Families considering grammar school entry in 2026 or 2027 should be aware that Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School (BVGS) has proposed changes to its admissions arrangements for future entry years. These changes relate specifically to how places may be prioritised when the school is oversubscribed and introduce a defined catchment area for the first time.
The proposed admissions arrangements apply to entry in September 2027, meaning they are particularly relevant for families with children currently in Year 4 or early Year 5.
What is being proposed?
Under the proposed policy, Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School would introduce a system of three priority zones, which would be used when allocating places to pupils who achieve the qualifying score in the entrance test.
Zone 1 would include all addresses within 12 miles of the school, measured as a straight line from the child’s home address to the school.
Zone 2 would include addresses between 12 and 20 miles from the school.
Zone 3 would include addresses beyond 20 miles from the school.
This represents a change from previous arrangements, where admission was not prioritised using defined geographic zones.
How would places be prioritised?
The proposed policy does not change how children are assessed academically. All applicants would still need to sit the 11+ Entrance Test and achieve at least the qualifying score.
If more children achieve the qualifying score than there are places available, priority would then be given using the school’s oversubscription criteria. The proposed changes, in order:
- Looked After Children, Previously Looked After Children and Internationally Adopted Previously Looked After Children who achieve the qualifying score, ranked by standardised score.
- Children living in Zone 1 who attract the Pupil Premium, ranked by standardised score, up to a maximum of 38 places. If these places are not filled, they would be offered to Pupil Premium pupils in Zone 2, then Zone 3 if required.
- Other children living in Zone 1 who achieve the qualifying score, ranked by standardised score.
- Other children living in Zone 2 who achieve the qualifying score, ranked by standardised score.
- Children living in Zone 3 who achieve the qualifying score, if places remain after Zones 1 and 2.
Where children have the same standardised score, priority would be given to those living closest to the school, based on straight-line distance.
What does not change
It is important to note that the proposal does not introduce a minimum distance requirement to sit the test, nor does it change the test itself. Children living outside the proposed catchment area would still be able to apply and sit the entrance test, and could still be offered a place if sufficient places remain after applying the oversubscription criteria.
The number of places available for Year 7 entry also remains unchanged.
Why has this been proposed?
According to the published document, the introduction of a catchment area is intended to strengthen the school’s relationship with its local community while continuing to operate within the wider West Midlands grammar school admissions framework.
The proposals formed part of a formal consultation process, during which feedback was invited before any final arrangements are confirmed.
In summary
From September 2027 entry, Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School is proposing to introduce a 12-mile priority catchment area that would be used when allocating places to pupils who meet the qualifying standard. Academic selection remains unchanged, with the catchment area applying only where demand exceeds the number of available places.