11+ Tutoring in Birmingham

Tip

Unlike London, where registration can open six months before the exam, the KEGS process moves quickly — registration in September, exam in October. Families who are not already well prepared by the start of Year 6 can find themselves at a significant disadvantage. Preparation needs to be substantially complete before the summer holidays.

Tip

Because one test governs entry to all eight King Edward VI schools, there is no opportunity to have a second chance with a different exam format. A child who performs below their ability on test day — whether due to illness, nerves, or an unfamiliar question style — has limited recourse beyond the appeals process.

Tip

Many Birmingham families focus heavily on mathematics preparation, underestimating the importance of the English paper in the KEGS test. The creative and extended writing component is where candidates most frequently lose marks, particularly children who are strong in maths but have not had structured practice in developing their written expression, vocabulary range, and narrative technique.

Tip

While the KEGS test is the same for all eight schools, families must rank their school preferences carefully. Some schools, particularly King Edward VI Five Ways, are more heavily oversubscribed than others. Understanding how preference ordering interacts with your child's score and the distance tie-breaker is important for maximising your chances of an offer.