Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 192
Competition: Very High
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School (BVGS) is a selective state grammar school for boys in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, with a mixed Sixth Form. Established in 1527, it is well known for academic excellence, strong pastoral support and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities.
The school blends historic tradition with modern facilities, including advanced science labs, technology suites and a sports pavilion. Pupils achieve consistently strong GCSE and A level results while also taking part in debating, music, international trips and leadership activities.
Each year, over 1,000 pupils apply for just 192 Year 7 places. Entry is through the Birmingham 11 Plus exam set by GL Assessment, with places allocated by ranked score and priority given to looked-after children, Pupil Premium applicants and those in the school’s defined priority area.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School
Preparing for the 11 Plus
Help your child prepare with tips, exam papers, and featured tuition agencies
Key Dates
All key dates and application information for Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School
How to Apply
Information on the application process for Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School Key Information
Below, we list key information regarding Bishop Vesey’s direct contact details, parking information and relevant statistics for prospective students.
School Address
Full Address:
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School, Lichfield Road, Sutton ColdfieldBirmingham
B74 2NH
Contact Information
Parking in the school
There is limited visitor parking available on site.
Additional parking off site
The school is within walking distance of Sutton Coldfield train station and is also served by several local bus routes, making public transport a convenient alternative to driving.
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School is rated Outstanding in all areas of its provision.
Academic strength: Pupils achieve highly through a rich, well-rounded curriculum with strong emphasis on English Baccalaureate subjects and languages.
Teaching and curriculum: Teaching is inspirational, enabling pupils to build secure knowledge and articulate complex ideas with confidence.
Behaviour and culture: Pupils display exemplary attitudes, resilience, and respect, creating a positive and inclusive school culture.
Leadership and safeguarding: Leaders and governors provide highly effective leadership, ensuring strong staff development and robust safeguarding arrangements.
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School 11 Plus Exam Format
Admission to Year 7 is determined by performance in the Birmingham Grammar Schools 11 Plus exam, administered by the Grammar Schools in Birmingham Consortium.
The Birmingham Grammar Schools Entrance Test: Overview
Format
GL Assessment
The exam, delivered by GL Assessment, is completed in a single sitting and consists of multiple-choice questions in English comprehension, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, and mathematics.
The Birmingham Grammar Schools Entrance Test - GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pass Mark
The test is age-standardised, and results are combined into an overall score that determines each student’s ranking. There is no set pass mark, but the higher the score, the greater the chance of gaining a place. Parents will be given their child’s score ahead of the secondary school application deadline, enabling them to make informed decisions.
Catchment Area
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School does not currently have a defined catchment area for Year 7 admissions. Places are allocated based on performance in the Birmingham Grammar Schools 11 Plus test, with priority given to looked-after children and Pupil Premium applicants who live within the school’s defined priority area. From 2027, the school may introduce a formal catchment area, but for 2026 entry no geographic boundary applies beyond the priority area rules stated in the Admissions Policy.
Additional Eligibility
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School admits 192 students into Year 7 each year. To be considered, applicants must register for the Birmingham 11 Plus test and list the school on the Common Application Form (CAF). Places are offered in the following order of priority:
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children who meet the required score
- Pupil Premium applicants living in the school’s priority area who achieve at least the annual qualifying score
- Other children living in the priority area, ranked by test score
- Children living outside the priority area, ranked by test score
If fewer than 192 applicants meet the criteria, remaining places will be offered to the next highest scorers, regardless of location. Full details are available in the Admissions Policy 2026.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School
The Birmingham 11 Plus exam is highly competitive. A well-structured preparation plan can significantly boost your son’s confidence and performance.
Useful Tips
Start Early
Begin preparation in Year 4 or early in Year 5. This gives plenty of time for steady progress without unnecessary pressure.
Use Exam Papers
Use timed exam papers to get familiar with the question format and build strong exam technique.
Target Weak Areas
Monitor progress and spend extra time on any subjects or question types that your child finds more challenging.
Encourage Daily Reading
Regular reading helps to expand vocabulary, strengthen comprehension, and sharpen analytical thinking – all essential for the 11 Plus.
Make Use of Online Resources
Digital tools can offer personalised practice and helpful feedback, making study sessions more effective and engaging.
Best Chance of Success
Consistent, organised, and positive preparation will help your child feel confident and ready for exam day.
11 Plus Mock Exams in Your Area
We are in the process of establishing a network of local test centres to run in-person 11 Plus mock exams that closely reflect the format used by Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School. These sessions will give your child the chance to practise under real exam conditions, boosting confidence and enhancing performance. While this service is not yet available, you can register your interest by completing the form below. We will contact you as soon as mock exams are offered in your area.
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School’s Key Dates
Key dates for the 2026 entry exam and application process are outlined below.
Test Registration Opens
Reasonable Adjustments Deadline
Test Registration Closes
Open Evening
Test Information Sent to Parents
Entrance Test Date
Results Sent to Parents
Common Application Form (CAF) Deadline
Offer Day
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School Application Process
Applying for a Year 7 place involves completing three key steps.
Admissions Policy 2026
Please ensure you read the Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School Admissions Policy PDF so that you and your child are fully aware of the process and eligibility requirements.
View Admissions PolicyRegister for the 11 Plus Entrance Test
Registration must be completed via the Grammar Schools in Birmingham website. The registration window opens on 13th May 2025 and closes at 4:00 PM on Friday 27th June 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.
Visit Registration WebsiteCommon Application Form (CAF)
This form must be submitted to your local authority, with Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School listed as one of your preferences. The deadline for CAF submission is 31st October 2025. Both forms must be completed – failure to submit either will result in an incomplete application.
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School FAQs
To apply, you must register your child for the Birmingham Grammar Schools 11 Plus Entrance Test via the Grammar Schools in Birmingham website and also submit the Common Application Form (CAF) through your local authority, listing Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School as a preference. Both forms must be completed by the stated deadlines.
The admissions test is a single GL Assessment exam taken in one sitting. It consists of multiple-choice questions in English comprehension, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning and Mathematics. Scores are age-standardised and combined into an overall ranking used to allocate places.
Entry is extremely competitive. Over 1,000 candidates sit the test each year for just 192 Year 7 places. High performance across all sections is essential, with only the top-ranked applicants securing a place.
There is no fixed catchment area for 2026 entry, though priority is given to looked-after children and Pupil Premium applicants living within the school’s defined priority area. From 2027, a formal catchment may be introduced.