Bishop Vesey School Birmingham

[babyboyHarrison]

Anyone have any experience of Bishop Vesey school? Trying to decide whether we should get our son to do the 11+ or not to bother. We are in catchment for Arthur Terry so we have a good school close so just trying to get an idea of which would be a better fit for him. He did really well in his mock test at the weekend so looks pretty promising for passing 11+. We just don't know what the school is like so trying to get a feel for it. He's really sporty, has lovely friends and does well at school but does tend to rush his school work so he can spend time playing with friends. Don't know any kids that go to BV so just trying to find out other people's experience of it. Thanks

I'm originally from the area and went to Sutton Girls myself. I don't have any direct personal experience with Bishop Vesey but have only heard good things about it. It might be worth having a look at the Birmingham section of the Eleven Plus forum to see posts by people with DC there, but it seems as though it is a popular choice on there and is frequently chosen over the King Edward grammars. Arthur Terry also has a very good reputation though.

My dd went there for sixth form - she left last summer - so I don't have a huge amount of experience of the main school. It certainly seems like a well-organised and well-run school, and it's on the strict side. There are also loads of extra curricular clubs and opportunities; I get the impression that the music is strong and there's lots of sports available. They compete in rugby and hockey against independent schools in the region and do well. They also offer rowing.

In terms of the vibe of the school, I preferred where my ds went for years 7-11 (Handsworth Grammar) as it feels more pastoral and down to earth, but I don't have anything negative to say about BV really and my dd did very well. A lot of girls move over from the girls grammar at sixth form.

Both my children did single sex up to year 11 and I liked that. That's the main difference between BV and the local comprehensives. It's properly co-ed in sixth form though.

A friend's DS is in Y8 at Bishop Vesey, and they are delighted with the school. He is not sporty, so I can't comment on that aspect, but I understand that the extra-curricular offering is impressive.

My DD is at SCGSG and I've heard nothing but positive comments about BV from parents with sons there.

Regarding Arthur Terry (another school with an excellent reputation - you are fortunate!) are you certain you live close enough to be certain of getting a place there? A few years ago, people missed out on places through being just too far away that particular year, and there was a bit of a panic.

Catchment is tiny for AT but we are 100-170m (depending on whether you measure to site boundary or entrance) so pretty sure we'll be in catchment. I know we are fortunate to have good options available but it is still stressful trying to pick the school that you think will be best for your child. Great to hear feedback on Sutton Girls too as we have a younger daughter so may be considering that too in years to come.

Thank you everyone, nice to have some feedback on the schools. We weren't necessarily aiming for grammar school but my son has been having tutoring as our he asked for it(!!?!), and he did well in his mock so thought we ought to investigate the option further. I know quite a few parents who've been happy with AT but don't know anyone with kids at BV. We are booked into an open day but so nice to have feedback from parents. Thanks everyone.

If your son does well enough (don’t forget to register him for the exam!), then maybe he should make the final decision? It sounds like you can’t go wrong either way really.

Hi!

which school did you end up going for in the end? I’m currently having the same dilemma of AT and BV for my son