Key Information Summary
- School: Bishop Vesey's Grammar School
- Location: Lichfield Road, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B74 2NH
- Type: Selective State Grammar School
- Age Range: 11-18 (Boys Years 7-11, Mixed Sixth Form)
- Pupils: 1,379
- Year 7 Places: 192
- Entrance Test: West Midlands Grammar Schools Test
- Ofsted Rating: Outstanding (May 2024)
- Qualifying Score 2024: 205
About Bishop Vesey's Grammar School
Bishop Vesey's Grammar School represents nearly five centuries of educational excellence, having been established in 1527 as one of Britain's oldest educational institutions. Located in the prestigious area of Sutton Coldfield, this selective academy serves boys aged 11-16 with a co-educational sixth form, creating a unique educational environment that combines tradition with modern academic rigour.
The school's recent Outstanding Ofsted rating across all categories in May 2024 reflects its commitment to maintaining the highest educational standards. With 1,379 pupils and a capacity that allows for personalised attention whilst maintaining academic excellence, Bishop Vesey's has established itself as a leading institution in the West Midlands.
The school's educational philosophy centres on three core principles: academic excellence through inspirational teaching, comprehensive enrichment opportunities that develop leadership qualities, and fostering independence and resilience in young minds. This holistic approach ensures that pupils not only achieve exceptional academic results but also develop the character and skills necessary for future success.
Bishop Vesey's unique partnership with nearby Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls creates opportunities for collaborative learning and social development, particularly beneficial during sixth form years when the school becomes co-educational.
The 11+ Assessment Process
Bishop Vesey's Grammar School participates in the West Midlands Grammar Schools consortium, which includes 19 selective schools across Birmingham, Warwickshire, Shropshire, Walsall, and Wolverhampton. This partnership means pupils need only sit one entrance examination to be considered for multiple grammar schools in the region.
The West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test comprises two one-hour papers containing multiple-choice questions across four key areas:
- English Comprehension: Testing reading skills, vocabulary, and language understanding
- Mathematics: Covering numerical reasoning and mathematical concepts
- Verbal Reasoning: Assessing logical thinking and language analysis
- Non-Verbal Reasoning: Evaluating spatial awareness and pattern recognition
The marking system employs weighted scoring with English and verbal reasoning comprising 50% of the total, non-verbal reasoning 25%, and mathematics 25%. These scores are then age-standardised to ensure fair assessment across the year group.
For 2024 entry, the qualifying score was set at 205, though this threshold may vary annually depending on cohort performance. The school typically receives significantly more applications than available places, making thorough preparation essential.
Assessment Timeline
- Early May: Registration opens online
- Late June: Registration deadline
- Mid-September: Entrance test administration
- Mid-October: Results released to parents
- Late October: Secondary application deadline
How to Apply
The application process for Bishop Vesey's Grammar School requires completion of both the entrance test registration and your local authority's secondary school application.
Families must first register for the West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test through the consortium's official website. This registration is separate from the secondary school application and must be completed by the specified deadline in late June.
Following successful completion of the entrance test and achievement of the qualifying score, parents must name Bishop Vesey's Grammar School on their secondary school Common Application Form (CAF) through Birmingham City Council or their relevant local authority.
Oversubscription Criteria
When applications exceed available places, Bishop Vesey's applies the following prioritisation system:
- Looked-After Children: Current and previously looked-after children who achieve the qualifying score, ranked by test performance
- Pupil Premium Recipients: Up to 38 children receiving free school meals who achieve the qualifying score, ranked by test performance
- General Admissions: All other children achieving the qualifying score, ranked by test performance
In cases where test scores are identical, priority is determined by proximity to the school, measured by straight-line distance from home to school gates.
How Taylor Tuition Can Help
Taylor Tuition's comprehensive 11+ preparation programme is specifically designed to maximise your child's potential for securing a place at Bishop Vesey's Grammar School. Our expert tutors possess intimate knowledge of the West Midlands Grammar Schools test format and have successfully prepared hundreds of children for this specific examination.
Our tailored approach begins with a thorough diagnostic assessment to identify your child's strengths and areas requiring development across all four test components. We then create a personalised study plan that addresses the specific weighted scoring system used by the West Midlands consortium, ensuring balanced preparation across English comprehension, mathematics, verbal reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning.
Our experienced tutors provide specialist coaching in multiple-choice technique, time management strategies, and examination confidence-building. We understand that achieving the qualifying score of 205 or above requires not just knowledge but also strategic test-taking skills and mental resilience under pressure.
Taylor Tuition offers flexible learning options including one-to-one tuition, small group sessions, and intensive revision courses. Our mock examinations replicate the exact format and timing of the West Midlands test, providing valuable practice and performance feedback.
Beyond academic preparation, we guide families through the complex application process, ensuring deadlines are met and applications are optimally positioned. Our ongoing support includes advice on school selection strategy, understanding oversubscription criteria, and preparing for potential waiting list scenarios.
With Taylor Tuition's proven track record of grammar school success and deep understanding of Bishop Vesey's specific requirements, we provide the expert guidance necessary to transform your child's potential into achievement.
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