INTRODUCTION:

King Edward VI Aston School is a renowned boys' school located in Aston, Birmingham. Established in 1883, the school is a part of the King Edward VI Foundation and has a rich history spanning over a century. It offers a diverse and multicultural learning environment that enables students to learn and grow personally. King Edward VI Aston School believes that a thoughtfully designed study curriculum is crucial for the growth of its students. Their curriculum includes foundational courses such as physics, math, and English, as well as supplementary subjects like technology, the arts, physical education, and more. By covering a wide range of topics, the curriculum equips students with a comprehensive skill set and a well-rounded education.

At King Edward VI Aston School, students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of events both on and off campus. These include house competitions, educational outings, lectures, and experiential learning activities. The school has an Astonian Awards system that aims to encourage students to develop their academic and leadership skills. Additionally, there is a diverse range of extracurricular activities available for students to participate in, both during and outside of regular school hours. There are also many extracurricular clubs that students can join to explore their interests.

The King Edward VI Aston School instills its students with four core principles: diligence, kindness, honesty, and integrity. By following these principles, students become inspirational, confident, and articulate global citizens. The school encourages its students to study hard, consistently improve themselves, and adopt a positive attitude towards learning. Creating a welcoming environment built on modesty and warmth emphasizes the importance of humility alongside achievement.

ADMISSION GUIDELINES:

Every grammar school in Birmingham adheres to The Grammar Schools of Birmingham Consortium's admissions requirements. King Edward VI Aston School will only consider students who pass the entrance exam with an 11 Plus grade that meets the requirements. As per the rules set forth by the Consortium, potential Year 7 students will be selected for admission based on their age-standardized cumulative score on the 11 Plus exam. To be eligible, students must receive the required minimum "qualifying score" on the test. However, not every child who meets the necessary score can be awarded a place at King Edward VI Aston School because of its popularity.

Oversubscription Criteria:

Children who are looked after or who were formerly looked after and who receive the qualifying score based on a standardized score rank order.
Pupils who qualify for the Pupil Premium and meet the requirements based on the standardized score rank order (up to 30 spots).
Additional kids who meet the requirements based on the standardized score's rank order.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

To request a Year 7 spot at King Edward VI Aston School, parents have to register their child online directly through the Grammar Schools of Birmingham Consortium. A Local Authority Preference form must also be filled out by parents.

When Year 7 spots are assigned early in March, parents and guardians will receive their son's 11 Plus test results in October.

CATCHMENT AREA:

The following electoral wards' residential addresses comprise the priority catchment area for King Edward VI Aston School:

Birmingham: Alum Rock, Aston, Bromford & Hodge Hill, Castle Vale, Erdington, Garretts Green, Glebe Farm & Tile Cross, Gravelly Hill, Heartlands, Nechells, Perry Common, Pype Hayes, Shard End, Sheldon, Stockland Green, Sutton Four Oaks, Sutton Mere Green, Sutton Reddicap, Sutton Roughley, Sutton Trinity, Sutton Vesey, Sutton Walmley & Minworth, Sutton Wylde Green, Ward End, Yardley East, Yardley West & Stechford.
Solihull: Castle Bromwich, Chelmsley Wood, Kingshurst & Fordbridge, Smith’s Wood.

EXAM FORMAT:

There are two examination papers in the King Edward VI Aston 11 Plus exam, each lasting roughly sixty minutes. The documents are divided into discrete, timed segments covering:

English Comprehension
Verbal Reasoning
Mathematics
Non-verbal + Spatial Reasoning

Inference is one of the comprehension skills that are tested on the English Comprehension paper. There won't be any writing involved.

The Verbal Reasoning portion of the test evaluates vocabulary, logical thinking, and usage of the English language.

The math test assesses students' ability to solve problems and perform basic mathematical operations, covering topics such as numbers, measurements, geometry, algebra, and statistics.

In addition, nonverbal and spatial reasoning tests that measure intellect and reasoning will be included in the exam.

Every topic is examined in both papers. Age-standardized scores will be applied to all multiple-choice questions to guarantee that no student will benefit more than another due to their age.

PREPARATION AND TARGET TEST SCORES:

To prepare your child adequately for the Birmingham 11 plus exam, it is recommended that you start reviewing all of the material at least a year before the test. This can be done by studying learning goals across the Key Stage 2 national curriculum and beyond. It is advised to use a 'little and often' study strategy, focusing equally on all subjects to avoid obsessing over your strengths or favorites. You can also examine practice papers with your child to help them become more comfortable with different question types, improve their exam technique, and reduce stress on the test day. Setting recurring objectives and celebrating successes will keep you motivated while you prepare.

The school’s target test scores are as follows:

Priority score: Children who receive a score of 224 or higher are given preference for a spot.
Qualifying score: In 2022 and 2023, a child had to receive a minimum score of 205 to be eligible for admission to a grammar school in Birmingham.
Cut-off score: 213 was the 2022 cut-off score. The child that was offered the last spot received this score. Remember that the requirements for admittance apply (below).

The scores from the preceding years should only be used as a reference. Reaching the qualifying mark is not a guarantee of admission to the institution because there will probably be a large number of suitable applicants. It is usually advisable to examine the catchment area and oversubscription requirements of the schools you are interested in, as well as their admission processes.