Choosing the right Grammar School can be a huge decision for families in Birmingham. With fantastic academic results, long-standing reputations and vibrant communities, these schools offer some of the best education in the city – and in some cases, the country.
But with so many different factors to think about, like rankings, 11+ scores, and what sets each school apart, it can feel overwhelming to pick the right Grammar for your child.
In this post, we’ll introduce the best Grammar Schools in Birmingham, what makes them stand out, and everything you need to know about 11 Plus scoring. So whether you’re already familiar with the 11+ or just starting, we’ll help you navigate the Birmingham Grammar system with confidence.
In this article:
The Best Grammar Schools in Birmingham: Your Options
Does Birmingham have Grammar Schools?
Birmingham is home to eight Grammar Schools, known for their high academic standards, strong exam results and a well-rounded, supportive education. These schools are selective, meaning students must pass the challenging 11+ exam for admission. But while competition can be tough, the effort is well worth it due to the fantastic education these schools provide.
Birmingham boasts a well-established Grammar School system and offers some of the best educational opportunities in the region. The schools are known for their challenging curriculums, dedicated teaching staff and impressive track records in GCSE and A Level results.
Here’s your complete list of Birmingham’s Grammar Schools.
1. King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys
One of the best-known Grammar Schools in the city, Camp Hill School for Boys regularly tops local and national league tables. It’s highly selective and is particularly strong in subjects like maths, sciences and languages. The school is also known for encouraging resilience and hard work among its pupils, which might appeal if you’re looking for a structured academic environment.
2. King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls
Located next to the boys’ school, this is another high-performing Grammar in Birmingham. Alongside its academic reputation, Camp Hill for Girls offers an extensive range of extracurricular activities, particularly in the arts and humanities. In the Sunday Times School Guide 2024, it was awarded “State Secondary School of the Year” for the West Midlands.
3. King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Girls
Handsworth Girls’ is celebrated not just for its impressive academic results but also for a strong sense of community. It balances a traditional focus on STEM subjects with “character development” and opportunities in sports, music and the arts – making it a popular choice for families looking for an all-round education.
4. King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys
Handsworth Boys’ Grammar offers students not just a strong academic education but also plenty of opportunities to develop personal interests. Rated “good” or “outstanding” in its last Ofsted inspection, the school is known for its nurturing environment. It’s boys-only from ages 11 to 16, with a mixed sixth form.
5. Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls
Another top performer, Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls consistently ranks among the best schools in the area. It’s well-known for a supportive environment where girls are pushed to achieve their full potential. Pupils are also encouraged to develop a “growth mindset” and a positive approach to overcoming difficulties.
6. King Edward VI Aston School for Boys
Aston School also has a reputation for being a welcoming and diverse place to study. It’s a boys’ school delivering high academic performance, with a particular STEM focus. Even so, it still places importance on character-building and extracurricular activities. Founded in 1883, it promotes core values of “diligence, honesty, integrity and kindness” among students.
7. Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School for Boys
Found in Sutton Coldfield, Bishop Vesey’s is one of Birmingham’s oldest Grammars. With over 495 years of teaching, it’s known for academic success and a strong sports program. Indeed, Vesey’s has a reputation for producing well-rounded students who excel both in the classroom and the sports pitch. It’s boys-only from ages 11 to 16, with a mixed sixth form.
8. King Edward VI Five Ways School
Unlike many Grammars in Birmingham, Five Ways is fully co-educational, meaning boys and girls study together. The school balances strong academic results with a broad extracurricular offering, including drama, music and a variety of clubs and societies. Established in 1883, it originally stood in Birmingham’s Five Ways area before relocating to its current location in 1958.
Does Solihull have a Grammar School?
Solihull doesn’t have any Grammar Schools. But that doesn’t mean students from Solihull can’t attend Birmingham Grammar Schools! Many Solihull families apply to Birmingham Grammars, especially the King Edward VI Camp Hill Schools, which are closest.
It’s worth noting that most Birmingham Grammars have priority catchment areas, so check each school’s admissions criteria if you’re applying from Solihull.
There are a few Birmingham Grammars, such as Bishop Veseys’ and Sutton Coldfield Grammar that don’t exclusively use a catchment area. So these schools are worth considering. To understand the process in more detail, don’t miss our guide to UK Grammar Schools without a catchment area.
What’s the most famous school in Birmingham?
When it comes to Grammar Schools in Birmingham, King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys is the most well-known. It’s certainly one of the most prestigious. The school opened its doors at Camp Hill (near the city centre), in 1883 before relocating to Kings Heath in 1956.
Regularly ranking among the top Grammars in the UK (and currently leading the pack for Birmingham), Camp Hill for Boys is renowned for its high academic standards. In the school’s latest exam results, almost nine out of ten GCSE entries were grades 7-9. An impressive seventeen students also achieved straight A*s in their A Levels, five of which sat four or more A Level subjects.
What’s the biggest high school in Birmingham?
King Edward VI Five Ways School is one of the largest selective state-secondaries in Birmingham. With over 1,300 pupils, the school has a large student body compared to other Grammars in the area.
If we look at comprehensive schools, however, the biggest high school is Starbank School, with over 2,220 pupils.
Located in the Sparkbrook area of Birmingham, Starbank was founded in 2006. It provides a high-quality, inclusive education that fosters respect, resilience and responsibility among its diverse student body.
What schools are good in Birmingham?
Birmingham has many excellent schools, known for their academic performance and diverse, welcoming atmosphere.
For Grammars, five Birmingham schools appear in the West Midlands Top Ten, ranked by the 2024 Sunday Times Parent Power Guide.
This includes:
- King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys: 2nd Regionally, 13th Nationally.
- King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls: 3rd Regionally, 20th Nationally.
- Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls: 4th Regionally, 29th Nationally.
- King Edward VI Five Ways School: 7th Regionally, 48th Nationally.
- Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School: 8th Regionally, 54th Nationally.
Outside the Grammar system, St Paul’s School for Girls is a leading state-comprehensive, ranking tenth in the West Midlands. Arden Academy in Solihull and King’s Norton Girls’ School are also well-respected.
There are also several prestigious private schools in Birmingham, such as
King Edward VI High School for Girls, King Edward’s School and Edgbaston High School for Girls, providing a broad and well-rounded education.
You can find a full list of Birmingham secondary schools on the council’s website.
The Best Grammar Schools in Birmingham: 11 Plus Scoring
What’s the priority score for Birmingham Grammar Schools?
For 2025 entry, the priority score for Birmingham Grammar Schools is 224. The qualifying score is 205.
But what do these scores mean in practice?
Here’s how it works. Most Birmingham Grammars reserve 25% of places for children eligible for Pupil Premium who meet the qualifying score. This helps make selective schools accessible to students from all backgrounds. After this 25% allocation, students meeting the priority score are considered, along with other admissions criteria like living within the catchment area.
Applicants with siblings already attending the school have priority. Then, the remaining students are ranked based on distance from the school. If places are still available after this, students meeting the qualifying score are considered.
What’s a good 11 Plus score in Birmingham?
A good 11+ score for Birmingham Grammar Schools is 224 or above. This is the priority score for most schools.
You can find more information on the test and how to register your child on the West Midlands Grammar Schools and King Edward’s Foundation Schools website.
Bishop Veseys and Sutton Coldfield Grammar are the only Birmingham Grammars that aren’t in the King Edward’s Foundation. This means they have different entrance criteria.
Instead of a priority score, these schools rank students achieving the qualifying score from highest to lowest. This means a “good” score changes each year, depending on how well the group performs.
“Cut-off scores” (i.e. the lowest score at which a child gained a place, other than prioritised “looked-after” children or those on Pupil Premium) are around 230 for these schools. So aiming for a score over 240 is sensible.
To understand the 11 Plus system in more detail, head to our detailed guides on what makes a good 11+ score and key dates and deadlines.
The Best Grammar Schools in Birmingham: Rankings and Reputation
What’s King Edward School ranked in Birmingham?
This is where it gets confusing, as there are a lot of “King Edward” schools in Birmingham!
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys is usually ranked as the top Grammar School in Birmingham. As placed by the Sunday Times Schools Guide, it ranks second in the whole West Midlands, only behind King Edward’s School in Stratford-upon-Avon.
Its girls’ counterpart, King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls ranks second for Grammar Schools in Birmingham.
For independent schools, King Edward School in Edgbaston also regularly sits near the top of Birmingham league tables. It’s currently ranked the second-best private school in the city, only behind King Edward VI High School for Girls.
What rank is King Edward VI Handsworth School?
King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls is ranked among the top Grammars in Birmingham, regularly appearing just outside the national top twenty. Its consistent academic success and focus on student well-being make it a popular choice for families in the region.
King Edward VI Handsworth School for Boys ranks slightly lower in national league tables, usually around 200th nationally. Despite this, the school is classed as “good” or “outstanding” in its latest Ofsted report.
What’s Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School ranked?
Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School is another high-performing school, frequently ranking among the top 100 Grammars in the country. In the 2024 Sunday Times Guide, it ranks 5th for Birmingham Grammars, 8th in the West Midlands and 54th nationally. The school boasts a strong academic record, particularly in maths and the sciences, and proudly celebrates its sporting achievements.
Is Bishop Vesey’s a private school?
No, Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School is a state-funded Grammar School. It does not charge tuition fees, but like all Grammars, entry is based on passing the 11+ exam.
What is the cut-off score for Bishop Vesey’s in 2025?
For 2025 entry, the cut-off score for Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School is likely to be around 228-230. This number varies depending on demand and the amount of applicants each year. So it’s always a good idea to check the school’s website for the most up-to-date admissions information.
Is Sutton Coldfield Grammar School good?
Yes! Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls is one of the best-performing schools in Birmingham. It consistently achieves top exam results and provides a supportive, nurturing environment.
As a result, it ranks 3rd for Grammar Schools in Birmingham, 4th in the West Midlands, and 29th in the country. The school offers a broad curriculum and encourages students to take part in a variety of extracurricular activities, making it a fantastic choice for families in the area.
Thinking about Birmingham Grammar Schools for your child?
The 11 Plus can be a challenging hurdle, but having the right support can make all the difference. At Achieve Learning, we help students successfully secure spots at top Grammar Schools across the country.
With personalised 1-1 tuition, mock exams and academic consultancy, we’ll guide your child through every stage of their 11 Plus journey. Get in touch today to learn more.