Bishop Vesey's Grammar School 11+ Guide: Admissions, 11+ Exam & Expert Prep
Bishop Vesey's Grammar School: Your Ultimate Guide to Admissions and 11+ Success
Bishop Vesey's Grammar School (BVGS) stands as a pillar of academic excellence in the West Midlands, with a rich history dating back to 1527. Located in Sutton Coldfield, this prestigious selective grammar school for boys (11-16) with a co-educational sixth form is renowned for its outstanding education and commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals. For parents and students navigating the crucial 11+ entrance process, this comprehensive guide offers essential information about BVGS, including application details, exam insights, and expert preparation advice from Pass 11 Plus Grammar.
Discover Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School
Founded by Bishop John Vesey, a distinguished figure in the court of King Henry VIII, BVGS has a long and proud tradition of academic achievement. The school's unwavering dedication to providing an exceptional educational experience is consistently recognised through its "Outstanding" Ofsted ratings. Bishop Vesey's Grammar School strives to cultivate confident, articulate, and well-prepared young men who are equipped to excel in their future endeavours.
Key Information:
Type:Selective state grammar school with academy status
Age Range:11–18 (Boys, 11-16; Co-educational Sixth Form)
Bishop Vesey's Grammar School proudly holds an Outstanding rating in all categories following its latest Ofsted inspection on 30th April 2024. This reflects the exceptional standards across all aspects of the school.
Navigating the 11+ Admissions Timeline (September 2026 Entry)
For families considering Year 7 entry in September 2026, understanding the 11+ admissions timeline is essential. While the official dates for the 2026 intake will be released by the school and the West Midlands Grammar Schools' Consortium, the 2025 admissions cycle provides a reliable framework:
Tuesday 6th May 2025:Registration opened for the West Midlands Grammar Schools' Entrance Test.
Friday 13th June 2025:Deadline for reasonable adjustments requests.
Friday 17th October 2025:Parents receive test results.
Friday 31st October 2025:Secondary school applications close at 5pm.
Monday 2nd March 2026:Secondary school national offers day.
Important Reminder: These dates are based on the previous year's schedule and are subject to confirmation. Always consult the official Bishop Vesey's Grammar School website and the West Midlands Grammar Schools' Consortium website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the 2026 admissions process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying to Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School
Book Your 11+ Exam[/caption]The application process for Bishop Vesey's Grammar School requires careful attention to detail and adherence to deadlines. Here's a breakdown of the key steps:
Online Registration:The first step is to register your child for the West Midlands Grammar Schools' Entrance Test through the official online portal: https://westmidlandsgrammarschools.co.uk/.
Provide Necessary Details:During registration, you will need to provide accurate information about your child and yourself.
Reasonable Adjustments:If your child has any specific learning needs or disabilities that may require adjustments during the entrance test, you must submit a formal request with supporting documentation by the specified deadline.
The Entrance Examination:Your child will sit the West Midlands Grammar Schools’ Entrance Test, which assesses their abilities in English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Receiving Your Child's Results:Following the examination, you will receive your child's score, indicating whether they have met the qualifying standard set by Bishop Vesey's Grammar School.
Submitting Your Secondary School Application:Once you have the results, you must complete your Local Authority's Secondary School Preference Form. If your child has met the qualifying standard, you can include Bishop Vesey's Grammar School as one of your preferred choices. Ensure you submit this form by the local authority's deadline.
For the most comprehensive and current guidance on the admissions process, always refer to the dedicated Admissions section on the Bishop Vesey's Grammar School website.
Understanding the 11+ Entrance Exam Subjects
The West Midlands Grammar Schools' Entrance Test, the gateway to Bishop Vesey's Grammar School, evaluates key academic and cognitive skills through two papers, each lasting approximately one hour. The subjects assessed are:
English Comprehension:This section assesses your child's ability to read and understand various types of written text, including identifying key information, inferring meaning, and analysing language.
Verbal Reasoning:This tests your child's logical thinking skills using language, including understanding word relationships, solving verbal puzzles, and applying vocabulary.
Mathematics:This section evaluates your child's mathematical knowledge and their ability to apply mathematical concepts and problem-solving skills across areas such as number, algebra, geometry, and statistics.
Non-Verbal/Spatial Reasoning:This assesses your child's ability to understand and analyse visual information, identify patterns, and solve problems using diagrams, shapes, and spatial awareness.
The raw scores from these sections are age-standardised to ensure fairness for all candidates, regardless of their age within the cohort. Bishop Vesey's Grammar School then sets a qualifying score that candidates need to achieve to be considered for admission.
Academic Excellence and Curriculum at BVGS
Bishop Vesey's Grammar School has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, consistently achieving outstanding results at both GCSE and A-Level. The school provides a challenging yet supportive learning environment that encourages students to reach their full potential.
GCSE Achievements:In 2023, an impressive 75% of all GCSE grades awarded were Grade 7 or higher, underscoring the high academic standards and the dedication of the students and teaching staff.
A-Level Success:At A-Level, 86% of students achieved A-B grades*, with a significant 70% progressing to prestigious Russell Group universities, demonstrating the school's effectiveness in preparing students for higher education.
BVGS offers a broad and balanced curriculum, ensuring students have a wide range of subjects to choose from at both GCSE and A-Level.
GCSE Subject Offerings: English Literature, English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Economics, Spanish, Computer Studies, History, French, Design & Technology, Religious Studies, Physical Education, Chinese, Art & Design, Music.
A-Level Subject Offerings: Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Physics, Economics, History, Religious Studies, Geography, Further Mathematics, Computer Studies, Spanish, English Literature, Physical Education, Art and Design.
Beyond the Classroom: Extracurricular Life at BVGS
Bishop Vesey's Grammar School believes in the holistic development of its students and offers a rich and diverse extracurricular programme. These activities provide opportunities for students to explore their interests, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships.
Sporting Activities: Students can participate in a wide range of sports, including rugby, hockey, cross-country, rowing, netball, cricket, athletics, and tennis. The school has a strong sporting tradition with many successful teams.
Creative and Performing Arts: The school fosters a love of the arts through various clubs and societies, including music ensembles, drama productions, creative writing groups, debating societies, and art and design clubs.
Clubs and Societies: A wide array of other clubs and societies caters to diverse interests, such as politics, coding, chess, Latin, brainteasers, well-being initiatives, a stock market challenge, and astrophysics, providing opportunities for intellectual stimulation and personal growth.
Expert Tips for 11+ Preparation for Bishop Vesey's Grammar School
Preparing for the 11+ entrance exam for a highly selective school like Bishop Vesey's Grammar School requires a focused and strategic approach. Here are some invaluable tips to help your child maximise their potential:
Start Early and Maintain Consistency:Begin preparation well in advance to allow ample time to cover all necessary topics and build a strong understanding of the core concepts. Pass 11 Plus Grammar offers structured regular courses designed to provide consistent support and learning throughout the preparation period.
Understand the Exam Format Thoroughly:Familiarise yourself and your child with the structure, question types, and time constraints of the West Midlands Grammar Schools' Entrance Test. Our comprehensive resources and realistic mock exams at Pass 11 Plus Grammar are designed to mirror the actual exam experience.
Identify and Target Areas for Improvement:Pinpoint your child's strengths and weaknesses across the different subject areas. Focus on providing extra support and practice in areas where they need to develop further. The expert tutors at Pass 11 Plus Grammar provide personalised feedback and tailor their teaching to address individual learning needs effectively.
Utilise High-Quality Practice Materials:Regularly work through practice papers that are aligned with the standard and style of the 11+ exam. Pass 11 Plus Grammar offers a wealth of high-quality practice papers and study materials that are specifically designed for the West Midlands Grammar Schools' Entrance Test.
Develop Effective Exam Techniques:Teach your child essential exam techniques, such as time management, understanding question instructions, and effective strategies for tackling different question types. Our experienced teachers at Pass 11 Plus Grammar explicitly focus on developing strong exam techniques to boost confidence and performance under pressure.
Foster a Positive and Supportive Learning Environment:Encourage your child and create a calm and supportive atmosphere for their studies. Building confidence and reducing anxiety are crucial for success. At Pass 11 Plus Grammar, we pride ourselves on our friendly and encouraging learning environment, where students feel supported and motivated to excel.
Pass 11 Plus Grammar: Your Dedicated Partner in 11+ Success
Navigating the 11+ journey towards Bishop Vesey's Grammar School requires expert guidance and tailored support. Pass 11 Plus Grammar is committed to providing your child with the highest quality tuition and resources to maximise their chances of success.
Our team of friendly and experienced teachers creates an engaging and supportive learning environment where complex concepts are explained clearly and effectively. We understand the nuances of the West Midlands Grammar Schools' Entrance Test and tailor our courses to ensure comprehensive preparation across all key areas.
Our Comprehensive Services Include:
Targeted Regular Courses:Structured weekly sessions designed to build a strong foundation and progressively develop the skills required for the 11+ exam.
Intensive Revision Courses:Focused courses during school holidays to consolidate learning and reinforce key concepts.
Realistic Mock Examinations:Timed mock exams that simulate the actual test environment, allowing students to practice under pressure and assess their progress.
High-Quality Learning Resources:Access to a wide range of practice papers, study materials, and detailed explanations.
Personalised Feedback and Support:Our 11+ tutors provide individual attention and identify areas where students need additional help.
We are passionate about helping students achieve their full potential and gain admission to their desired grammar schools. Join Pass 11 Plus Grammar and give your child the competitive edge they need for success!
