About Us

King Edward VI Handsworth School is a Voluntary Aided Grammar School for girls aged 11-18.  Attainment is well above average and examination results are very high.  In 2007 every student gained 5 A*-C GCSE Results. King Edward VI Handsworth School is one of the top state schools in the country, consistently near the top of the national examination league tables for GSCE and A Level results for the last decade.

Our school is part of a family of five grammar schools of the King Edward VI Foundation. The school was founded in 1883 but our buildings date from 1911. We are proud of our heritage and long standing service in the City of Birmingham but firmly believe that we are a forward-looking school which tries to retain what is valuable in our tradition while adopting the best of modern teaching philosophy and practice.

“This school provides an outstandingly effective all-round education. Attainment is well above average and examination results are consistently very high.” Ofsted, April 2008

In September 2003 we became a Specialist School for the Performing Arts.  We aim to expand already good curricular and extra curricular arts activities while maintaining our high academic standards in all curriculum areas. With this specialist focus, we have extended our Sports provision to include new activities such as Archery and Boxercise in addition to more traditional sports such as Rounders, Netball and Tennis. In April 2009 we also became a Science Specialist College.

“The school has increased student enjoyment by using its performing arts specialist status to broaden the already outstanding curriculum.” Ofsted, April 2008

As a Voluntary-Aided school the Governors of the School are our employers.

Buildings

The School Campus itself is highly attractive – it is set in pleasant enclosed grounds - with stunning historic buildings alongside well-resourced modern facilities.  The School really stands out from the surrounding area as a highly attractive site.  The main building was constructed in 1911 and contains some excellent specialist teaching rooms and a beautiful hall. We have been fortunate to have had an extensive building programme in recent years including a fine games pavilion, drama studio, technology suite, new science laboratories, a Modern Languages learning centre and a new Sixth Form Centre. Tennis/netball courts and games fields are on site. A magnificent Sports Hall and dance studio have recently been completed and a neighbouring church has been converted into a beautiful Music Centre.

Curriculum

Considering the selective nature of our school, academic achievement is important and we are anxious to provide our pupils with the widest possible choice within and beyond the framework of the National Curriculum. We follow a 50 period fortnight with three one hour-long lessons in the morning and two in the afternoon. All girls in KS4 take at least 10 GCSE subjects. All our pupils follow a PSHE programme and increasing emphasis is being put on our ROA process. In addition to the prescribed curriculum, we encourage each girl to participate in the life and activities of the school and we try to provide opportunities for everyone to take on real responsibilities within our community.

Extra-Curricular Activities

We pride ourselves on the variety of lunch time clubs with intellectual, social, sporting and creative activities organised by both Staff and Sixth Form girls. We have a strong musical tradition with choirs, orchestras and numerous instrumental lessons. Drama flourishes and we have several clubs run by the Sixth Form as well as our school production and joint ventures with King Edward VI Aston School (boys). Teams represent us in all the major sports. A contribution to the life of the School is expected.

Pastoral Care

We enjoy a reputation for our friendly atmosphere and our Form Tutors take a special interest in the progress and welfare of the girls in their care. For Years 7-11, Pupil Achievement Leaders look after attainment and deal with any problems, which may occur.  The Head of Sixth Form manages this for Years 12 and 13. It is our policy to involve parents immediately a need arises since we wish to emphasise our belief that education is a partnership between home and school.

“Students live healthy lives, behave impeccably and develop all the skills needed to succeed in the future. Attendance and punctuality are excellent.” Ofsted, April 2008

The Staff

We have an experienced, talented and committed staff. Teaching is lively and standards of preparation and marking are good. Visitors always remark how friendly we are. We believe in offering opportunities for professional development through in-service training and opportunities for leadership and personal initiative. We have a good induction programme for all teachers including newly qualified colleagues.

“Staff are constantly refining their approaches to teaching in order to develop students' personal qualities, whilst striving for academic excellence. There is an excitement in the school about learning.” Ofsted, April 2008

To download the school prospectus click here
To view the school Ofsted report click here.
To visit the school’s main website click here.

School Ethos

• Our school is a happy and safe community where everyone can feel at home.
• We encourage the highest academic standards whilst valuing and fostering each individuals personality and talents.
• We work in a well disciplined but relaxed environment based on mutual respect.
• We are big enough to offer a wide curriculum and small enough to care about the progress of the individual.
• Our teachers are highly qualified and experienced who will give willingly of their time to pupils and to extra-curricular activities.
• We have a wealth of extra-curricular activities – something for everyone!
• Our pastoral system is underpinned by the good relationships which exist between the staff and the girl; no worry is too small to be ignored or too big to be dealt with.
• Teams represent us in all major sports but we emphasise enjoyable participation for all.
• Music is a special interest. A third of our pupils are instrumentalists, taught by an ever-increasing number of specialist teachers; we have a wide variety of instrumental groups and choirs.
• We believe that a good home/school relationship is central to the successful career of every pupil.
• We encourage each girl to be proud of all her achievements, no matter how large or small, in every area of her life.