Birmingham 11+ Mock Exams
CEM-style practice tests for Birmingham grammar school entry in 2026. Prepare for King Edward VI Foundation schools and other selective schools with timed conditions and detailed performance analysis.
The 11+ Exam in Birmingham
Birmingham is home to several well-known grammar schools, with the King Edward VI Foundation schools being the most prominent group. These schools are part of the King Edward VI Academy Trust and are among the most sought-after selective schools in the West Midlands. The city also has other grammar schools in the Sutton Coldfield area.
Birmingham grammar schools have historically used CEM-style entrance exams. CEM (Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring), based at Durham University, produced 11+ tests that were designed to be less predictable than GL Assessment tests. CEM exams typically assessed verbal ability, numerical ability and non-verbal reasoning, with questions mixed within papers rather than tested in separate subject-specific sections. The pace of CEM tests tended to be fast, with many questions to answer in a limited time.
In 2023, CEM announced it would cease producing 11+ entrance exam papers. As a result, Birmingham grammar schools, including the King Edward VI Foundation schools, have transitioned to updated exam arrangements. Parents are advised to check directly with the King Edward VI Academy Trust for the most current information on the exam format.
Following CEM’s withdrawal, the King Edward VI Academy Trust now manages its own admissions testing process. The exact format may evolve, but assessments continue to test similar core skills: verbal ability, numerical reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning. Parents should check the King Edward VI Academy Trust website for the latest details on the current exam format and any changes for the upcoming admissions cycle.
One of the key characteristics of CEM exams was that past papers were not published, and sample materials were very limited. Practising with CEM-style mock exams remains valuable for building familiarity with the types of verbal, numerical and non-verbal reasoning questions that continue to feature in Birmingham 11+ assessments. A strong foundation in English, mathematics and reasoning is essential for success. Read our full CEM 11+ exam guide for a detailed breakdown of the format and preparation strategies.
CEM Exam Format for Birmingham
CEM exams typically assess three broad areas. Unlike GL Assessment, where each subject has its own separate paper, CEM tests often mix question types within papers. The specific structure can vary, and CEM deliberately does not publish detailed format information. The table below provides a general overview of the areas assessed.
| Area | What Is Assessed |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability | English comprehension, vocabulary, verbal reasoning, cloze passages, synonyms, antonyms and word relationships. Questions are mixed within the paper. |
| Numerical Ability | Mathematics and numerical reasoning covering arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percentages, algebra, geometry, data interpretation and problem solving. |
| Non-Verbal Reasoning | Pattern recognition, spatial awareness, sequences, matrices and abstract reasoning using shapes and diagrams. |
Note: CEM deliberately varies the test format and does not publish detailed specifications. The areas described above are based on the general characteristics of CEM exams. Parents should check the admissions pages of their target schools for any additional guidance provided.
Grammar Schools in Birmingham
Birmingham has several grammar schools, with the King Edward VI Foundation schools forming the largest group. Below is a selection of grammar schools in the Birmingham area. This is not an exhaustive list.
King Edward's School
Edgbaston · Boys
King Edward VI Foundation
King Edward VI High School for Girls
Edgbaston · Girls
King Edward VI Foundation
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys
Kings Heath · Boys
King Edward VI Foundation
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls
Kings Heath · Girls
King Edward VI Foundation
King Edward VI Five Ways
Bartley Green · Co-ed
King Edward VI Foundation
King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys
Handsworth · Boys
King Edward VI Foundation
Handsworth Grammar School
Handsworth · Boys
Separate from King Edward VI Foundation
Bishop Vesey's Grammar School
Sutton Coldfield · Boys
Sutton Coldfield
Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls
Sutton Coldfield · Girls
Sutton Coldfield
How to Prepare for the Birmingham 11+
Preparing for CEM-style assessments requires a different approach from GL Assessment preparation. Because CEM never published past papers and the test format varied from year to year, a broad-based preparation strategy is most effective for the types of questions Birmingham schools continue to use.
1. Focus on Breadth, Not Just Depth
CEM exams draw from a wide range of question types. Rather than drilling specific question formats, focus on building broad skills in English, Maths and reasoning. A well-rounded preparation approach is more effective for CEM-style tests.
2. Develop Strong Vocabulary
CEM exams often include challenging vocabulary questions. Encourage wide reading across different genres and age-appropriate material. Learning new words in context is more effective than memorising word lists alone.
3. Build Mathematical Fluency
Ensure thorough coverage of the Year 5 and Year 6 Maths curriculum. CEM maths questions can be demanding, and children need to be able to work quickly and accurately. Practise mental arithmetic alongside written methods.
4. Practise Reasoning at Speed
CEM tests tend to have a fast pace with many questions in a short time. Practise both verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions under timed conditions to develop speed without sacrificing accuracy.
5. Build Reading Speed and Comprehension
CEM verbal ability sections often include comprehension passages that need to be read and understood quickly. Regular reading practice helps build both speed and depth of understanding.
6. Take CEM-Style Mock Exams
Because CEM never released past papers, mock exams are particularly valuable for preparing for the types of questions Birmingham schools use. They help children learn to manage the pace and format of mixed-subject assessments under timed conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Birmingham 11+
The King Edward VI Foundation is a group of selective schools in Birmingham that are part of the King Edward VI Academy Trust. The foundation includes several well-known grammar schools such as King Edward's School (boys), King Edward VI High School for Girls, King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys, King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls, King Edward VI Five Ways, and King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys. These are among the most sought-after schools in Birmingham and the wider West Midlands region.
The Birmingham 11+ exams are typically sat in September of Year 6. Registration usually opens earlier in the year, and parents must register through the individual school or the King Edward VI Academy Trust website, depending on the specific school. It is essential to check the admissions pages of your target schools well in advance for exact dates and registration deadlines.
CEM exams differed from GL Assessment tests in several key ways. CEM tests were designed to be less predictable, drawing questions from a larger bank of question types, which made it harder to prepare for specific question formats. CEM exams typically mixed subjects within papers rather than having separate subject-specific papers, and the pace was generally faster. CEM did not publish past papers or sample questions, making practice with CEM-style mock exams particularly valuable for familiarisation. Note that CEM ceased producing 11+ papers in 2023, and schools that previously used CEM have since moved to updated assessment arrangements.
Mock exams are especially important for CEM-style test preparation because CEM never released past papers. Although CEM stopped producing 11+ papers in 2023, practising with CEM-style mock exams remains highly valuable, as Birmingham assessments continue to test similar skills in verbal ability, numerical reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Mock exams help your child become familiar with the types of questions they may encounter, develop strategies for managing a fast-paced test, and build confidence under timed conditions. The performance reports after each mock exam identify specific areas of strength and weakness, enabling more focused and effective revision.
Prepare for Birmingham Grammar School Entry
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