How do I prepare for the King Edward VI grammar school exam?

The Birmingham Consortium 11 Plus covers Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Maths and English. Non-Verbal Reasoning is not taught in the primary curriculum and requires specific preparation. Most families start preparation in Year 4 or Year 5, at least 12–18 months before the test in September of Year 6. A specialist 11 Plus tutor with King Edward VI experience is the most effective way to prepare.

Are there good online tutors available in Birmingham?

Yes — many Birmingham families use online tutors, particularly for GCSE and A-Level subjects. Online tutoring opens up a wider range of specialists than local availability alone, and rates are often £5–£10 per hour lower than in-person.

Private tutors in Birmingham: costs, subjects, grammar schools

Q: How much do private tutors in Birmingham charge?

Primary and 11 Plus tutors in Birmingham typically charge £25–£40 per hour. GCSE tutors charge £30–£50 per hour, and A-Level specialists usually charge £40–£65. In-person tutors in Edgbaston, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield tend to charge towards the upper end.

Birmingham is the UK's second-largest city and has one of the most active private tuition markets outside London. With a large and diverse population, a competitive grammar school landscape across the West Midlands, and high parental investment in education, demand for private tutors across the city is consistently strong year-round.

This guide covers what drives demand for tutors in Birmingham, what subjects and levels are most in demand, realistic costs, and how to find the right tutor for your child.

What drives tuition demand in Birmingham

Grammar school entry. The West Midlands has a significant grammar school sector. Birmingham's own selective schools — including King Edward VI schools — are among the most competitive in England. The 11 Plus is taken by thousands of Birmingham children each year, and preparation with a specialist tutor is close to standard practice for families aiming at grammar entry.
Independent school sector. Schools such as King Edward's School, Edgbaston High and Solihull School have high academic expectations, and many families use tutors for entrance exam preparation and ongoing academic support.
Large GCSE and A-Level market. Birmingham's state secondary sector is large and varied. Families across the city seek GCSE and A-Level tutors in core subjects, with Maths and Sciences particularly in demand.
Diverse community. Birmingham has large South Asian, Caribbean and Eastern European communities, creating specific demand for heritage language tutors (Urdu, Punjabi, Gujarati, Polish) and tutors who are experienced working with EAL students.

Most in-demand subjects in Birmingham

Maths — by far the most requested subject across all year groups, from primary times tables through to A-Level and Further Maths.
11 Plus — heavy demand from Year 4 and Year 5 for grammar school preparation. Birmingham uses the GL Assessment format, covering Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Maths and English.
Sciences — Biology, Chemistry and Physics at GCSE and A-Level, with Chemistry particularly in demand from students aiming for Medicine.
English — GCSE English Language and Literature, with essay technique and reading comprehension the main focus.
Urdu and heritage languages — strong demand from Birmingham's large South Asian community for Urdu, Punjabi and Gujarati tutors.

How much do private tutors in Birmingham charge?

Primary and 11 Plus prep: £25–£40 per hour
GCSE tutors: £30–£50 per hour. Sciences and Maths sit at the higher end.
A-Level tutors: £40–£65 per hour. Specialist tutors with postgraduate qualifications or examining experience often charge £55–£75.
Online tutors: Typically £5–£10 per hour less than in-person. Many Birmingham families use online tutors for secondary subjects, as they open up a wider pool of specialists than the local area alone.

Birmingham rates are slightly lower than London and broadly comparable to other major UK cities. Tutors in Edgbaston, Solihull and Sutton Coldfield tend to charge more than those elsewhere in the city, reflecting local demand and family incomes.

Birmingham's grammar school landscape

The King Edward VI Foundation operates six selective schools in Birmingham, making it one of the most prominent grammar school networks in England. Entry is through the Birmingham Consortium 11 Plus test, sat in September of Year 6. Competition is intense, and most families aiming for a place start preparation in Year 4 or early Year 5.

Preparation covers Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. NVR in particular is not taught in primary schools and requires specific practice to master. A tutor experienced with the King Edward VI entrance process can make a significant difference to a child's score.

How to find a private tutor in Birmingham

Word of mouth is still common across Birmingham's tuition market — school networks, mosque and temple community groups, and local Facebook pages all circulate tutor recommendations. But for parents who want to compare options and see rates upfront, a tutor directory makes the process faster and more transparent.

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Or browse all tutors in Birmingham to compare profiles, rates and subjects.

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Private tutors in Birmingham: a complete guide for parents (2026)