  • Verbal Reasoning - logical thinking, use of English language and vocabulary
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning - pattern recognition and spatial awareness
  • Mathematics - numerical reasoning and problem-solving skills

All questions in the West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test are multiple-choice, with separate answer sheets marked electronically. Test results will be emailed to families in mid-October 2025, specifically by Friday 17th October (see key dates) [1].

Admission Criteria and Scoring

As a guide, the minimum qualifying score for entry to King Edward VI Aston School in 2024 was 224. If the number of children who achieve the qualifying score exceeds available places, the school applies oversubscription criteria prioritising children in the following order: Looked-After or previously Looked-After Children who achieve the qualifying score ranked by test score and distance; children who get free school meals, achieve the qualifying score, and live in the catchment area ranked by distance; if fewer than 35 places are filled by children in category 2, places are offered to children who get free school meals and achieve the qualifying score outside the catchment area; children who achieve the priority score and live in the catchment area prioritised if they have a sibling at the school then ranked by distance; children who achieve the qualifying score ranked by test score [1].

All images © King Edward VI Aston School.
All images © King Edward VI Aston School.

The school is increasing the percentage of places set aside for children eligible for Pupil Premium from 20% to 25%, and gives priority to non-pupil premium children who achieve a higher score (222) and live in the catchment area of their local selective school [1].

  • First priority: Looked-After and previously Looked-After children
  • Second priority: Pupil Premium children living in catchment area (up to 35 places)
  • Third priority: Children achieving higher score and living in catchment area
  • Final priority: All other qualifying children ranked by test score

Preparation Guidance

Families should begin preparation well in advance of the test date. It's important to build a good knowledge base before the 11+, using a 'little and often' approach when learning as brains encode new information more effectively when dealing with smaller chunks of information. Intensive coaching or tuition is not in the long term best interests of children [1].

For comprehensive preparation resources, families can access free 11+ practice papers and consider professional support through an 11+ tutor. A range of publications designed to assist preparation for entrance tests are available online and from leading bookshops [1].

  • Start preparation 12-18 months before the test date
  • Focus on regular short sessions rather than intensive cramming
  • Practice with GL Assessment style papers as used by the West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+
  • Build strong foundations in English, Mathematics, and reasoning skills
  • Use timed practice tests to develop exam technique

Important Dates and Timeline

Families must carefully follow the admission timeline to ensure successful application. Registration opens on Tuesday 6th May 2025 and closes on Friday 27th June 2025 (see key dates). The entrance test takes place between Saturday 13th September 2025 and Monday 15th September 2025 (see key dates) [1].

Results will be received by Friday 17th October 2025 (see key dates), allowing families time to complete their Common Application Form. The Common Application Form must be submitted by Friday 31st October 2025 (see key dates) [1].

  • 6th May 2025 - Test registration opens (see key dates)
  • 27th June 2025 - Test registration closes (see key dates)
  • 13th-15th September 2025 - 11+ test dates (see key dates)
  • 17th October 2025 - Results available (see key dates)
  • 31st October 2025 - Common Application Form deadline (see key dates)
  • 1st March 2026 - School offers made (see key dates)

Practical Advice for Exam Day

On exam day, children should arrive well-prepared and confident. Children will be allocated a session either in the morning or afternoon, and should receive confirmation of their allocated slot by early September. If children are unable to sit the test on a Saturday for religious reasons, an alternative test day can be arranged by uploading a supporting letter from their religious leader when completing the registration form, with this letter submitted no later than 27th June 2025 (see key dates) [1].

Families should ensure children are well-rested and have eaten a good breakfast before attending the test. There is a short break between the two papers, allowing children to refresh before the second test [1].

  • Arrive at the test centre with plenty of time to spare
  • Bring required identification and any permitted equipment
  • Ensure children have had adequate sleep and nutrition
  • Remind children that all questions are multiple-choice
  • Encourage children to pace themselves during each timed section
  • Stay calm and positive to help reduce children's anxiety

Alternative Options and Backup Plans

Passing the 11+ doesn't guarantee that children will be allocated a place at their preferred school, as many grammar schools are often oversubscribed with qualified children. Families should research other excellent schools in Birmingham as backup options [1].

Children who take the West Midlands Grammar Schools test can be considered for places at any of the selective grammar schools in Birmingham, Shropshire, Walsall, Wolverhampton and Warwickshire, as they only need to sit one test to be eligible to apply for any of the 19 grammar schools in the region. This provides families with multiple opportunities within the same test system [1].

  • Research other grammar schools in the West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ partnership
  • Consider high-performing comprehensive schools in Birmingham
  • Explore specialist schools that match children's interests
  • Keep backup options realistic and achievable
  • For school-specific guidance, contact the school information section

[1]King Edward VI Aston School official website

West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ Information

In order to get into King Edward VI Aston 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.

West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ Subjects & Structure

The West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ requires children to complete tests in the following subjects:

  • English comprehension
  • Maths
  • Verbal reasoning
  • Non-verbal reasoning

The West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test is the examination used by King Edward VI Aston School to assess prospective students. This rigorous assessment consists of two one-hour papers, each divided into smaller sections that evaluate the candidate's abilities in various subjects.

The exam covers a range of topics, including English comprehension, which tests the student's understanding and interpretation of written passages, and Maths, which assesses their numerical and problem-solving skills. Additionally, the entrance test evaluates the candidate's verbal and non-verbal reasoning abilities, which measure their capacity for logical thinking and pattern recognition.

Throughout the examination, students are presented with multiple-choice questions and are required to mark their answers on separate answer sheets. These answer sheets are then electronically marked to ensure accuracy and fairness in the assessment process.

Other Schools using West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+

As well as King Edward VI Aston School, several other schools also use West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+. These are:

West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ Marking Process

The reality of 11+ tests, selective education and academic institutions such as King Edward VI Aston 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.

Most 11+ tests are multiple-choice and marked electronically but still some remain that are marked by teachers or examiners.
Most 11+ tests are multiple-choice and marked electronically but still some remain that are marked by teachers or examiners.

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).

Stop worrying! Once the 11+ marking has started the admissions process is out of your control.
Stop worrying! Once the 11+ marking has started the admissions process is out of your control.

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 King Edward VI Aston School, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Key Dates for the King Edward VI Aston School 11+ Entrance Tests

Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into King Edward VI Aston School) as well as other relevant dates.

DateEventCalendar Link
06/05/2025Registration Opens For The West Midlands Grammar Schools' Entrance Test
13/06/2025Reasonable Adjustments Deadline
27/06/2025Test Registration Closes
Mid OctoberParents Receive Test Results
Late OctoberSecondary School Applications Close At 5pm
02/03/2026Secondary 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 King Edward VI Aston School as they may well change.

11+ Tutor for King Edward VI Aston 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 help ensure preparation work gets done!
11+ tutors help ensure preparation work gets done!

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 King Edward VI Aston School 11+ Tests

We have a range of private tutors who specialise in preparing children for the King Edward VI Aston 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 King Edward VI Aston School

Here are all available past 11+ papers for King Edward VI Aston 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 King Edward VI Aston School currently uses.

The exam board (or test supplier) that King Edward VI Aston 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 BoardSubject11+ Past Paper
CEM*
Now use GL Assessment
Mixed

11+ Practice Papers for King Edward VI Aston 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 King Edward VI Aston 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 King Edward VI Aston 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 King Edward VI Aston School.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMixed

11+ Practice Papers for King Edward VI Aston 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 King Edward VI Aston School.

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMixed

11+ Practice Papers for King Edward VI Aston 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 BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentEnglish

11+ Practice Papers for King Edward VI Aston 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 King Edward VI Aston School.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentWriting
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for King Edward VI Aston 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 King Edward VI Aston School.

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning

These Free CEM 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. If King Edward VI Aston 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 BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
CEMMaths
CEMVerbal Reasoning
CEMNon-Verbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for King Edward VI Aston School by 11+ For You

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by "11+ For You".

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for King Edward VI Aston School by Independent Junction

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by Independent Junction.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning

11+ Practice Papers for King Edward VI Aston School by IPS

These Free 11+ Practice Papers were published some time ago by IPS (Internet Primary School Ltd).

Exam BoardSubjectAnswer SheetQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths

11+ Practice Papers for King Edward VI Aston School by Schofield & Sims

These 11+ practice papers were published by Schofield & Sims, a large UK educational publisher.

Exam BoardSubjectQuestion BookletAnswers
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths

School Information

Below you will find further information about King Edward VI Aston School together with their admissions contact details.

King Edward VI Aston School is a boys-only grammar school.
King Edward VI Aston School is a boys-only grammar school.
Address
King Edward VI Aston School,
Frederick Road, Aston,
Birmingham,
West Midlands
B6 6DJ
School Website
Telephone01213271130
Email Addressenquiry@keaston.bham.sch.uk
GenderBoys only
Total Year 7 Places140
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys)1001 (0 Girls / 1001 Boys)
Headteacher Mr Matthew Brady

King Edward VI Aston 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 1,001 pupils attend King Edward VI Aston School and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr Matthew Brady.

King Edward VI Aston School Location

Below you will find a map showing the school's location:

Ofsted Information

King Edward VI Aston School was last inspected by Ofsted on 10/05/2022 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 30/06/2022, declaring that the school was 'Outstanding'. This information is summarised in the table below along with a link to the full report.

King Edward VI Aston School obtained <strong>Outstanding</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2022.
King Edward VI Aston School obtained Outstanding in their last Ofsted inspection in 2022.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date InspectedInspection Duration (Days)Reporting DateRatingFull Report
10/05/2022130/06/2022OutstandingFull Report

Ofsted Report Summary

King Edward VI Aston School was inspected by Ofsted on 10 May 2022 and received an Outstanding rating in all areas. The school demonstrated exceptional performance in the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management, and sixth form provision.

The inspection report highlights the school's outstanding quality of education, which is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the teaching staff. The school's approach to behaviour and attitudes was also deemed outstanding, creating a positive learning environment that fosters student growth and success. Additionally, the school's commitment to personal development was recognized as outstanding, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for life beyond the classroom.

The leadership and management of King Edward VI Aston School were also rated as outstanding, demonstrating the effectiveness of the school's governance and strategic planning. Finally, the sixth form provision was deemed outstanding, providing students with excellent opportunities for further education and personal growth.

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

Below you will find a complete list of GCSE and A-Level subjects offered to pupils at King Edward VI Aston School for the 2022-23 academic year.

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • Biology (141 pupils)
  • Chemistry (141 pupils)
  • English Language (141 pupils)
  • English Literature (141 pupils)
  • Physics (141 pupils)
  • Mathematics (140 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (139 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (112 pupils)
  • Geography (104 pupils)
  • History (58 pupils)
  • Design & Technology (46 pupils)
  • French (26 pupils)
  • Chinese (21 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Fine Art) (13 pupils)
  • German (13 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (13 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Photography) (9 pupils)
  • Music (7 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Mathematics (86 pupils)
  • Chemistry (79 pupils)
  • Biology (73 pupils)
  • Economics (42 pupils)
  • Psychology (31 pupils)
  • Physics (27 pupils)
  • History (23 pupils)
  • Government and Politics (19 pupils)
  • Computer Studies / Computing (13 pupils)
  • English Literature (12 pupils)
  • Mathematics (Further) (8 pupils)
  • Geography (7 pupils)

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for King Edward VI Aston 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)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
U123456789
Art & Design (Fine Art)13---2322211
Biology141---351433372425
Chemistry1411---71421354122
Chinese21-----13575
Computer Studies/Computing112--2411212720198
Design & Technology46----33141538
English Language141----81440343510
English Literature141---132437382810
French26----652391
Geography104---371328311210
German13----242131
History58--1-3111414114
Mathematics140----2822374724
Music7----12-112
Art & Design (Photography)9--1-3-5---
Physics1411--141229253930
Religious Studies139---45834343321
Physical Education/Sports Studies13---22324--

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
UEDCBAA*
Biology73-5111719137
Chemistry79-3122417183
Computer Studies / Computing13-1-1632
Economics42-56121053
English Literature12--13331
Geography7--12112
Government and Politics19-13545-
History23--1758-
Mathematics86-881722188
Mathematics (Further)8---1214
Physics27-259423
Psychology31-12101042

FAQ

Is King Edward VI Aston School hard to get into?

Yes, King Edward VI Aston 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 King Edward VI Aston School a private school?

No, King Edward VI Aston School is one of the few remaining academically selective, state-funded grammar schools left in England.

Is King Edward VI Aston School free?

Yes, King Edward VI Aston School is free, there are no school fees. Thus, sending your child to King Edward VI Aston School won't cost you any money.

How do I get my child into King Edward VI Aston School?

You need to apply to take the school's 11+ test. Contact King Edward VI Aston 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 King Edward VI Aston School a boys-only school?

Yes, King Edward VI Aston School is a boys-only school.

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