King Edward VI Five Ways School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School Type: Selective mixed grammar school
• Location: Bartley Green, Birmingham
• Ages: 11-18 years
• Students: Approximately 1,300
• Founded: 1883
• Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
• Entrance Exam: West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test
• Application Deadline: 31st October annually

About King Edward VI Five Ways School

King Edward VI Five Ways School holds a distinctive position as the only mixed grammar school within Birmingham's prestigious King Edward VI Foundation. Located on a magnificent 32-acre site beside Bartley Green reservoir, this exceptional institution has been nurturing academic excellence since 1883.

The school's commitment to educational distinction is reflected in its Outstanding Ofsted rating and recognition as one of the nation's top five mixed grammar schools. With approximately 1,300 students, the school maintains an intimate yet dynamic learning environment that fosters both academic rigour and personal development.

The school's ethos centres on providing transformative educational opportunities whilst championing social mobility throughout Birmingham. Students benefit from exceptional facilities including specialist science laboratories, dedicated dance studios, and a swimming pool, all designed to support comprehensive educational development.

What truly distinguishes King Edward VI Five Ways is its balanced approach to academic excellence and character development. The school's location in Bartley Green provides a serene learning environment away from urban distractions, yet remains easily accessible for families across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands region.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Entry to King Edward VI Five Ways School requires success in the West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test, a rigorous assessment designed to identify students with the academic potential to thrive in a selective grammar school environment.

The examination consists of two comprehensive one-hour papers featuring multiple-choice questions across four key assessment areas:

• English Comprehension: Testing reading comprehension, vocabulary knowledge, and language analysis skills
• Mathematics: Assessing numerical reasoning, problem-solving abilities, and mathematical concepts appropriate for Year 6 students
• Verbal Reasoning: Evaluating logical thinking, pattern recognition, and linguistic problem-solving capabilities
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Testing spatial awareness, visual pattern recognition, and abstract thinking skills

It is crucial to understand that achieving the qualifying score does not guarantee admission, as the school consistently receives applications exceeding available places. When oversubscribed, the school applies specific admissions criteria to prioritise qualified candidates, making thorough preparation essential for success.

How to Apply

The application process for Year 7 entry requires careful attention to specific deadlines and procedures:

Registration Phase (May-June):
Register your child for the West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test between 7th May and 28th June. This registration period is strictly enforced, and late applications cannot be accommodated.

Examination Period (September):
Following registration, your child will receive a specific test venue and time slot between 14th-16th September. The school organises these arrangements to ensure optimal testing conditions for all candidates.

Results Notification (October):
Test results are communicated on 18th October, providing families with essential information for their secondary school applications.

School Application (October):
Submit your local authority's secondary school common application form, ensuring King Edward VI Five Ways School is named as a preferred choice by 31st October.

Offer Process (March):
School place offers are made on 3rd March, allowing families adequate time to make informed decisions about their child's educational future.

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition's expertise in West Midlands grammar school admissions ensures your child receives the specialised preparation necessary for success at King Edward VI Five Ways School. Our comprehensive approach addresses the unique demands of the West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test whilst developing the broader academic skills essential for grammar school success.

Our experienced tutors provide targeted preparation across all four assessment areas, utilising practice materials specifically designed for the West Midlands format. We understand the particular challenges of this examination and tailor our teaching methods to address common areas where students require additional support.

Beyond examination preparation, we offer strategic guidance on the complete application process, ensuring families understand the admissions criteria and optimise their child's application. Our knowledge of King Edward VI Five Ways School's specific requirements and expectations enables us to provide invaluable insights that significantly enhance your child's prospects.

For families considering King Edward VI Five Ways School, early preparation proves crucial given the school's competitive nature and high academic expectations. Our personalised tutoring programmes are designed to build confidence, develop examination technique, and ensure your child demonstrates their full potential on test day.

We also provide ongoing support throughout the application process, helping families navigate the complexities of grammar school admissions whilst maintaining realistic expectations and exploring alternative educational pathways where appropriate.