King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls
King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls
King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls 11 Plus Guide
At a Glance
Assessment: GL Assessment
Fees Type: Free
Boarding: Day school
Admissions: Girls Only
Places per year: 192
Competition: High
Ofsted Rating: Outstanding
King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls
King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls is a selective state grammar school located in Birmingham. Known for its academic excellence, the school consistently achieves strong results and encourages students to develop into confident, independent learners.
The school has a long-standing reputation for nurturing ambition, celebrating diversity and offering a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. From music and drama to sport, clubs and community involvement, pupils are supported both academically and personally.
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 School for Girls
Ofsted Report
Ofsted report breakdown for King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls
Exam Format
Learn about the 11 Plus exam format at King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls
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 School for Girls
How to Apply
Information on the application process for King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls
FAQs
Frequently asked questions and answers for King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls
Schools Nearby
Search for other schools in the local area
Handsworth School For Girls Key Information
Up to date information regarding contact details, addresses for the school and parking and relevant school statistics are regularly updated by 11 Plus Hero. If you wish to pursue any further information on your desired school, please use the key information details listed below.
School Address
Full Address:
King Edward VI Handsworth School For Girls, Rose Hill Rd, Handsworth WoodBirmingham
B21 9AR
Contact Information
Parking in the school
Parking is free on site at King Edward VI Handsworth School For Girls. Alternative parking is available within a 30 minute walk.
- The Selly Park Tavern Parking, 592 Pershore Road, Birmingham B29 7HQ (Opening Times Mon-Sun 07:00 – 20:00)
- QEHB Car Park A, Mindelsohn Way, Birmingham B15 2GW (Opening Times Mon-Sun All Day)
King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls Ofsted Report
Quick Summary
Overall rating: King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls 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
Handsworth School For Girls selects students based on their performance in the Entrance Test to Birmingham grammar schools. This entrance test is under the GL exam board and therefore is a GL 11 Plus Test. For children at KS2, the GL 11 Plus pushes them beyond their normal realms of education. The GL 11 Plus not only tests a child’s competence in Maths and English, but in Verbal Reasoning and Non-verbal Reasoning, concepts new and unusual to KS2 children. We understand the new concepts are confusing and hard to prepare for. For this reason, we have used our breadth of experience with the GL 11 Plus to create specialist materials for students expecting to take the entrance test to Birmingham grammar schools. We can provide them with a toolkit full of what they need to perform at their best on the test day
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 or Non-verbal Reasoning questions (60 minutes)
Paper 2:
A mix of either English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning or 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
For King Edward VI Handsworth School For Girls, applicants who achieve the ‘qualifying score’ are eligible for admission. As aforementioned, this ‘qualifying score’ or ‘qualifying mark’ is the minimum standardised mark achieved on the entrance test to allow the student to be considered for entry to the school.
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, Sandwell and Solihull. 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:
- Alum Rock, Aston, Birchfield, Bromford & Hodge Hill, Castle Vale, Edgbaston, Erdington, Garretts Green, Glebe Farm & Tile Cross, Gravelly Hill, Handsworth, Handsworth Wood, Heartlands, Holyhead, Kingstanding, Ladywood, Lozells, Nechells, Newtown, North Edgbaston, Oscott, Perry Barr, Perry Common, Pype Hayes, Shard End, Sheldon, Soho & Jewellery Quarter, Stockland Green, Sutton Four Oaks, Sutton Mere Green, Sutton Reddicap, Sutton Roughley, Sutton Trinity, Sutton Vesey, Sutton Walmley & Minworth, Sutton Wylde Green, Ward End, Yardley East, Yardley West & Stechford.
Sandwell:
- Smethwick, Soho & Victoria, St Pauls, West Bromwich
Solihull:
- Castle Bromwich, Chelmsley Wood, Kinghurst & Fordbridge, Smith’s Wood.
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 48 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 48 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 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 School For Girls admission policy, see https://kingedwards.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/KE-Handsworth-Girls-2023-admissions-policy.pdf
Preparing for the 11 Plus Test at King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls
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 School for Girls. 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 Girls Dates and Application Information
Contained in the table below, are vital dates and events you need to know for the admission process to Handsworth School For Girls.
Test Registration Opens
Test Registration Closes
Open Evening
Entrance Test Date
Results Sent to Parents
Common Application Form Deadline
Offer Day
King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls 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 School for Girls 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 School for Girls 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 School for Girls FAQs
- Notably, the Handsworth admission process does not operate by a ‘pass mark’, nor is there any official ‘pass mark’ for the entrance test to Birmingham grammar schools. Instead, a ‘qualifying mark’ or ‘qualifying score’ is released, and candidates aggregate marks are compared against these. If the candidates mark reaches or exceeds the ‘qualifying mark’, the candidate ‘qualifies’ for that school, and is considered for entry. In Handsworth’s admission policy, they stress that reaching the qualifying mark is a prerequisite for admission consideration.
- For more details see section ‘Pass Mark and catchment area’. LINK
- Handsworth, common with all schools under Birmingham City Council, selects students from the ‘entrance test to Birmingham grammar schools’. This is a GL 11 Plus Test, under the GL Exam Board. The test assesses a child’s competency in not only Maths and English, but Verbal 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 understand the format of the questions in the test.