King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys 11 plus: a parents' guide for 2022

King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys, formerly known as Handsworth Grammar School, is a boys’ grammar school that, since September 1997, has admitted girls into the sixth form. Handsworth Grammar School was founded in 1862 and in 2017, it joined the Foundation of the Schools of King Edward VI, where it was renamed 'King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys'. It is also part of the King Edward VI Academy Trust.

The school focuses on teaching a ‘knowledge rich’ curriculum that enables students to grow to be ambitious, aspirational and resilient learners.

In 2014, Ofsted rated King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys as ‘outstanding’.

King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys 11 plus information

• Address: King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys, Grove Lane, Handsworth, Birmingham, B21 9ET

• County: West Midlands

• Admissions information: [email protected] or 0121 554 2794

• School type: boys’ grammar

• Number of pupils: 1,038

• Number of places in Year 7: 150

• Average applicants per place: 5 or more

• Catchment area: catchment area map for King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys

• Open day dates: Thursday 23rd June and Thursday 15th September (both 5pm to 8pm)

• Exam date: September

• Exam board type: CEM 11 plus - the Grammar Schools of Birmingham Consortium

King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys term dates

The 2022-23 term dates for King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys are:

• Autumn term: 5th September to 16th December

• Half term: 24th October to 28th October

• Spring term: 3rd January to 31st March

• Half term: 20th February to 24th February

• Summer term: 17th April to 25th July

• Half term: 29th May to 2nd June

King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys 11 plus admissions process

In the Birmingham area, all eight grammar schools, including King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys, follow the admissions criteria set by the Grammar Schools of Birmingham Consortium. Boys are chosen for entry based on their age-standardised score in the 11 plus exam. Parents should note, however, that this does not necessarily guarantee their son a place at King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys.

Where the number of applications for admission exceeds the number of places available at the school, places are offered to children as follows:

1. Looked After Children/Previously Looked After Children who achieve the qualifying score.

2. Children attracting the Pupil Premium who achieve the qualifying score and live within the school catchment area.

3. If fewer than 35 places (25% of the PAN) are filled by applicants in category 2, offers will be made to children attracting the Pupil Premium who achieve the qualifying score and live outside the catchment area.

4. Applicants who achieve the priority score and live within the school catchment area. Applicants in this category will be given priority if they have an older sibling at the school; then ranked by distance from the school.

5. Applicants achieving the qualifying score. Applicants in this category will be ranked by test score. Where scores are equal, priority will be given to those with a sibling at the school; then ranked by distance from the school.

More information about the admissions policy of King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys can be found on the school’s website.

How and when to apply for 11 plus entry to King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys

To apply, parents should register their son with the Grammar Schools of Birmingham Consortium. Additionally, parents must complete a Local Authority (LA) Preference Form that allows their choice of schools to be ranked in order of preference.

The application process opens in May and should be completed by the end of June.

King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys entrance exam format

There are two exam papers, each of approximately 50 minutes, with additional time for instructions to be given. Papers are divided into smaller individually timed sections which test:

• Reading comprehension/literacy skills

• Maths

• Verbal reasoning

• Non-verbal reasoning

Each exam will cover a range of all topics and consist of both multiple-choice questions and standard exam questions. Both exams include verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and maths. One exam will also include an English 'cloze test’, where students are given samples of text with words removed and asked to replace the missing item.

Find out more from our guide to the CEM 11 plus format.

When is the King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys 11 plus exam taken?

The entrance exams usually take place in early September. Normally, the school sends out results to parents in October by post.

How to prepare for the King King Edward VI Handsworth School 11 plus exam

The familiarisation booklets linked below are designed to inform parents and children about the King Edward VI Handsworth School entrance exam. These booklets will:

• Give a feel for the appearance of the actual assessment

• Introduce some of the symbols and phrases used in the assessment

• Inform parents and candidates of the invigilation procedure

• Indicate the range of disciplines that will be tested

• Highlight the range of answer formats used in the assessment

Familiarisation guides

• Familiarisation guide for Birmingham Grammar Schools

• CEM 11 plus maths guide

• CEM 11 plus non-verbal reasoning guide

• CEM 11 plus verbal reasoning guide

• CEM 11 plus comprehension guide

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