Ages 
A seriously brainly school where like-minded boys spark off each other and achieve extraordinary things. Parents know the school is an academic powerhouse, but they choose it because its spirit reaches far beyond, with untold riches when it comes to opportunities. ‘You can come here a rugby player and leave a hockey player,’ summed up one boy. It’s also meritocratic, socially inclusive, aspirational and actually, just really good fun. The focus on the individual is often the clincher too – ‘you know your son won’t get lost here.’
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Unlike other websites, schools can't pay to be included in The Good Schools Guide. This means our review of this school is independent, critical and fair, and written with parents' best interests at heart.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 836 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 204 ·
- Religion
- Christian
- Fees
- £21,990 pa
- Local authority
- Birmingham City Council
- School ownership
- The Schools of King Edward VI in Birmingham
Headteacher
Chief master and principal
Kirsty von Malaisé
Since 2024, Kirsty von Malaisé MA, formerly principal of KEHS, the girls' counterpart of KES and now also principal of both schools. Although educated as a music specialist at the Purcell School and a BBC Young Musician of the Year prizewinner, she
Entrance
Almost all at 11+, a handful at 12 + and 13+. Own entrance exam in maths and English. Interviews for many. A 50/50 split coming in from state primaries and independents – includes some 30 from Blue Coat, Hallfield and West House. Parents warn against
- Open days
- March and June; December (sixth form only)
Exit
Usually between 15 and 20 per cent leave after GCSEs, though it was 33 per cent in 2024. Vast majority who stay go on to university, 95 per cent to Russell Group. The top London universities are most popular, along with Durham, Birmingham, Bristol,
Latest results
In 2023, 84 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; IB average 38. In 2024, 86 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; IB average 36.
A levels or equivalent - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
Results are a given – these are, as one parent pointed out, ‘abnormally smart boys’. But the approach to learning is far from rote or exam oriented, and it’s not about everyone getting A*s or excelling at everything. Rather, the school stands out for
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- GCSE
- IB
Learning support & SEN
Heavily staffed learning support department includes three teachers who focus on specific subjects, eg science and humanities for boys who struggle in these particular areas. Around 50 boys receive support at any one time – mainly for dyslexia,
Arts & extracurricular
The school maintains that those who do the best academically are involved in the most activities. If they can have fun at the same time, so much the better. Hence, Friday afternoons are entirely given over to extracurricular, with plenty more clubs
Sport
‘Becoming more serious,’ according to our guides. There’s always been a busy sports programme with good facilities, but now there are more professional coaches (several have represented England/GB) and newer facilities including the £5m sports centre
Ethos & heritage
Founded in 1552, moved to the leafy suburb of Edgbaston in 1936. Handsome red-brick buildings in true grammar style, with more recent additions over the years. The 50-acre site sits cheek by jowl with the girls’ high school (with which some parents
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Several parents told us of having a quiet child who has ‘really come out of his shell’. Excellent transition includes a get-to-know-you afternoon in the summer term. Form tutors are nurturing, staff get to know the boys, and the pupils are friendly –
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Mobile phone use is not permitted during the school day. Devices can be used in the upper school, with conditions, in assigned areas. The school educates pupils on phone use so they can safely navigate their lives online, and this is further supported through its e-safety programme.
Pupils & parents
Boys travel from far and wide, eg Derby. Most from Birmingham and the Black Country. Many are bussed in. No parent we spoke to chose to belong to the PA (‘too busy’) although we are assured it’s thriving. A comfortable place for tiger parents, we
Money matters
Fees competitive for the area. Academic scholarships at 11+, worth between five and 50 per cent (means tested). Around £1 million spent on assisted places per year. Some boys are sponsored by former pupils.
- Fee information
- £21,990 pa
The last word
A seriously brainly school where like-minded boys spark off each other and achieve extraordinary things. Parents know the school is an academic powerhouse, but they choose it because its spirit reaches far beyond, with untold riches when it comes to
