There are two main points of entry to the school, at Year 7 (first year) level and into the Sixth Form. Details of the Sixth Form are available from the Sixth Form link on the menu. From time to time vacancies arise in other years. Admission in these cases is by means of testing and interview at the school. Those seeking admission at these levels should contact the school for details of procedure.
Year 7 Entry
In 2008 we will admit 124 boys to Year 7 (Dates of birth 1.9.96 -31.8.97). The Governors offer places at the school on the basis of performance in selective tests administered each year in October by the Birmingham Education Authority. Parents of the boys attending maintained primary schools within the Authority will receive application forms for the test through their schools in July. Parents of boys attending schools other than these should apply to:
Admissions and Appeals Education Department
Margaret Street
Birmingham
B3 3BU
Tel: 0121 303 7965/7966
Allocation of Places
Bishop Vesey's Grammar School no longer has a residence requirement, and entry to the school is solely as a result of marks gained in the tests whether or not candidates live in Birmingham. There is no waiting list, but places may be offered if a place becomes available.
Entrance Examination
The entrance examination consists of three separate papers. These have been designed to identify the most able candidates and are likely to be very difficult for children of average or below average ability. The three papers are:
Verbal Reasoning: This paper will test pupils' ability to reason and will be of 30 minutes duration, with a practice test of 10 minutes.
Non-Verbal Reasoning: This paper tests the ability of pupils to reason with shapes and symbols, and will be of 35 minutes duration, including some time for practice.
Mathematics: This paper emphasises problem solving skills applying mathematical knowledge appropriate for key stage 2 of the National Curriculum and will be of 50 minutes duration. There is no practice paper.
Each of the questions will have an equal weight and will be standardised to account for age differences in candidates.
The tests are considered to be valid, reliable and fair. It is recognised that parents may wish to help their children. However, it is believed that excessive practice and coaching should be discouraged because it is counter productive. The tests are in the Standard, and not the Multi Choice format..
Our open sessions for entry for 2009 will be arranged in due course but should take place during September 2008. (Dates to be confirmed)
If you have any additional queries, please contact the school. Specific queries about the entrance tests however should be directed to the Education Department at the address given above. |