King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys

Papers and rounds

1. Paper 1

   English, Verbal reasoning

   English and verbal reasoning paper

   One paper contributes to the English and verbal reasoning part of the Birmingham and Warwickshire entrance test.

2. Paper 2

   Maths, Non-verbal reasoning

   Mathematics and non-verbal reasoning paper

   One paper contributes to the mathematics and non-verbal reasoning part of the Birmingham and Warwickshire entrance test.

What the test includes

Official admissions documents

Quick summary

• Overall effectiveness: Rated Good overall, HGS is described as caring, purposeful and supportive, with pupils feeling part of a family. The report praises an outstanding curriculum and personal development offer, while noting the sixth form is still being strengthened.
• Quality of education: The school has designed a highly ambitious curriculum for all pupils, including those with SEND and sixth-form students. Pupils receive challenging work from Year 7, remember key knowledge well and can explain learning confidently across subjects.
• Behaviour and attitudes: Most pupils behave respectfully in lessons and sensibly during social times, and pupils say poor behaviour is rare. When conduct falls short, staff talk pupils through the school's expectations to maintain the positive atmosphere.
• Personal development: Personal development is a standout strength. Pupils understand values such as democracy, take leadership roles including mental health ambassadors, and access a rich enrichment programme with debating, guitar ensemble, ceramics and many other activities.
• Leadership and management: Leaders know the school's development priorities, including sixth-form outcomes and SEND provision. They have introduced staff professional development, consider workload when changing policies and maintain effective safeguarding arrangements.
• Sixth form provision: The sixth form shares the school's ambitious curriculum, but the report says current achievement is not yet as strong as elsewhere in the school. Leaders know what needs improvement and are already taking action to develop provision.