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.

Preparing for the King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

The King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School 11+ rewards steady preparation over a year or so, with the last term given to timed practice and interview confidence. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors match the programme to the school's assessment format and to where the child is starting from.

Because the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, and more than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status, families get a tutor who understands what the assessors are looking for. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families in Birmingham and further afield work with us online, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.