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Birmingham and West Midlands: format, schools and practice papers
A plain summary of how the Birmingham and West Midlands works and how to prepare for it. Each detail says whether it is published by the organisers, reported by other sources, or not published at all. We last checked these details in November 2026.
What the test involves
Subjects: maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning.
- Reported
- Two multiple-choice papers of about 60 minutes each (including instructions and examples), sat on one day with a break, with individually timed sections in English comprehension, verbal reasoning, maths and non-verbal reasoning. Instructions and timings are given by audio, and answers go on a separate answer sheet.
- Reported
- Scores are age-standardised and weighted: English and verbal reasoning 50%, maths 25%, non-verbal 25%. Each school sets its own admission rules; passing the test does not guarantee a place.
- Reported
- The test is arranged by the King Edward VI Foundation for the eight Birmingham grammar schools and shared by other West Midlands grammar schools, some of which hold a sitting for their own applicants on a different day. The provider for 2028 entry has not been confirmed.
- Reported
- For 2027 entry, registration ran from 5 May to 26 June 2026 and the test was on Saturday 12 September 2026. Dates for 2028 entry are not yet published but are likely to follow a similar pattern.
- Not published
- The number of questions in each section (English 25, verbal reasoning 30, maths 25, non-verbal 20), about 50 minutes of working time per paper, which sections go in which paper, and five answer options per question. These are not published.
Schools that use this test
- Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School, Sutton Coldfield
- Haberdashers’ Adams, Newport
- King Edward VI Aston School, Birmingham
- King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys, Birmingham
- King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls, Birmingham
- King Edward VI Five Ways School, Birmingham
- King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys, Birmingham
- King Edward VI Handsworth School, Birmingham
- Newport Girls’ High School Academy, Newport
- Queen Mary’s Grammar School, Walsall
- Queen Mary’s High School, Walsall
- Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls, Sutton Coldfield
- Wolverhampton Girls’ High School, Wolverhampton
How to prepare
- Practise filling in a separate answer sheet, so marking the right box becomes automatic and no time is lost on test day.
- Learn the verbal reasoning question types one at a time, then mix them. Vocabulary grows fastest through wide reading.
- For non-verbal reasoning, check one feature at a time (shape, number, shading, size, position, direction) and rule options out.
- Sit full mock tests under timed conditions only every week or two, and spend the time in between on the question types that cost marks.
Practice papers for the Birmingham and West Midlands
Every question is original, written to the same types and level as the published format. Each option has a free sample, so you can check it suits your child first.
Four full mock tests based on the published two-paper format, with answer sheets, explanations and a parent guide.
Four more full mock tests in the same format as Set 1, with new questions throughout, answer sheets, answers and the parent guide.
A revision handbook for the Birmingham and West Midlands: 86 lessons teaching the methods for maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning, with worked examples, practice questions, must-know lists and a 12-week plan.
Everything for this test in one download: Set 1 and Set 2 (eight full mock tests) and the revision handbook. £39.97 if bought separately.
Questions parents ask
What does the Birmingham and West Midlands test?
It covers maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Two multiple-choice papers of about 60 minutes each (including instructions and examples), sat on one day with a break, with individually timed sections in English comprehension, verbal reasoning, maths and non-verbal reasoning. Instructions and timings are given by audio, and answers go on a separate answer sheet.
Are these the real Birmingham and West Midlands papers?
No. Real past papers are not usually published. Our papers are original and set out like the published format, so children know what to expect.
Where do I check dates and registration?
Always check with the King Edward VI Foundation and each school’s admissions page. Dates and arrangements change from year to year.
Helpful guides
- When should my child start preparing for the 11+?
- What is verbal reasoning in the 11+?
- How to use 11+ mock tests well
- A balanced Year 5 summer 11+ revision plan
- 11+ test day checklist for parents
No practice material can promise a pass or a place. Places depend on scores, the school's rules and often distance.