King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys 11+

Crucial 11+ info, past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers for King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys.

How to get into King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys

King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys is a selective secondary school in Birmingham. To get into King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys 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 Handsworth Grammar School for Boys 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). King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys admits approximately 150 boys annually into Year 7 [1].

The school participates in the West Midlands Grammar Schools partnership and uses the standardised entrance examination for selection. Children must achieve the qualifying standard through the West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ examination.

Only children who attain the required standard in the prescribed arrangements for selection by reference to aptitude are eligible to be considered for admission to the school [1]. The qualifying score for entry in 2024 was 205 and the priority score was 224.

Application Process

Families must complete two separate applications for admission. Registration 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 and carers must complete a Local Authority preference form, available from their child's school or home Local Authority. The secondary school common application form must be submitted by Friday 31st October 2025 (see key dates).

  • Register online for the entrance test through the West Midlands Grammar Schools portal
  • Complete the Local Authority preference form naming the school as a preference
  • Await test results in October 2025 before finalising school preferences
  • Submit preference form by 31st October 2025 deadline (see key dates)
  • Receive school offers on 2nd March 2026 (see key dates)

Families requesting reasonable adjustments must upload supporting evidence by 13th June 2025 (see key dates). Contact details are available in the school information section.

Examination Details

Children will take the West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test between Saturday 13th September 2025 and Monday 15th September 2025 (see key dates). Children will be allocated either a morning or afternoon session, with confirmation sent by early September.

The examination consists of two one-hour papers provided by GL Assessment, taken on the same day with a short break between papers. Papers are divided into smaller, individually-timed sections assessing English comprehension, mathematics, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning.

  • English Comprehension: Reading passages and answering questions to demonstrate understanding
  • Mathematics: Questions based on Key Stage 2 national curriculum topics
  • Verbal Reasoning: Logical thinking and vocabulary assessment
  • Non-Verbal Reasoning: Pattern recognition and spatial awareness

All questions are multiple-choice format using separate answer sheets marked electronically. Test scores are age-standardised to ensure younger children are not disadvantaged.

Catchment Area and Oversubscription Criteria

When applications exceed available places, priority is given to Looked-After children achieving the qualifying score, followed by children receiving free school meals who live within the catchment area [1].

The catchment area includes Birmingham wards: Birchfield, Edgbaston, Handsworth, Handsworth Wood, Holyhead, Kingstanding, Ladywood, Lozells, Newtown, North Edgbaston, Oscott, Perry Barr, and Soho & Jewellery Quarter. It also includes Sandwell wards: Smethwick, Soho & Victoria, St Paul's, and West Bromwich Central.

  • First priority: Looked-After children achieving qualifying score (ranked by test score then distance)
  • Second priority: Children receiving free school meals living in catchment area (ranked by distance)
  • Third priority: Children receiving free school meals living outside catchment area
  • Remaining places: All other children achieving qualifying score (ranked by test score then distance)

Families eligible for Pupil Premium must tick the relevant box when registering for the test to receive priority consideration.

Preparation Guidance

Building a strong knowledge base through regular study sessions is essential, with child psychologists recommending 20-30 minute sessions for children aged 10-11. Intensive coaching is not recommended as it may not be in the child's long-term best interests [1].

Families should begin preparation early in Year 5 with consistent practice across all test subjects. Regular assessment helps identify strengths and areas requiring additional focus. Children consistently scoring 80-85% in practice tests typically pass the Birmingham grammar school entrance examination.

  • Start preparation in Year 5 with regular practice sessions
  • Focus on Key Stage 2 curriculum topics across all subjects
  • Use little and often approach for effective learning
  • Practice multiple-choice format and timed conditions
  • Access free preparation materials at 11+ practice papers
  • Consider professional support through qualified tutoring services

Various publications for entrance test preparation are available online and from bookshops, though the schools do not keep past papers [1].

Practical Advice

Families should ensure children are well-rested and arrive at the test centre early on examination day. The test includes both morning and afternoon sessions, so families should keep the entire day free from commitments [1].

Test results will be sent by mid-October 2025, before the Local Authority preference form deadline (see key dates). Passing the 11+ examination does not guarantee placement, as many grammar schools are oversubscribed with qualified children.

  • Prepare children for examination day procedures and multiple-choice format
  • Discuss test strategies including time management and educated guessing
  • Plan backup school options within Birmingham and surrounding areas
  • Consider transport arrangements as free transport may not be available
  • Review appeals process if unsuccessful in gaining a place

Children accepting places at selective schools in Birmingham are not entitled to free transport if an appropriate place is available at a maintained school within three miles of their home address.

For comprehensive support throughout the application process, families should contact the school directly using details in the school information section. Additional guidance on preparing for the West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ examination is available through official channels.

[1]King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys official website

West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ Information

In order to get into King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys, 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 Handsworth Grammar School for Boys to assess prospective students. The test is composed of two one-hour papers, each divided into smaller sections that are individually timed. These sections evaluate the candidate's abilities in four key areas: English comprehension, Maths, Verbal reasoning, and Non-verbal reasoning.

All questions in the entrance test are presented in a multiple-choice format. Candidates are provided with separate answer sheets on which they mark their selected answers. These answer sheets are then electronically marked to determine the candidate's performance in each subject area.

The West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test is designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of a student's academic potential, covering both linguistic and mathematical skills, as well as their ability to analyze and solve problems using verbal and non-verbal cues. Success in this examination is a key factor in securing a place at King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys.

Other Schools using West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+

As well as King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys, 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 Handsworth Grammar School for Boys 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 Handsworth Grammar School for Boys, it's a ballpark exam result figure for successful candidates.

Key Dates for the King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys 11+ Entrance Tests

Here are all the important dates for the 11+ tests (to get into King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys) 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 Handsworth Grammar School for Boys as they may well change.

11+ Tutor for King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys

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 Handsworth Grammar School for Boys 11+ Tests

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

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

The exam board (or test supplier) that King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys 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 Handsworth Grammar School for Boys

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 Handsworth Grammar School for Boys 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 Handsworth Grammar School for Boys 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 Handsworth Grammar School for Boys.

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

11+ Practice Papers for King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys 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 Handsworth Grammar School for Boys.

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

11+ Practice Papers for King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys 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 Handsworth Grammar School for Boys 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 Handsworth Grammar School for Boys.

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

11+ Practice Papers for King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys 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 Handsworth Grammar School for Boys.

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 Handsworth Grammar School for Boys 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 Handsworth Grammar School for Boys 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 Handsworth Grammar School for Boys 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 Handsworth Grammar School for Boys 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 Handsworth Grammar School for Boys 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 Handsworth Grammar School for Boys together with their admissions contact details.

King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys is a boys-only grammar school.
King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys is a boys-only grammar school.
Address
King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys,
Grove Lane, Handsworth,
Birmingham,
West Midlands
B21 9ET
School Website
Telephone01215542794
Email Addressadmissions@ske.uk.net
GenderBoys only
Total Year 7 Places150
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys)1065 (27 Girls / 1038 Boys)
Headteacher Mr Tim Johnson

King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys 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 1,065 pupils attend King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys and it's led by the Headteacher, Mr Tim Johnson.

King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys Location

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

Ofsted Information

King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys was last inspected by Ofsted on 10/01/2017 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 08/02/2017, 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 Handsworth Grammar School for Boys obtained <strong>Outstanding</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2017.
King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys obtained Outstanding in their last Ofsted inspection in 2017.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date InspectedInspection Duration (Days)Reporting DateRatingFull Report
10/01/2017108/02/2017OutstandingFull Report

GCSE & A-Level Subjects

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

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • English Language (149 pupils)
  • Mathematics (149 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (149 pupils)
  • English Literature (148 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (134 pupils)
  • Biology (117 pupils)
  • Chemistry (117 pupils)
  • Physics (117 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (115 pupils)
  • History (95 pupils)
  • Geography (78 pupils)
  • Design & Technology (40 pupils)
  • French (39 pupils)
  • Science: Double Award (32 pupils)
  • German (20 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Fine Art) (19 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (16 pupils)
  • Music (9 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Mathematics (78 pupils)
  • Chemistry (64 pupils)
  • Biology (55 pupils)
  • Physics (34 pupils)
  • Psychology (34 pupils)
  • Economics (28 pupils)
  • History (25 pupils)
  • Law (23 pupils)
  • Business Studies:Single (20 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (20 pupils)
  • Geography (15 pupils)
  • Computer Studies / Computing (11 pupils)
  • Mathematics (Further) (11 pupils)
  • English Literature (10 pupils)

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys 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)19---17343-1
Biology117-----226322928
Business Studies:Single115----4732351918
Chemistry117-----319323132
Computer Studies/Computing134-67925273315102
Design & Technology40----45151141
English Language149----33450341711
English Literature148----102335362321
French39----24512106
Geography78----272125167
German20----15842-
History95---1292828207
Mathematics149----2835414023
Music9------153-
Physics117-----319322538
Religious Studies149---121840332827
Physical Education/Sports Studies16---2--4451
Science: Double Award321---------

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

SubjectTotal Pupils Grades Achieved
UEDCBAA*
Biology55-71091674
Business Studies:Single20-225821
Chemistry64-6101815132
Computer Studies / Computing11--4131-
Economics28--9774-
English Literature10--234--
Geography15-22632-
History25--41083-
Law23-43491-
Mathematics78-1371581515
Mathematics (Further)11----164
Physics34-644694
Psychology34-14111611
Religious Studies20-31772-

FAQ

Is King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys hard to get into?

Yes, King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys 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 Handsworth Grammar School for Boys a private school?

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

Is King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys free?

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

How do I get my child into King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys?

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

Yes, King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys is a boys-only school.

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