King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys
King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys
King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Boys Only
Places per year: 150
Competition: High
King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys
King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys 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 King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar 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 Handsworth Grammar School for Boys
How to Apply
Information on the application process for King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Handsworth School For Boys Key Information
Below, we provide you with key information regarding Handsworth’s admission process, including addresses and contact details. This information will be useful to your child and yourself alike.
School Address
Full Address:
King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School For Boys, Grove Ln, HandsworthBirmingham
B21 9ET
Contact Information
Parking in the school
- Parking is available on site at Handsworth. Alternatively, there is an abundance of parking around the perimeter.
- Baker Street Car Parking, Baker Street, Birmingham B21 9LP (Opening Times: Mon-Sat All Day, Sun 08:00-18:00)
- Soho Road Car Parking, 169-191 Soho Road, Birmingham, B21 9SU (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day)
- Waverhill Road Car Parking, Waverhill Road, Birmingham B21 0UE (Opening Times: Mon-Sun All Day,)
King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys is rated Good in all areas of its provision.
Academic strength: There is a purposeful atmosphere around HGS.
Teaching and curriculum: HGS places an exceptionally strong emphasis on pupils’ personal development.
Behaviour and culture: Pupils can explain clearly their understanding of fundamental British values such as democracy.
Leadership and safeguarding: The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Birmingham Grammar Schools Entrance Test Format
The chosen selective test of King Edward VI Handsworth School for Boys is common with all grammar schools under Birmingham City Council. All prospective students are required to sit the “Entrance Test” to Birmingham grammar schools, of which the chosen exam board is GL. The GL 11 Plus introduces challenging questions of Maths and English, pushing the children answering them beyond what they have learned in Key Stage 2. Further, the GL 11 Plus tests children on Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning, concepts which aren’t usually taught in primary education. For this reason, 11 Plus Hero uses our experience with the GL 11 Plus to create specialist learning materials for your child’s needs. Our resources and tutors can be used to ensure your child has the best chance at success.
The GL 11 Plus Test: Overview
The GL 11 Plus Test: Overview
There are four components making up the GL 11 Plus, the entrance test required for schools in Birmingham. We provide a detailed breakdown of the content of the entrance test. Please see our article ‘Selective Tests in Birmingham – The GL 11 Plus Test’
Overview
- Paper One and Paper Two are both 60 minute papers which include all 4 areas tested by the GL 11 Plus: English, maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-verbal Reasoning. Each area tested has it’s own section in the paper.
The GL 11 Plus Test: Pass Criteria
Notably, there is no official ‘pass mark’ for the GL 11 Plus entrance test to Birmingham grammar schools. Children receive an aggregate mark for their test by October for the following year of entry. The marks are statistically standardised to compare any one score to the average score of their school year. As the results are standardised, age is taken into account, meaning the youngest member of the cohort is not penalised for their age. Instead of an official ‘passing grade’, Birmingham City Council grammar schools select students depending on whether they reach the ‘qualifying mark’, this is variable year to year. All the admission policies in Birmingham, including Handsworth, require children to reach the ‘qualifying mark’ to be considered for admission. It is estimated that the top 25% of students in the country will receive a qualifying mark. For more information please see our article ‘Selective Tests in Birmingham – The GL 11 Plus Test’.
Paper 1:
A mix of either English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-verbal Reasoning questions (60 minutes).
Paper 2:
A mix of either English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning or Non-verbal Reasoning questions (60n minutes).
The Birmingham Grammar Schools Entrance Test - GL 11 Plus Assessment Criteria
| English | Maths | Verbal Reasoning | Non-verbal Reasoning | Additional |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✔✔ | ✔✔ | ✔✔ | ✔✔ | n/a n/a |
Catchment Area
For admission to King Edward VI Handsworth School For Boys, applicants must meet the ‘qualifying score’ in order to be considered for admission. This “qualifying score” or “qualifying mark” is the minimum standardised aggregate mark which must be achieved by a prospective student in order to be considered for admission to Handsworth School For Boys.
As a general rule and where the number of ‘qualifying’ students exceeds the number of places, Handsworth prioritises students who reside in the catchment area. The catchment area consists of addresses in both Birmingham and Sandwell. Notably, these catchment areas are not exact, and are subject to change each year. A map of the catchment area is also available on the school website.
Birmingham:
- Birchfield, Edgbaston, Handsworth, Handsworth Wood, Holyhead, Kingstanding, Ladywood, Lozells, Newtown, North Edgbaston, Oscott, Perry Barr, Soho & Jewellery Quarter
Sandwell:
- Smethwick, Soho & Victoria, St Paul’s, West Bromwich Central
Additional eligibilities
While the catchment area above indicates the general method of priority, that priority is given to children who reside in that catchment area, Handsworth School operates on an additional 5-tier priority basis.
- First, “Looked After” or “Previously Looked After”* Children who achieve the qualifying score. Applicants in this category are ranked by test score and then by distance from the school.
- Next, children attracting the Pupil Premium** who achieve the qualifying score and live within the school catchment area. Applicants in this category will be ranked by distance from the school.
- If fewer than 38 places 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 school catchment area, until a total of 38 children attracting the Pupil Premium have been offered. Pupils in this category are ranked by test score. Where test scores are equal, priority is given to a child if they have 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 are offered places. Applicants in this category are prioritised if they have a sibling at the school. They are then ranked by distance from the school.
- Last, applicants who achieve the qualifying score are offered places. Applicants in this category will be ranked by test score. Where scores are equal, priority is given if an applicant has 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 a child who achieves this mark or above.
A more detailed explanation of the admissions criteria and catchment area is contained in Handsworth’s admission policy, see https://handsworth.bham.sch.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/KE-Handsworth-Boys-2023-admissions-policy.pdf
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar 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
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 King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar 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.
King Edward VI Handsworth School For Boys Dates and Application Information
The application process for Handsworth requires strict adherence to many dates and deadlines. 11 Plus Hero understands this can be overwhelming coupled with exam preparation and revision. For this reason, we have outlined the key dates below for you.
Applications for Secondary School intake 2023
Open Evening
Registration For Entrance Test to Birmingham Grammar Schools
Reasonable Adjustments Deadline - deadline for requesting reasonable adjustments to allow your child to access the paper; for example if they have a disability. Requests should be submitted along with all relevant evidence.
Birmingham Grammar Schools Entrance Test date
Test Results Date
Preference Form Deadline
School Offer
King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar 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 Handsworth Grammar 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 Handsworth Grammar 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 Handsworth Grammar School for Boys FAQs
- There is no official ‘pass mark’ for Handsworth school. Similarly, no grammar school under Birmingham City Council operates on a ‘pass mark’ basis. Instead, candidates aggregate marks are compared against a ‘qualifying mark’ or ‘qualifying score’ – these phrases are interchangeable. The qualifying mark is subject to change each year and is the minimum requirement for admission to Handsworth School For Boys.
- For more details see section ‘Pass Mark and catchment area’. LINK
- Students are selected for Handsworth based on their performance in the entrance test to Birmingham grammar schools, under the GL 11 Plus Exam Board. This test is run and governed by Birmingham City Council. This assessment tests a child’s competency in Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-verbal Reasoning. The questions are designed to push a child past their Key Stage 2 learning. The papers are multiple choice and marked externally via computer.
- For more details see ‘Section 4: Birmingham Grammar Schools Entrance Test Format’ LINK
The website https://www.birminghamgrammarschools.org/content/test provides a familiarisation guide for Birmingham City Council’s GL 11 Plus. This material allows children to better understand the format of the questions in the test.