Edgbaston High School for Girls, operating in the vicinity of Birmingham, offers a unique educational experience for girls aged two to 18. With a religious affiliation to all faiths, the school provides a welcoming environment for students from diverse backgrounds. The school has seen a slight decline in its Times 2024 Parent Power Rankings, moving from 154 in 2023 to 188 in 2024. However, it maintains strong academic performance, particularly at the GCSE level, where it ranks 115th.
The school is known for its robust academic programme, with impressive results across various levels. At A Level, the percentage of students achieving A* grades stands at 8.8%, while those obtaining A*/A grades reach 38.7%. The combined A*/B rate is 68%, reflecting a solid academic foundation. The GCSE results are equally commendable, with 50.4% of students achieving A*/9/8 grades and an overall A*/A/9/8/7 rate of 72%. These figures highlight the school’s commitment to academic excellence and its ability to prepare students for future success.
The preparatory department prides itself on guiding girls into their chosen senior schools, with many achieving scholarships. It also boasts a strong musical and sporting tradition, offering a wide range of extra-curricular activities that cater to all ability levels. Participation and enjoyment are key objectives, encouraging girls to become independent thinkers and considerate members of the community.
Since 2024, Nina Hobson has been at the helm as headmistress. Her diverse background includes experience in both education and media, having worked for the BBC before transitioning to leadership roles in education. Her leadership style is reflected in the school’s dynamic approach to learning and development.
Entrance assessments begin at two-and-a-half years old with informal evaluations of social and emotional readiness. From Year 1 onwards, more formal assessments in Maths, English, and reading are conducted. Interestingly, only about half of the students continue to the senior school, with others opting for local grammar or independent schools like King Edward VI High School.
The school’s campus is spacious and situated within a smart suburb on the edge of Birmingham. Separate buildings create an intimate and secure atmosphere while providing opportunities for collaboration among students. The early years’ outdoor classroom features a playhouse and woodland walk, although the prep department could benefit from similar resources.
The curriculum is enriched with languages such as French, Spanish, Latin, German, and Mandarin clubs. Edgbaston Prep is notably the only school in the country to receive two gold medals for top ten places in the Junior Language Challenge. The school also offers extensive ICT facilities with individual iPads and laptops for older pupils.
The music programme spans both senior and prep levels, encouraging a ‘have-a-go’ attitude towards learning instruments and performance. The range of choirs and orchestras ensures that every student can find their niche in music.
Sports at Edgbaston High School for Girls are varied but receive mixed reviews from parents regarding their organisation. Main competitions include gymnastics, netball, and swimming. Despite some concerns about intensity and elitism in certain sports, the school strives to provide healthy activities for all students.
Pastoral care is a significant focus at Edgbaston High School for Girls. Initiatives like worry boxes and weekly celebration assemblies promote wellbeing among students. The school’s approach to behavioural issues involves peer mediation and group discussions to prevent problems from escalating.
Senior transition is well-managed from Year 4 onwards with taster lessons and masterclasses led by Year 13 students. The dining hall caters well to dietary needs but has faced some criticism regarding halal provision.
Communication between school and parents has room for improvement according to some feedback; however, the school remains open to addressing concerns promptly.
Overall, Edgbaston High School for Girls provides a balanced education that combines strong academics with comprehensive pastoral support. It allows students to develop at their own pace while offering numerous opportunities to excel both inside and outside the classroom.
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