The King Edward VI Consortium runs a shared entrance test for its grammar schools in Birmingham and surrounding Warwickshire.
Birmingham's grammar school admissions run primarily through the King Edward VI Consortium — a partnership of state grammar schools using a shared admissions test. Families register once, the child sits one test, and the result is shared across the consortium schools the family lists on the registration form.
Two additional Sutton Coldfield grammars — Bishop Vesey's and Sutton Coldfield Grammar for Girls — historically run separate but coordinated admissions. Always check each school's admissions page for the current cycle's arrangement.
The King Edward VI Consortium — Several Birmingham grammar schools admit via the KEVI Consortium's shared test. A separate Sutton Coldfield arrangement covers Bishop Vesey's and Sutton Coldfield Grammar for Girls.
The KEVI consortium test covers English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The format has used GL Assessment-style papers in recent cycles; confirm the current year on the consortium's website before relying on any specifics.
Test sitting is typically held in September of Year 6. Familiarisation materials are usually made available to registered candidates in the months running up to the test.
Birmingham 11+ traditionally puts more weight on English than some other regions, so reading-comprehension and vocabulary work pays off. Don't neglect Maths — the questions can move fast.
Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning practice with GL Assessment-style materials covers most of what the test asks for. Mix free papers with timed practice as the date approaches.
The format is close — multiple-choice, timed, similar question types — but it's specifically the consortium's own paper. Practising with general GL-style materials prepares children well for the question types.
Not automatically. Bishop Vesey's and Sutton Coldfield Grammar for Girls have their own arrangements. Check each school's website for current admissions timelines.
Yes — you list your preferences on the registration form, and the consortium uses the single test result to consider each school.
Very competitive — the King Edward VI schools rank among the highest-performing grammar schools nationally and consistently attract more applications than places.
Free taster papers in English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning. Worked answers on every question. No payment needed to start.