King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

• School: King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys
• Location: Grove Lane, Handsworth, Birmingham, West Midlands, B21 9ET
• Established: 1862
• Type: Academy (King Edward VI Academy Trust)
• Age Range: 11-18 years (boys only, co-educational Sixth Form)
• Headmaster: Mr Tim Johnson
• Ofsted Rating: Good (Outstanding for Quality of Education and Personal Development)
• Houses: Henry, William, Nelson, Galahad, Alfred

About King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School

King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys represents one of Birmingham's most academically rigorous institutions, with a distinguished heritage spanning over 160 years. Founded in 1862 as part of the historic King Edward VI Foundation, the school has cultivated generations of scholars whilst maintaining its commitment to academic excellence and character development.

The school's unique position within the King Edward VI Academy Trust provides students with exceptional resources and opportunities across Birmingham's premier educational network. With five traditional houses fostering healthy competition and community spirit, Handsworth Grammar maintains the collegiate atmosphere that discerning families value in selective education.

Located in Handsworth, the school serves families across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands, offering boys a single-sex environment optimised for academic achievement through to age 16, with co-educational opportunities available in the Sixth Form. The school's recent Ofsted inspection highlighted Outstanding performance in Quality of Education and Personal Development, confirming its position amongst Birmingham's educational elite.

The 11+ Assessment Process

Entry to King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School requires success in a competitive entrance examination typically held in September. The assessment evaluates candidates across four core areas designed to identify academic potential and readiness for grammar school education:

• Verbal Reasoning: Language comprehension, vocabulary knowledge, and logical thinking through words
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Spatial awareness, pattern recognition, and problem-solving using visual elements
• Mathematics: Numerical reasoning, problem-solving skills, and mathematical concepts appropriate to Year 6 level
• English: Reading comprehension, writing ability, and command of language fundamentals

The examination is highly competitive, reflecting the school's academic standards and popularity amongst Birmingham families. Results determine admission offers, with successful candidates demonstrating strong performance across all assessed areas.

How to Apply

The admissions process for September entry follows a structured timeline:

Registration Phase (May):
Parents register their son for the entrance examination through the school's admissions portal. Early registration is essential as places for the examination itself are limited.

Entrance Examination (September):
Candidates sit the comprehensive assessment at the school premises. The examination typically takes place on a Saturday morning and lasts approximately two hours.

Application Submission:
Following the entrance exam, parents complete the formal application through Birmingham City Council's coordinated admissions process, ranking their preferred schools.

Results and Offers (March):
The school communicates admission decisions by 1st March, with successful candidates receiving conditional offers based on their examination performance.

Parents should monitor the school's website for specific dates and any updates to the admissions process, as timelines may vary slightly each year.

How Taylor Tuition Can Help

Taylor Tuition's comprehensive 11+ preparation programme has successfully guided numerous families through King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School's competitive admissions process. Our specialist tutors understand the specific requirements and academic standards expected by this prestigious institution.

Targeted Preparation:
Our tutors provide focused training in verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, mathematics, and English, ensuring students develop both the knowledge and examination techniques necessary for success. We utilise practice papers that mirror the school's assessment format and difficulty level.

Academic Foundation Building:
Beyond examination preparation, our programme strengthens the fundamental academic skills that will serve students throughout their grammar school journey. We focus on developing analytical thinking, mathematical reasoning, and sophisticated language skills.

Birmingham Grammar School Expertise:
As specialists in Birmingham's selective school landscape, Taylor Tuition understands the competitive environment and specific characteristics that distinguish King Edward VI schools. Our tutors provide insights into school culture and expectations that extend beyond academic preparation.

Personalised Support:
Each student receives individually tailored tuition addressing their specific strengths and areas for development. Our experienced tutors adapt their approach to maximise each child's potential for success at this academically demanding institution.

Through our proven methodology and deep understanding of grammar school admissions, Taylor Tuition provides families with the expert guidance needed to navigate King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School's selective process with confidence.