Thousands of practice questions and up to 6 mock papers, all in the exact King Edward VI Five Ways School 11+ format, on one simple plan. It starts with a free diagnostic.
Thousands of practice questions and up to 6 mock papers, all in the exact King Edward VI Five Ways School 11+ format, on one simple plan. It starts with a free diagnostic.
If you want a serious academic grammar for your child but not at the cost of everything else, Five Ways is a rare thing, a school that takes both the work and the rest of growing up seriously. It is the only fully co-educational grammar in the King Edward VI Foundation, and the only co-ed grammar in the West Midlands, teaching around 900 children aged 11 to 16 alongside 400 in the sixth form. It has deep roots, founded in 1883 at Five Ways in the heart of Birmingham and moving in 1958 to its current site at Bartley Green. It is proud of its grammar traditions while describing itself as creative and forward-thinking, and it completed its move to full co-education in 2003.
The Good Schools Guide describes the largest school in the Foundation, one that stands out for its life beyond the classroom. As one pupil put it, you don't have to forgo the academics to have fun here. Music, sport and a wide programme of clubs, societies and trips sit alongside the academic work, and parents speak about a caring community and the plain kindness of the staff.
The school is led by headmaster Dr Simon Bird. Five Ways suits a curious, sociable child who wants a demanding academic grammar without giving up a full life outside lessons, and whose parents value a mixed setting with a strong pastoral side. For a family drawn to a busy, well-rounded co-ed grammar with deep roots and a friendly feel, it is well worth a look for their son or daughter.
Yes
Does King Edward VI Five Ways School have a catchment area?
Yes, they do. For King Edward VI Five Ways School, priority catchment area is defined by home addresses that are within the following electoral wards:
Birmingham: Allens Cross, Bartley Green, Bournville & Cotteridge, Frankley Great Park, Harborne, King’s Norton North, King’s Norton South, Longbridge & West Heath, Northfield, Quinton, Rubery & Rednal, Weoley & Selly Oak.
Sandwell: Abbey, Bristnall, Old Warley.
King Edward VI Five Ways School uses the GL exam board for its 11+ entrance exam.
No, King Edward VI Five Ways School does not include an interview stage in its 11+ admissions process.
King Edward VI Five Ways School is a fully co-educational grammar school, admitting both boys and girls.
Yes, King Edward VI Five Ways School has a priority catchment area defined by specific electoral wards in Birmingham and Sandwell.
The official website for King Edward VI Five Ways School is https://www.kefw.org/.
Your child first needs to reach the required standard in the King Edward VI Foundation entrance test, which covers verbal, numerical and non-verbal reasoning. Places are then offered in priority order: looked-after and previously looked-after children first, then children on Pupil Premium in catchment (up to a quarter of places, extending outside catchment if needed), then children in catchment who reach the priority score, with siblings given preference, then all remaining children by test score. A child with an EHCP naming the school is admitted first. There's no fixed pass mark; it depends on demand each year.
If your child has a disability or specific need, you can request reasonable adjustments such as extra time. Complete the additional form by 12 June 2026 with medical evidence and information from their primary school; an independent panel then decides. The entrance test is run by the King Edward VI Foundation across its grammar schools, and the policy doesn't set out a separate procedure for a child who is ill on the test day itself. If that happens, contact the Foundation's admissions department as early as you can.
