Birmingham 11 Plus (King Edward VI Schools): Format, Dates and Preparation
By Simply Eleven Plus · Updated 25 October 2026 · 4 min read
Birmingham’s grammar schools are run by the King Edward VI Foundation, and they share one 11 plus. One registration covers all of the Foundation’s grammar schools.
Birmingham 11 plus at a glance
| The King Edward VI Foundation entrance test | |
|---|---|
| Schools | The King Edward VI Foundation grammar schools in Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield, with one shared registration |
| Set by | GL Assessment (since moving from CEM for 2023 entry) |
| Covers | English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, including spatial reasoning |
| Register | Usually May to late June of Year 5, with no late registration |
| Test date | A Saturday in September of Year 6 |
| Results | Mid-October |
What changed
The Foundation used a CEM test for years, then moved to GL Assessment for 2023 entry. Older books and advice written for the CEM test may no longer match. See our GL vs CEM guide for the difference.
What’s in the test
The test covers English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning, including spatial reasoning questions, which some other areas don’t test.
Don’t forget the second form. Registering for the test does not apply for a school place. You must also name the grammar schools on your home council’s secondary school application (the Common Application Form) by its deadline, usually 31 October of Year 6. Offers are made on National Offer Day, 1 March.
How to prepare for the Birmingham 11 plus
- Practise GL-style papers rather than old CEM-style ones.
- Give spatial reasoning extra time: rotations and reflections and cubes and nets.
- Keep English sharp with comprehension and synonyms and antonyms.
Practise for free
Simply Eleven Plus has 11 plus practice for Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning with instant marking, free to start. Our free live 11 plus mock exams let your child sit a timed paper online under exam conditions. For a full timeline, see how to prepare for the 11 plus.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Birmingham 11 plus GL or CEM?
- GL Assessment. The King Edward VI Foundation moved from CEM to GL for 2023 entry.
- Does one test cover all King Edward VI grammar schools?
- Yes. One registration and one test cover all of the Foundation's grammar schools.
- When do you register for the Birmingham 11 plus?
- Usually from May to late June of Year 5. Late registration is not normally possible, so check the Foundation's website early.
Free 11+ live mock exams
Let your child sit a real-time, timed mock paper online, then go through the trickiest questions together. It’s free.