King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 120
Competition: High
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys is a selective state grammar school located in Kings Heath, Birmingham. It is part of the King Edward VI Foundation and has a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, enriched learning and personal development. Entry is for boys aged 11–16, with a co-educational sixth form.
Founded in 1883, the school is known for its ambitious yet supportive environment. Students are encouraged to develop independence, resilience and intellectual curiosity. Alongside rigorous academics, Camp Hill Boys offers a wealth of extracurricular opportunities, from science clubs and music ensembles to debating and sport.
Location & Contact Info
Contact details, address and parking information for King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys
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 King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys
How to Apply
Information on the application process for King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys Key Information
Listed below is Camp Hill’s key information for prospective students and their parents. This information may be used to contact the school, for visiting, and to help yourself and your child understand if this school is the right choice for you.
School Address
Full Address:
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys, Vicarage Road, King's HeathBirmingham
B14 7QJ
Contact Information
Parking in the school
Parking can be found all within a 15 minute walk of Camp Hill.
- The Red Lion, Vicarage Road, Birmingham B14 7LY (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)
- Alcester Road Retail Park, 58-67 Alcester Road, Birmingham, B14 7PT (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: Outstanding
Academic strength: Pupils are highly motivated and perform well, especially in subjects like English, history and classics.
Teaching and curriculum: Strong in many subjects, though assessment is inconsistent across departments.
Behaviour and culture: Excellent pupil behaviour, respectful environment, and wide-ranging extracurricular opportunities.
Leadership and safeguarding: Well-led with strong staff morale; safeguarding is rigorous and effective.
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys Exam Format
Camp Hill, along with the other 7 grammar schools in Birmingham, select students through the entrance test to Birmingham grammar schools, governed by the GL 11 Plus exam board. Notably, students enlist on this test through the council, not through the school. There are four key components to the GL 11 Plus tests: English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-verbal Reasoning. The GL 11 Plus is a new concept to prospective students and parents alike, which is why 11 Plus Hero is here to provide specialist materials to give your child the best chance at success.
The Birmingham Grammar Schools Entrance Test: Overview
The aforementioned ‘four components’ make up the GL 11 Plus entrance test: English, Maths, Verbal reasoning and Non-verbal Reasoning. These concepts, as well as the way they are structured and presented, are new and daunting to children attempting them. For this reason, 11 Plus Hero has a full breakdown of the content and format, please visit our article ‘Selective Tests in Birmingham – The GL 11 Plus Test’.
Overview
- There are two papers; both approximately 60 minutes long.
- Both papers are divided into four separate subsections of English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-verbal Reasoning.
The Birmingham Grammar Schools GL 11 Plus Test: Pass Criteria
Test scores are received by October for the following year of entry. For example, for entry in 2023, test scores will be received in October 2022. No child is penalised if they are younger than the rest of the cohort tested, scores are standardised in comparison to the average aggregate score across the board. Further, there is no official ‘pass mark’ for the entrance test to Birmingham grammar schools. Instead, admission is based on a ‘qualifying mark’, calculated by examining the marks of students in that cohort. As a result, the ‘qualifying mark’ varies from year to year. Only applicants who achieve the ‘qualifying score’ are eligible for admission to the school. This is the minimum standardised score achieved on the entrance test to make a student eligible for entry to the school. The qualifying score for the 2022 intake of students was 205, but this is subject to change each year. Although the ‘qualifying mark’ cannot be predicted, it is estimated that the top 25% of students will achieve the qualifying mark. For more information please see our article ‘Selective Test in Birmingham – GL 11 Plus’.
Paper 1:
A mix of English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-verbal Reasoning questions (60 minutes).
Paper 2:
A mix of English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-verbal Reasoning questions (60 minutes).
The Birmingham Grammar Schools Entrance Test - GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| n/an/a |
Catchment Area
As a general rule, priority is given to eligible applicants (those who achieve the qualifying score or higher) who reside in Camp Hills catchment area. The catchment area consists of home addresses within the following electoral wards in Birmingham, but this is subject to change:
- Acocks Green, Balsall Heath West, Billesley, Bordesley & Highgate, Bordesley Green, Bournbrook & Selly park, Brandwood & Kings Heath, Druids Heath & Monyhull, Hall Green North, Hall Green South, Highters Heath, Moseley, Small Heath, South Yardley, Sparkbrook & Balsall Heath East, Sparkhill, Stirchley, Tyseley & Hay Mills
Additional eligibilities
While the catchment area outlined above indicates the general rule of priority for students to King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys, they operate on an additional 5-tier priority basis, outlined below, starting from highest priority.
- Looked After (Or Previously Looked After) Children* who achieve the qualifying score. These children will be ranked by test score and then by distance to the school;
- Children who attract the Pupil Premium**, who achieve the qualifying score and live within the school catchment area. Applicants in this category will be ranked from distance to the school;
- If fewer than 30 places are filled by applicants in category 2, offers will be made to children attracting the Pupil Premium** who achieve the qualifying mark and live outside the catchment area, until a total of 30 places are filled. 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 by distance from the school;
- Next, applicants who achieve the priority score*** and live within the school catchment area. Applicants in this category will be given priority if they have a sibling at the school; then ranked by distance from the school;
- Last, applicants who achieve 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.
*Children who have been in, or previously have been in, the state care of local authorities.
**Children who have been registered for free school meals at any point in the 6 years prior to the closing date of registration.
***A mark indicative of overachievement in the Entrance Test, inducing entry priority on the child who achieves this mark or above.
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys
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
Start early so your child has plenty of time to learn steadily and confidently. Beginning preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5 encourages gradual progress without unnecessary pressure.
Use Exam Papers
Use timed exam papers to become comfortable with the format and to build strong test-taking techniques.
Target Weak Areas
Identify and focus on weaker areas by regularly reviewing progress and dedicating extra time to challenging topics or question types.
Encourage Daily Reading
Encourage daily reading to enhance vocabulary, boost comprehension, and develop analytical thinking — all vital for success in the 11 Plus.
Make Use of Online Resources
Take advantage of online learning tools that offer personalised practice, constructive feedback, and engaging study activities.
Best Chance of Success
With consistent effort, clear organisation, and a positive mindset, your child will approach the exam with confidence and the best chance of success.
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 King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys. 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.
Camp Hill’s Key Dates and Application Information
Dates and deadlines are a vital part of the admission process to Birmingham’s grammar schools, including Camp Hill. 11 Plus Hero is here to guide you through it. Below are deadlines and dates which will be most important to you and your child.
Test Registration Opens
Reasonable Adjustments Deadline
Test Registration Closes
Entrance Test Date
Results Sent to Parents
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys Application Process
Applying for a Year 7 place involves completing three key steps.
Admissions Policy 2026
Please ensure you read the King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys 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 King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys 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.
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys FAQs
- There is no such ‘pass mark’ for Camp Hill, nor any grammar schools under Birmingham City Council. Instead, the candidates’ results are compared against a ‘qualifying mark’. This is the minimum requirement for admission to Camp Hill, calculated by comparing the standardised results of all students in that cohort. Consequently, the ‘qualifying mark’ changes each year.
- For more details see section ‘Pass Mark and catchment area’. LINK
- King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys selects students based on the GL 11 Plus entrance test to Birmingham grammar schools, under Birmingham City Council. These assessments test a child’s competency in English, Maths, Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning using two multiple choice papers which are externally marked via computer.
- For more details see ‘Section 4: King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys Exam Format’ LINK
- As a general rule, the deadline for enrolling your child in the entrance test to Birmingham grammar schools is strict, at 4pm on the 30th June. In the event of non-compliance, only in exceptional circumstances may candidates still be tested.
The website https://www.birminghamgrammarschools.org/content/test provides a full familiarisation guide for Birmingham City Council’s GL 11 Plus. This material allows children to understand the format of the questions in the test.