Birmingham offers a diverse range of secondary education options, including grammar schools known for their academic rigour and a variety of independent schools catering to different educational philosophies.
In Birmingham, grammar schools like King Edward VI Five Ways School and King Edward VI Handsworth School are renowned for their selective admissions and challenging academic programs. These schools consistently achieve high exam results and prepare students for top universities.
Independent schools in Birmingham, such as King Edward's School and King Edward VI High School for Girls, offer a more personalised approach to education with smaller class sizes and a focus on individual development. These schools provide a broad curriculum, including strong arts and sports programs, and emphasize character development and community service.
Below, you can find an updated list of all the private and grammar schools in Birmingham. Click the links below for individual school/admissions information, as well as some free 11 Plus exam papers in a similar style to those the school uses for its admissions test for year 7.
All Private and Grammar Schools in Birmingham
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School
Address: Lichfield Road, Sutton Coldfield B74 2NH, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1527.
Type of School: Grammar school, all-boys (co-educational sixth form).
Age Range: 11-18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: GL Assessment for the West Midlands Grammar Schools’ partnership.
Notable Features: Bishop Vesey's Grammar School is a high-performing grammar school with a strong academic tradition and a wide range of extracurricular activities. The school is known for its excellent teaching, supportive pastoral care, and focus on developing well-rounded individuals.
Resources:
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Darul Uloom
Address: 111 Golden Hillock Road, Birmingham B10 0DX, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1985.
Type of School: Independent, Islamic, all-girls day school.
Age Range: 11-16 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam.
Notable Features: Darul Uloom Islamic High School is a faith-based independent school that focuses on providing a holistic education rooted in Islamic values and principles. The school offers a strong academic curriculum alongside a comprehensive Islamic studies program.
Resources:
Darul Uloom – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Edgbaston High School for Girls
Address: 34 Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 3TS, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1876.
Type of School: Independent, all-girls day school (part of the Girls' Day School Trust).
Age Range: 3-18 years old (Nursery, Preparatory, and Senior School).
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam.
Notable Features: Edgbaston High School for Girls is a leading independent girls' school known for its academic excellence, strong pastoral care, and commitment to empowering young women. The school offers a broad and challenging curriculum, extensive extracurricular opportunities, and a supportive community. It focuses on developing confident, independent learners who are prepared to make a difference in the world.
Resources:
Edgbaston High School for Girls – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Highclare School
Address: Senior School: 24 Wylde Green Road, Sutton Coldfield B72 1QX, United Kingdom. Prep School: 210 Birmingham Road, Sutton Coldfield B72 1QJ, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1932.
Type of School: Independent, co-educational day school.
Age Range: 2-18 years old (Nursery, Pre-Prep, Prep, and Senior School).
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam.
Notable Features: Highclare School is a well-established independent school known for its warm and friendly atmosphere, focus on individual learning, and commitment to academic excellence. The school offers a broad and balanced curriculum, a wide range of co-curricular activities, and excellent pastoral care.
Resources:
Highclare School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
King Edward VI Aston School
Address: King Edward VI Aston School, Frederick Road, Aston, Birmingham, B6 6DJ, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1883.
Type of School: Independent, boys' grammar school.
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: GL Assessment for the West Midlands Grammar Schools’ partnership.
Notable Features: King Edward VI Aston School, established in 1883, is known for its commitment to academic excellence and a well-rounded education. The school provides a supportive and challenging environment where boys can develop their intellectual, creative, and personal potential. Aston students are encouraged to strive for the highest standards in all aspects of their lives, becoming well-rounded individuals prepared for future success.
Resources:
King Edward VI Aston School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys
Address: King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys, Vicarage Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B14 7QJ, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1883.
Type of School: Selective, state-funded grammar school for boys.
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: GL Assessment for the West Midlands Grammar Schools’ partnership.
Notable Features: King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys, established in 1883, is renowned for its academic excellence and consistently ranks among the top-performing schools in the United Kingdom. The school fosters a supportive yet challenging environment, encouraging boys to develop a love of learning and achieve their full potential in academics, sports, and extracurricular activities. Camp Hill Boys emphasizes personal growth, critical thinking, and community involvement, producing well-rounded individuals prepared for higher education and future leadership roles.
Resources:
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys – 11 Plus Exam Papers
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls
Address: King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls, Vicarage Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B14 7QJ, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1883.
Type of School: Selective, state-funded grammar school for girls.
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: GL Assessment for the West Midlands Grammar Schools’ partnership.
Notable Features: King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls, established in 1883, is renowned for its academic excellence and consistently ranks among the top-performing schools in the United Kingdom. The school fosters a supportive and empowering environment for girls, encouraging them to develop their intellectual curiosity, creativity, and leadership skills. Camp Hill Girls emphasizes academic rigor, personal growth, and community engagement, preparing young women for successful futures in higher education and beyond.
Resources:
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls – 11 Plus Exam Papers
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
King Edward VI Five Ways School
Address: King Edward VI Five Ways School, Scotland Lane, Bartley Green, Birmingham, B32 4BT, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1883.
Type of School: Selective, state-funded grammar school (co-educational).
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: GL Assessment for the West Midlands Grammar Schools’ partnership.
Notable Features: King Edward VI Five Ways School, established in 1883, is renowned for its academic excellence and consistently ranks among the top-performing schools in the United Kingdom. The school fosters a diverse and inclusive environment where students are encouraged to develop their intellectual curiosity, creativity, and leadership potential. Five Ways emphasizes a well-rounded education, offering a wide range of extracurricular activities in addition to a rigorous academic curriculum, preparing students for success in higher education and their chosen careers.
Resources:
King Edward VI Five Ways School – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School For Boys
Address: Grove Lane, Handsworth, Birmingham, B21 9ET, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1862.
Type of School: Selective, state-funded grammar school for boys (co-educational at sixth form).
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: GL Assessment for the West Midlands Grammar Schools’ partnership.
Notable Features: King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys, established in 1862, is celebrated for its academic excellence and consistently ranks among the top-performing schools in the United Kingdom. The school fosters a supportive and stimulating learning environment where boys can develop their intellectual curiosity, critical thinking skills, and personal potential. Handsworth Grammar School emphasizes a well-rounded education, offering a wide array of extracurricular opportunities alongside rigorous academic studies, preparing young men for success in higher education and their chosen careers.
Resources:
King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School For Boys – 11 Plus Exam Papers
King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School For Boys – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls
Address: 45 Golds Hill Rd, Handsworth Wood, Birmingham B20 2BY, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1883.
Type of School: Selective, state-funded grammar school for girls.
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: GL Assessment for the West Midlands Grammar Schools’ partnership.
Notable Features: Renowned for its academic excellence, consistently ranking among the top-performing schools in the United Kingdom. Fosters a supportive and empowering environment for girls, encouraging intellectual curiosity, creativity, and leadership. Offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and a rigorous academic curriculum.
Resources:
King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls – 11 Plus Exam Papers
King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
King Edward VI High School for Girls
Address: Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2UB, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1883.
Type of School: Independent day school for girls.
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam.
Notable Features: Renowned for its academic excellence, consistently ranking among the top schools in the UK. Fosters intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity. Offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and leadership opportunities. Alumnae have gone on to achieve success in various fields, including academia, business, the arts, and public service.
Resources:
King Edward VI High School for Girls – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
King Edward's School Birmingham
Address: Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham B15 2UA, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1552.
Type of School: Independent day school for boys (co-educational at sixth form).
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School’s own exam and GL Assessment.
Notable Features: One of the oldest and most prestigious schools in the UK with a rich history and tradition. Renowned for its academic excellence, consistently ranking among the top schools in the country. Offers a broad and balanced curriculum with a strong emphasis on intellectual development and personal growth. Extensive extracurricular opportunities, including sports, music, drama, and community service.
Resources:
King Edward's School Birmingham – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Priory School Edgbaston
Address: Sir Harry's Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2UR, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1939.
Type of School: Independent, co-educational Catholic school.
Age Range: 3–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam.
Notable Features: A thriving independent Catholic school that welcomes students of all faiths and none. It fosters a caring and supportive environment that emphasizes academic excellence and personal development. It offers a broad and balanced curriculum, including a wide range of extracurricular activities and leadership opportunities. Committed to developing well-rounded individuals with a strong sense of social responsibility and a commitment to service.
Resources:
Priory School Edgbaston – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
St. George's School, Edgbaston
Address: 31 Calthorpe Rd, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 1RX, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1999 (through a merger of two older schools).
Type of School: Independent, co-educational day school.
Age Range: 3–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: School's own exam.
Notable Features: A non-selective independent school with a Christian foundation. Offers a supportive and inclusive learning environment that encourages students to develop their individual talents and interests. The curriculum is broad and balanced, with a strong emphasis on academic achievement, personal development, and community involvement.
Resources:
St. George's School, Edgbaston – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information
Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls
Address: Jockey Road, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, B73 5PT, United Kingdom.
Founded: 1929 (as Sutton Coldfield High School).
Type of School: Selective, state-funded grammar school for girls.
Age Range: 11–18 years old.
Entrance Exam Type: GL Assessment for the West Midlands Grammar Schools’ partnership.
Notable Features: A high-performing grammar school with a reputation for academic excellence. Fosters a supportive and ambitious learning environment that encourages girls to achieve their full potential. Offers a broad and balanced curriculum, including a wide range of extracurricular activities and leadership opportunities. Designated a Science College and Leadership Partner School.
Resources:
Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls – 11 Plus Exam Papers
Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls – 11 Plus Entrance Exam Information