King Edward VI Handsworth School

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 Outstanding overall, the report describes a high-expectation school where pupils thrive academically and personally. It highlights excellent outcomes, strong mutual respect, valued diversity, extensive enrichment and recent leadership changes already improving provision.
• Quality of education: The broad curriculum is sequenced to prepare pupils well for examinations, and teachers bring impressive subject knowledge. Inspectors note some subjects need more consistent in-the-moment checks, but formal assessment gives pupils clear guidance on how to improve.
• Behaviour and attitudes: The school's culture of mutual respect is deeply embedded. Pupils support each other's learning, do not disrupt lessons and respond well when leaders raise expectations, such as the recent focus on punctuality.
• Personal development: Pupils value diversity and contribute through groups such as the neurodiversity-focused 'out of the box' team. They benefit from trips abroad, curriculum-linked activities, leadership roles, careers guidance and a culture that praises kindness and service.
• Leadership and management: The trust and school leaders ensure responsibilities are met and staff receive strong professional development. Leaders care for staff as well as pupils, and recent changes are reported to be having a positive impact on provision.
• Sixth form provision: Sixth-form students are keen to explore complex ideas, sometimes with near-undergraduate independence. They help lead enrichment, support younger pupils, receive strong university and apprenticeship guidance, and benefit from lessons where discussion often deepens understanding.