Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning
Competition
Super-selective
Prism’s suggested target
90% in practice (our estimate, not a school figure)
About the West Midlands 11+ (Birmingham & Walsall)
The Birmingham consortium and neighbouring grammars use two GL papers mixing English, maths, verbal and non-verbal reasoning.
Stage
Paper
Questions
Time
Test day
Paper 1
60
60 minutes
Test day
Paper 2
60
60 minutes
Paper formats are indicative and change from year to year. Always check the current arrangements with the school or local authority.
How to prepare
The West Midlands 11+ (Birmingham & Walsall) covers maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Most families start steady preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5, building accuracy first and speed later, then sit timed papers through the summer before the test, which usually takes place in September.
For maths, secure the Key Stage 2 arithmetic, fractions, ratio and problem solving before moving to the multi-step questions that separate the strongest candidates.
For English, read widely every day and practise comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, punctuation and grammar; selective tests reward precise word knowledge.
Verbal reasoning is a set of learnable question types, such as letter codes, hidden words and word analogies. Learning each type, then practising it against the clock, lifts scores quickly.
Non-verbal reasoning is about spotting patterns in shapes: rotations, reflections, sequences and matrices. Short, regular sessions work better than long ones.
Practice questions in the style of the test
Written by Prism in the style of the test, not taken from any school’s papers.
Question 1Aim for about 60 seconds
Which number belongs in the box marked ?
Numbers greater than 20
20 or less
Multiples of 3
21, 39
6, 3
Not multiples of 3
31, 28
?
Show the worked answer
Answer: E, 4
How to work it out
The ? box is in the row “Not multiples of 3” and the column “20 or less”.
4 fits both.
Why the other options are wrong
A (6): This fits “20 or less” but not “Not multiples of 3”.
B (36): This fits neither label of the ? box.
C (26): This fits “Not multiples of 3” but not “20 or less”.
D (18): This fits “20 or less” but not “Not multiples of 3”.
Question 2Aim for about 45 seconds
Which word is spelt incorrectly?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, concious
How to work it out
“concious” should be spelt “conscious”. con + science sound: con-sci-ous.
Question 3Aim for about 35 seconds
Which word can go after “man” to make a new word?
Show the worked answer
Answer: D, age
How to work it out
man + age = manage.
Say each option after “man” and check it makes a real word.
Question 4Aim for about 45 seconds
Which figure comes next in the series?
?
Show the worked answer
Answer: C
How to work it out
The flag turns 45° clockwise each step and the shading alternates; one dot is added each time.
What entrance test does King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls use?
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls uses the West Midlands 11+ (Birmingham & Walsall), which tests maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning. Check the school’s admissions page for the current arrangements.
What score does my child need for King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls?
Schools do not publish pass marks. As a guide, Prism suggests a child aims to score around 90% consistently in practice for a super-selective school. This is Prism’s own estimate, not a figure from the school, and no score guarantees a place.
When should my child start preparing for King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls?
Most families start in Year 4 or early Year 5, then practise timed papers during the summer before the test, which usually takes place in September.
Preparing for King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls?
Prism starts with a free assessment across maths, English, verbal and non-verbal reasoning, then builds a weekly plan for your target schools. Parents follow progress free.
Prism Learning is not affiliated with King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls. Details are indicative; always check admissions arrangements with the school.