Birmingham & Walsall 11 Plus Exams: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re a parent in Birmingham or Walsall navigating the 11 Plus process, you may feel overwhelmed by the exams, catchment policies, and admissions procedures. This guide simplifies everything—from test format and key dates to school options and preparation tips—to help you and your child approach the 11 Plus journey with confidence.

What is the 11 Plus Exam in Birmingham and Walsall?

The 11 Plus is a selective entrance examination used by grammar schools in England. In the Birmingham and Walsall areas, it determines admission into Year 7 for a range of grammar schools, most of which are part of the West Midlands Grammar Schools Consortium, operated by The Grammar Schools in Birmingham and Queen Mary’s Grammar Schools in Walsall.

How Are Birmingham and Walsall Different in Their 11 Plus Approach?

While both areas use the same test format through GL Assessment, there are subtle differences:

• Birmingham schools are more likely to have defined catchment areas
• Walsall schools may offer more flexibility for out-of-area students
• Queen Mary’s schools in Walsall conduct their own coordination of places, separate from Birmingham’s King Edward VI Foundation schools

Which Grammar Schools Use the 11 Plus in Birmingham and Walsall?

Birmingham Grammar Schools

• King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys
• King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls
• King Edward VI Five Ways School
• King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys
• King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls
• Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School
• Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls

Walsall Grammar Schools

• Queen Mary’s Grammar School (Boys)
• Queen Mary’s High School (Girls)

These schools are part of a shared entrance test system, meaning candidates only need to sit one test for consideration at multiple schools.

What is the Format of the Birmingham & Walsall 11 Plus Exam?

The entrance test follows a two-paper format administered by GL Assessment. Each paper typically lasts about 50–60 minutes and includes a mix of:

• English comprehension
• Verbal reasoning
• Mathematics
• Non-verbal reasoning

Each paper contains multiple-choice questions, and answers are marked using an optical mark reader.

When is the 11 Plus Exam Held?

The entrance test is usually held in mid-September, with registration opening in May and closing by late June or early July.

Key Dates (Typical Timeline)

• Registration opens: May
• Registration closes: End of June
• Test date: Mid-September
• Results released: Mid-October
• CAF submission deadline: 31 October
• National Offer Day: 1 March

Be sure to check each consortium’s website for the latest confirmed dates.

How Do You Register for the Exam?

Parents must register their child via the official West Midlands Grammar Schools portal. Registration is online only. You can list preferred schools in your Local Authority’s Common Application Form (CAF), but registration for the 11 Plus is a separate process.

What is the Pass Mark or Score Required?

The 11 Plus in this region is standardised, and there is no fixed “pass mark.” Instead, scores are ranked and cut-offs vary by school, year, and demand.

Factors that influence score thresholds include:

• The number of applicants
• The child’s age (standardisation adjusts for younger candidates)
• Priority catchment areas or criteria
• Individual school policies

Some schools give preference to children eligible for Pupil Premium funding.

How Do Catchment Areas Affect Admission?

Many grammar schools in Birmingham and Walsall give priority to pupils living within specific catchment areas, although this can vary. Some schools do offer places to students outside catchments, but typically at a higher score threshold.

Examples of Catchment Preferences

• Queen Mary’s schools in Walsall offer places based on distance and academic ranking
• King Edward VI schools have designated catchment zones with tiered admissions
• Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School gives priority to students in Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield

How to Prepare for the Birmingham & Walsall 11 Plus

Study Resources

• GL Assessment practice papers
• Bond 11+ books
• Online platforms such as Atom Learning or 11 Plus Lifeline

Tips for Preparation

• Encourage reading to support vocabulary and comprehension
• Begin preparation at least 6–9 months in advance
• Build a consistent study routine
• Focus on weak areas after mock exams
• Practise under timed conditions

Can You Appeal If Your Child Doesn’t Get a Place?

Yes. If your child is not offered a place at your preferred grammar school, you can submit an admissions appeal to the school’s governing body or local authority. You will need to show compelling reasons for the appeal, such as extenuating circumstances or evidence that your child would thrive at the school.

Final Thoughts

The Birmingham and Walsall 11 Plus exams open doors to some of the most competitive and prestigious grammar schools in the West Midlands. With a clear understanding of the application process, test format, and preparation strategies, parents can help their children succeed while reducing stress. Always start early, stay informed, and encourage your child throughout this important academic milestone.

Frequently Asked Questions