King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Selective state grammar school for boys aged 11-18
• Location: Kings Heath, Birmingham
• Founded: 1883
• Headmaster: Mr Russell Bowen (since 2021)
• Specialisms: Science, Mathematics and Applied Learning
• Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
• Entry Requirements: 11+ examination with very high scores required
• Catchment Priority: Yes, with 25% places reserved for Pupil Premium pupils

About King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys

King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys has established itself as one of Birmingham's most prestigious grammar schools since its founding in 1883. Located in the leafy suburb of Kings Heath, this selective state school consistently ranks amongst the highest-performing secondary schools nationally, delivering exceptional academic outcomes that rival the country's leading independent institutions.

The school's specialist focus on Science, Mathematics and Applied Learning reflects its commitment to preparing students for the challenges of an increasingly technological world. Under the leadership of Headmaster Mr Russell Bowen, the school maintains its tradition of academic excellence whilst fostering the development of well-rounded young men who demonstrate leadership, resilience and social responsibility.

What sets King Edward VI Camp Hill apart is its unique combination of grammar school selectivity with comprehensive extracurricular opportunities. The school's outstanding Ofsted rating reflects not only its academic achievements but also its exceptional pastoral care and commitment to developing students' character alongside their intellectual capabilities.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Entry to King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys is exclusively through the Birmingham 11+ examination, which assesses students across four key areas:

• Verbal Reasoning: Testing comprehension, vocabulary and logical thinking skills
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Evaluating spatial awareness and pattern recognition
• Mathematics: Covering numerical concepts appropriate to Year 6 level
• English: Assessing reading comprehension, grammar and written expression

The examination is typically held in September of Year 6, with results released in October. Given the school's exceptional reputation, competition is intense, with thousands of students competing for approximately 120 places each year. Students outside the designated catchment area require particularly high scores to secure admission, often needing to achieve in the top 2-3% nationally.

The school's commitment to social mobility is reflected in its requirement that at least 25% of admitted students must be eligible for Pupil Premium, ensuring that academic potential rather than family circumstances determines access to this outstanding education.

How to Apply

The application process for King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys follows Birmingham Local Authority's coordinated admissions scheme:

Registration Phase:
Parents must register their son for the Birmingham 11+ examination through Birmingham City Council's online portal by the specified deadline (typically in May of Year 5). Late registrations are not accepted under any circumstances.

Examination Period:
The 11+ examination takes place across multiple sessions in September of Year 6. Students receive detailed information about examination venues and timings following successful registration.

School Preference:
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys should be listed as a preference on the secondary school application form, submitted through Birmingham's online admissions system by the national deadline of 31st October.

Results and Offers:
Conditional offers are made in March of Year 6, with places confirmed following successful completion of the 11+ examination. The school maintains a waiting list for unsuccessful applicants who meet the academic threshold.

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

At Taylor Tuition, we understand that securing a place at King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys requires meticulous preparation and strategic guidance. Our comprehensive 11+ programme has successfully prepared numerous students for Birmingham's highly competitive grammar school entry process.

Personalised Assessment and Planning:
We begin with a thorough diagnostic assessment to identify your son's strengths and areas for development across all four 11+ components. Our experienced tutors then create a tailored preparation programme that maximises his potential whilst building confidence and examination technique.

Expert 11+ Tuition:
Our Birmingham-based tutors possess intimate knowledge of the local 11+ format and requirements. We provide intensive preparation in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, mathematics and English, using past papers and Birmingham-specific practice materials to ensure familiarity with question styles and timing pressures.

Strategic Application Support:
Understanding Birmingham's complex catchment areas and admissions criteria is crucial for success. We guide families through the application process, ensuring all deadlines are met and preferences are strategically ordered to maximise the chances of securing a place.

Interview and Transition Preparation:
For successful candidates, we provide guidance on the transition to grammar school life, helping students adapt to the academic rigour and expectations they will encounter at King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys.

Our proven track record of success with Birmingham grammar schools, combined with our understanding of the unique demands of King Edward VI Camp Hill, makes us the ideal partner in your son's educational journey. Contact Taylor Tuition today to discuss how we can help secure his place at this exceptional institution.