King Edward's School
Edgbaston Park Road, Birmingham, B15 2UA
Pupils
875
Ages
11 - 18
Gender
Boys
Type
Secondary
Head Teacher
Dr Catherine Ricks
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£5,175
ISC Associations
HMC, AGBIS, ISBA
Religion
All Faiths
Bursaries
Available
About King Edward's School
King Edward’s School in Birmingham is a prestigious boys’ secondary school known for its academic excellence and rich history. Founded in 1552, the school has a long-standing tradition of nurturing intellectually curious students who excel in various fields. The school offers a broad curriculum, with a focus on developing independent thinking and rigorous time management skills, making it an ideal environment for bright students.
The admission process is competitive, with most students entering at 11+, and a few at 13+. The school conducts its own exams in Maths, English, and verbal reasoning, followed by interviews for many candidates. The student body is diverse, with a 50/50 split between those coming from state primaries and independent schools. Parents are advised against excessive tutoring, as the school values genuine intellectual curiosity over rote learning.
At 16+, the school sees a growing number of applicants, requiring candidates to have strong GCSE results and a passion for fast-paced learning. The majority of students continue to university, with 95% attending Russell Group institutions. Popular destinations include top London universities, Birmingham, Bristol, and Manchester, among others. The school also supports students aiming to study overseas, with specialist counsellors available for guidance.
The school’s academic results are impressive, with 88% of GCSE grades at 9-7 in 2023. The International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, introduced in 2012, has been a significant success, with an average score of 35. The decision to switch from A levels to the IB was bold, but it has paid off, as the programme is well-suited to the school’s academically gifted students.
Teaching at the school is characterised by a focus on intellectual curiosity and enrichment rather than mere exam preparation. The school encourages students to explore subjects in depth, fostering a culture of inquiry and critical thinking. The curriculum includes French and Latin from year 7, with Spanish or German added in year 8. The school does not believe in collecting qualifications for the sake of it, with nine or ten GCSEs being the norm.
The arts and extra-curricular activities are integral to the school’s ethos. Friday afternoons are dedicated to extra-curricular pursuits, with over 50 clubs and societies available. The school believes that students who engage in a variety of activities perform better academically. Drama and music are particularly strong, with performances held in the state-of-the-art Ruddock Performing Arts Centre. The school also boasts a 170-strong choir and a symphony orchestra that performs at prestigious venues.
Sport is taken seriously, with a wide range of activities available, including cricket, hockey, and rugby. The school has excellent facilities, including a £5 million sports centre, and employs professional coaches to enhance the sports programme. The school’s approach to sport is holistic, encouraging students to think about team psychology and the benefits of physical activity.
Pastoral care is a priority, with a nurturing environment that supports students’ wellbeing. The school has two mental health counsellors and a popular mentoring scheme where sixth formers support younger students. The school is committed to inclusivity and diversity, with 35% of students receiving financial support.
The school’s alumni include notable figures such as JRR Tolkien, Nobel Prize-winning scientists, and prominent politicians. The school is part of a unique multi-academy trust that aims to provide top-notch education to the most disadvantaged students in Birmingham.
Overall, King Edward’s School is a place where like-minded boys thrive academically and personally. The school’s focus on the individual ensures that each student is supported and challenged to reach their full potential. To receive updates about this school including exam results, senior staff changes and open days please bookmark it using the button at the end of this review.
ISI Review
King Edward's School, Birmingham, is an independent day school for male pupils, established in 1552 by King Edward VI. Located in Edgbaston, the school is governed by a board and serves students aged 11 to 18, comprising a Senior School for pupils aged 11 to 16 and a Sixth Form for those aged 16 to 18. The current chair of governors assumed her role in December 2021. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the school adapted by providing remote learning materials when the Senior School was closed for all but key worker children. The inspection process was adjusted to include both remote and on-site evidence gathering to minimize contact.
The school aims to deliver an academically ambitious curriculum complemented by a diverse co-curricular program, fostering an environment of open-mindedness and kindness. It seeks to support each pupil's individual development, preparing them to contribute positively to society. Nationally standardized test data indicates that the pupils' abilities are well above average, with 90 pupils identified as needing support for special educational needs and/or disabilities, while 29 pupils speak English as an additional language. The curriculum is tailored for gifted and talented students.
The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) conducted a compliance-only inspection to assess the school's adherence to the Independent School Standards. The inspection confirmed that King Edward's School meets all required standards, with no further action needed. The school demonstrated effective teaching practices that enable pupils to make good progress, as evidenced by GCSE and International Baccalaureate results from 2019 to 2021. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and resources, ensuring a breadth of material is covered.
The school provides relationships and sex education in accordance with statutory guidance, and the standards related to the quality of education are met. The school actively promotes principles and values that support the personal development of pupils as responsible citizens, fulfilling the requirements for spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development.
In terms of welfare, health, and safety, the school has established arrangements to safeguard pupils, promote good behavior, and prevent bullying. Health and safety requirements are met, including fire safety provisions, and first aid is adequately provided. The school maintains proper supervision of pupils and keeps accurate admission and attendance records, along with a strategic approach to risk assessment. A disability access plan is also in place.
The school ensures the suitability of staff, supply staff, and proprietors through appropriate checks, maintaining a register as required. The premises are equipped with suitable facilities, including toilets, changing areas, and accommodations for medical needs. The school environment is well-maintained, with adequate provisions for physical education and outdoor play.
King Edward's School publishes a range of information for parents, inspectors, and the Department for Education, covering details about the school's ethos, curriculum, admission arrangements, behavior policies, and health and safety measures. The safeguarding policy is accessible on the school's website, and the school provides annual reports on individual pupil progress to parents.
Complaints from parents are handled effectively through a structured three-stage process, ensuring clear timelines and appropriate record-keeping. The leadership and management of the school demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively and promoting the well-being of pupils.
The inspection involved observing lessons, conducting interviews with pupils, and reviewing samples of pupils' work. Inspectors engaged with staff, governors, and examined the school's documentation, including curriculum materials and responses from pre-inspection questionnaires. The overall findings indicate that King Edward's School maintains high standards of education and compliance with regulatory requirements, ensuring a supportive and enriching environment for its pupils.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024