The Consortium of Grammar Schools in Birmingham
From 2011, there has been a consortium in Birmingham made up of the following eight schools:
- Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School;
- King Edward VI Aston School;
- King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys;
- King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls;
- King Edward VI Five Ways School;
- King Edward VI Handsworth School;
- Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls;
- Handsworth Grammar School.
See here for further information regarding the individual Grammar Schools in Birmingham.
The Grammar Schools in Birmingham make use of the CEM Durham University 11 plus test.
All of these schools require potential students to take an 11 Plus examination in order to gain entry. In this blog we will explain what the Birmingham 11 plus consists of, information on Birmingham Grammar schools pass marks and cut off marks as well as some useful advice about the process itself.
What is the Birmingham Grammar School 11 test?
The Birmingham Grammar schools entrance exams are designed to test the knowledge and skills that pupils have developed throughout their studies at key stage two.
There are 2 exams for the Birmingham 11 plus Test.
Each one lasts approximately 45 to 50 minutes.
The papers themselves are divided down into smaller, timed sections which assess children’s skills in the following areas:
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- English (Comprehension)
- English (Verbal Reasoning)
- Maths (Numerical Ability)
- Maths (Non-Verbal Reasoning).
The majority of the questions in the exam are in a multiple-choice format.
What is the registration/results process for the Birmingham 11 plus?
For 2018 entry, parents will have completed a request for optional test form by Friday 30th June 2017.
An e-mail is sent out to confirm which location the test will be taken at.
Alternative tests will be allocated for children with medical conditions and religious exceptions for taking the test at the first sitting.
Results are sent out in October with most people receiving their letters by the 13th of the month.
It is at this stage that you will make the decision of whether or not to list a grammar school on the expression of preferences form.
Historical Pass Marks for the Birmingham 11 plus
The grades are standardised each year to account for age differences.
Pass marks will of course vary from year to year, but there is usually a general pattern to be seen.
See here for some further information on historical Birmingham 11 plus pass marks to give you a rough idea of the cut off grades.
How should I prepare my child for the exams?
It is important that your child feels well prepared for their exams so that they can perform to the best of their abilities.
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- We recommend you do not just rely on your child’s school to prepare them for their exams and instead get hold of some practice test papers and revision guides to help them along the way. This will prepare children for the kinds of questions they may be asked on the day. It will also give you a chance to target and focus on any areas that they are struggling with.
- Make sure you reassure your child and let them know that you are proud of them no matter what the outcome.
- Allow your child time for rest and relaxation and reward them when they have done well.
- Ensure they have a tidy and distraction free environment to revise in, and are eating well.
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We wish you and your child the best of luck!
