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Thinking about a grammar school in Birmingham for your child?
The city has eight grammar schools, and many rank among the top state secondary schools in the UK — so you’ll have plenty of strong options to choose from.
Keep reading to discover the best grammar schools in Birmingham and how to help your child prepare for the entrance test.
How many grammar schools are there in Birmingham?
There are eight grammar schools in Birmingham:
How to get into a grammar school in Birmingham
Your child will need to take the 11 plus to be considered for a place at a grammar school. This usually takes place in September when your child is in Year 6. Those with the highest 11 plus scores are eligible for a Year 7 place.
Children applying to Birmingham grammar schools take an 11+ exam known as the West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test. 19 grammar schools across Birmingham, Warwickshire, Shropshire, Walsall, and Wolverhampton use this exam. There are two multiple-choice papers which test English, maths, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
Not sure where to start with West Midlands 11+ prep?
Our free West Midlands baseline test helps you take the guesswork out of studying. Your child will answer questions similar to those in the real entrance test across English, maths and reasoning.
You’ll get instant results, including their standardised age score (SAS), a breakdown of their strengths and areas to improve, and next steps to help them progress!
The 5 best grammar schools in Birmingham in 2026
These 5 grammar schools were ranked the best in Birmingham in 2026 based on A level and GCSE results in 2025.
1. King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls
©kechg.org.uk
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls is one of the top 20 state secondary schools in the UK. Ofsted describes it as “inspirational and exceptional,” with pupils thriving in a supportive and ambitious environment.
The school offers strong pastoral care and impressive specialist facilities. Recent additions include 11 science labs, computer suites, an environmental geography hub, an art and design centre, a fitness suite and a swimming pool — all designed to enrich students’ learning and wellbeing.
Gender: girls
Number of pupils: 1,100+
A level results (2025): 86.8% A*–B
GCSE results (2025): 84.7% 9–7
National rank: 20
2. King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys
©crowdfunder.co.uk
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys was founded in 1883 and now sits in the suburb of Kings Heath. It’s a warm, inclusive community where students are encouraged to do their best and support one another. Teaching is strong, exam results are excellent, and pupils have plenty of clubs, activities and careers opportunities to explore.
The school is ranked within the top 50 state secondary schools in the UK. Ofsted has repeatedly rated it ‘outstanding’, praising its “relentless pursuit of excellence."
Gender: boys
Number of pupils: 1,200+
A level results (2025): 84.5% A*–B
GCSE results (2025): 70.6% 9–7
National rank: 40
3. Bishop Vesey's Grammar School
©wikipedia.org
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School was founded in 1527 and is based in Sutton Coldfield. It teaches boys aged 11–18 and welcomes girls into the sixth form. The school is proud of its diverse community and is committed to equality for every student. It’s a UNICEF Rights Respecting School and is working towards the Silver Equality Award.
Academic standards are high, and students go on to excellent university destinations. Around 70% progress to Russell Group universities each year, with some securing places at Oxford, Cambridge and Ivy League colleges.
Gender: boys, mixed sixth form
Number of pupils: 1,400+
A level results (2025): 80.6% A*–B
GCSE results (2025): 77.5% 9–7
National rank: 41
4. King Edward VI Five Ways School
©kefw.org
King Edward VI Five Ways School was founded in 1883 and is the highest-ranked co-educational grammar school in Birmingham. Ofsted rates it ‘outstanding’.
The school welcomes students from all backgrounds and has a warm, family-friendly feel. A student leadership team represents the pupil body and helps shape school life.
Five Ways sits on a 32-acre site south of Birmingham and has excellent facilities. These include specialist rooms for the humanities, creative arts and food technology, a large sports complex, and a new music school with its own recording studio.
Gender: mixed
Number of pupils: 1,300+
A level results (2025): 80% A*–B
GCSE results (2025): 74% 9–7
National rank: 54
5. Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls
©suttcold.bham.sch.uk
Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls is a selective school northeast of Birmingham. Founded in 1929 as a partner to Bishop Vesey’s, it aims to help students develop a love of learning and build resilience.
Pastoral care is a real focus. The headteacher encourages a strong growth mindset, helping students see the value of effort and steady progress. The school also offers a wide range of clubs and activities, with plenty of opportunities in STEM, sport and the arts.
Gender: girls
Number of pupils: 1,200+
A level results (2025): 76.5% A*–B
GCSE results (2025): 82.8% 9–7
National rank: 49
How to get a place at Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls
Take control of your child’s 11+ preparation.
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Track progress and see how they compare to others applying to the same schools.
Everything you need for 11+ success
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