King Edward VI Handsworth School 11+ Guide

A detailed look at King Edward VI Handsworth School including past 11+ papers and practice 11+ papers.

About King Edward VI Handsworth School

King Edward VI Handsworth School is a selective secondary school in Birmingham. For children to get into King Edward VI Handsworth School they need to pass the school's 11+ entrance test. Hence, King Edward VI Handsworth School is a traditional grammar school, one of only 163 remaining in England.

Nestled in the heart of Birmingham, King Edward VI Handsworth School has been a beacon of academic excellence for over a century. This esteemed grammar school for girls boasts a rich history and a commitment to preparing its students for the challenges of the modern world. With its convenient location and easy access to public transportation, the school attracts students from across the region.

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

At King Edward VI Handsworth School, students are immersed in a comprehensive and inclusive curriculum that emphasizes academic rigor. The school offers a wide array of subjects, ranging from the sciences and mathematics to the humanities and arts, ensuring that every student can pursue her passions and interests. The dedicated faculty works tirelessly to cultivate a love for learning and intellectual curiosity among the students.

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

Beyond the classroom, King Edward VI Handsworth School provides a wealth of extra-curricular activities designed to enhance personal growth and development. From drama and music to sports and language clubs, students have ample opportunities to explore their talents and forge lasting friendships. The school also encourages community engagement through volunteering and work experience initiatives, fostering a sense of social responsibility and empathy among its pupils.

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

The school takes great pride in its state-of-the-art facilities, which have been continuously upgraded to meet the evolving needs of modern education. Specialist classrooms, cutting-edge science laboratories, and well-equipped sports facilities provide an optimal learning environment for students to thrive. The school's library serves as a hub of knowledge, offering a vast collection of resources to support academic research and personal enrichment.

With its unwavering commitment to excellence, King Edward VI Handsworth School has earned an "Outstanding" rating from Ofsted and has been recognized as one of the top schools in the West Midlands. Its graduates are highly sought after by prestigious universities and employers alike, a testament to the school's success in nurturing confident, independent, and morally courageous young women who are ready to make their mark on the world.

King Edward VI Handsworth School is a girls-only grammar school.
King Edward VI Handsworth School is a girls-only grammar school.

School Information

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

Address
King Edward VI Handsworth School,
Rose Hill Road,
Birmingham,
West Midlands
B21 9AR
School Website
Telephone 01215542342
Email Address office@kingedwardvi.bham.sch.uk
Gender Girls only
Total Year 7 Places 192
Total Pupils (Girls/Boys) 1274 (1274 Girls / 0 Boys)
Headteacher Miss Clare Berry

King Edward VI Handsworth School is a girls 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 1,274 pupils attend King Edward VI Handsworth School and it's led by the Headteacher, Miss Clare Berry.

King Edward VI Handsworth School Location

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

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 School for the 2022-23 academic year.

GCSE Subjects Offered
  • Physics (158 pupils)
  • Chemistry (158 pupils)
  • English Language (158 pupils)
  • English Literature (158 pupils)
  • Biology (158 pupils)
  • Mathematics (158 pupils)
  • Computer Studies/Computing (96 pupils)
  • French (81 pupils)
  • History (81 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (80 pupils)
  • Geography (77 pupils)
  • German (74 pupils)
  • Design & Technology (38 pupils)
  • D&T Food Technology (29 pupils)
  • Art & Design (Fine Art) (27 pupils)
  • Drama & Theatre Studies (17 pupils)
  • Music (12 pupils)
  • Physical Education/Sports Studies (12 pupils)
A-Level Subjects Offered
  • Biology (114 pupils)
  • Chemistry (105 pupils)
  • Mathematics (72 pupils)
  • Psychology (62 pupils)
  • English Literature (32 pupils)
  • Geography (30 pupils)
  • History (29 pupils)
  • Economics (27 pupils)
  • Physics (23 pupils)
  • Computer Studies / Computing (20 pupils)
  • Religious Studies (14 pupils)
  • Government and Politics (13 pupils)
  • Mathematics (Further) (9 pupils)
  • Art and Design (Fine Art) (7 pupils)

West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ Information

In order to get into King Edward VI Handsworth 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 Handsworth School for Girls 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 includes sections on Verbal reasoning, evaluating the candidate's ability to analyze and manipulate language, and Non-verbal reasoning, which examines their capacity to recognize patterns and solve problems using visual cues.

All questions in the West Midlands Grammar Schools' Entrance Test are presented in a multiple-choice format, and students are provided with separate answer sheets to mark their responses. These answer sheets are then electronically marked to ensure accurate and efficient grading.

Other Schools using West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+

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

West Midlands Grammar Schools 11+ Key Dates for your Diary

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

Date Event Calendar Link
07/05/2024 Registration Opens For The West Midland Grammar Schools' Entrance Test
14/06/2024 Reasonable Adjustments Deadline
28/06/2024 Test Registration Closes
14/09/2024 West Midlands Grammar Schools' Entrance Test
18/10/2024 Parents Receive Test Results
31/10/2024 Secondary School Applications Close At 5pm
04/07/2024 Year 7 Open Evening
03/03/2025 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 King Edward VI Handsworth School as they may well change.

Ofsted Information

King Edward VI Handsworth School was last inspected by Ofsted on 04/02/2014 and the inspection only lasted one day. Ofsted published their report on 28/02/2014, 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 School obtained <strong>Outstanding</strong> in their last Ofsted inspection in 2014.
King Edward VI Handsworth School obtained Outstanding in their last Ofsted inspection in 2014.

Last Ofsted Report Data

Date Inspected Inspection Duration (Days) Reporting Date Rating Full Report
04/02/2014 1 28/02/2014 Outstanding Full Report

GCSE & A-Level Performance

Below are the individual GCSE and A-Level performance tables for King Edward VI Handsworth 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 (Fine Art) 27 - - - - 2 4 10 5 1 5
Biology 158 - - - - 2 5 33 41 32 45
Chemistry 158 - - - - 2 14 25 23 43 51
Computer Studies/Computing 96 - - - 3 9 16 25 21 15 7
Design & Technology 38 - - - 2 2 4 10 8 8 4
English Language 158 - - - - 1 17 41 31 38 30
English Literature 158 - - - - 2 7 32 37 41 39
D&T Food Technology 29 - - - - 1 9 12 2 3 2
French 81 2 - - 2 5 15 15 24 10 8
Geography 77 - - - - 1 5 12 15 18 26
German 74 3 - - 6 10 12 16 14 7 6
History 81 - - - 2 2 3 18 19 18 19
Mathematics 158 - - - - - 3 25 46 54 30
Music 12 - - - - 1 - 3 6 - 2
Physics 158 - - - 1 4 8 35 38 26 46
Religious Studies 80 - - - - 1 1 11 15 30 22
Drama & Theatre Studies 17 - - - - - 5 4 4 3 1
Physical Education/Sports Studies 12 - - - - - 1 1 1 4 5

A-Level Results Information (2022-23)

Subject Total Pupils Grades Achieved
U E D C B A A*
Art and Design (Fine Art) 7 - - - 5 1 1 -
Biology 114 - 6 15 27 28 20 15
Chemistry 105 - 7 13 18 32 17 15
Computer Studies / Computing 20 - 1 - 12 3 4 -
Economics 27 - - - 6 8 10 3
English Literature 32 - - - 7 12 6 7
Geography 30 - - 1 4 7 9 9
Government and Politics 13 - - 1 1 5 1 4
History 29 - - 4 6 7 9 3
Mathematics 72 - 2 8 15 16 21 10
Mathematics (Further) 9 - - 1 2 1 3 2
Physics 23 - 4 4 6 2 6 -
Psychology 62 - 1 6 15 19 13 7
Religious Studies 14 - - 1 1 4 5 3

Past 11+ Paper Downloads

Here are all available past 11+ papers for King Edward VI Handsworth School. Please note that this may include past 11+ 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 School currently uses.

The exam board that King Edward VI Handsworth School chooses to use for their 11+ entrance tests can change and we encourage you to check directly with the school.

Exam Board Subject 11+ Past Paper
CEMMixed

Practice 11+ Paper Downloads

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 School which subjects and topics your child's 11+ tests are in to ensure you prepare for the right tests.

GL Assessment

These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by GL Assessment themselves. They remain useful and we would encourage parents to download and use them with their children.

Exam Board Subject Answer Sheet Question Booklet Marking Scheme (Answers)
GL AssessmentEnglish
GL AssessmentVerbal Reasoning
GL AssessmentMaths
GL AssessmentNon-Verbal Reasoning

CGP

These Free GL 11+ Practice Papers were published by CGP and we thank them for granting us permission to distribute them. They are up to date and extremely useful.

Exam Board Subject Answer Sheet Question Booklet Marking Scheme (Answers)
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. Grammar schools no longer use CEM for any of their 11+ entrance tests. However, as a general practice tool these tests remain useful.

Exam Board Subject Answer Sheet Question Booklet Marking Scheme (Answers)
CEMMaths
CEMVerbal Reasoning
CEMNon-Verbal Reasoning

FAQ

Is King Edward VI Handsworth School hard to get into?

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

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

Is King Edward VI Handsworth School free?

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

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

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

Yes, King Edward VI Handsworth School is a girls-only school.

Success!

We have sent %%email%% a confirmation email.

Check your Emails

You will receive the email within 2 minutes.
Open it and click on the confirmation link to enable access.

Not received the email?

Check your Spam/Junk folder
...it could have fallen in there by accident!