King Edward VI School (Southampton)

Since 2019, Neal Parker, previously vice principal and head of the senior school at The Grammar School at Leeds. Born in Canada (his father worked in the mining industry and the family lived abroad), he was educated at the British School in the

Academically selective and very competitive. ‘We are always full,’ says head. At 11+, there are two contenders for every place while at 13+ around 50 applicants compete for 20 or so places. Half come from state primaries and half from local

Around a quarter leave after GCSEs. At 18, virtually all go to Russell Group universities. Pupils are aware of degree apprenticeships but ‘their mindset is still on redbrick universities’, says the head, with Bath, Cardiff, Exeter, Nottingham,

In 2025, 73 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 51 per cent A*/A at A level (85 per cent A*-B).

Twenty-seven subjects on offer at A level – all the usual, plus economics, philosophy, psychology, sports science and drama and theatre studies. Most pupils take three A levels (they tend to start with four subjects and drop one at the end of the

Learning support (known as curriculum support here) has recently moved into a purpose-built department at the heart of the school, next door to the wellbeing centre. Support is offered by a team of five, either one-to-one or in small groups, for

Music department has its own recital room, high-tech recording studio and countless practice rooms. Up to two-thirds of pupils have individual music lessons – younger ones during class time and year 10s and up before school, after school or in their

KES is very sporty, with an array of stellar achievements, all admirably lauded on the sports hall wall. Rugby, hockey, netball and cricket teams are particularly successful while other standouts include pupils who have made it into national

The wellbeing centre, complete with comfy chairs, bean bags and weighted blankets, is a quiet space and gets the thumbs-up from pupils and parents. ‘If you’re having a tough time you can go there,’ a year 9 pupil told us. ‘It’s helped a lot of

A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.

Pupils come from a wide catchment area and a multitude of backgrounds – from Southampton itself and as far afield as Bournemouth, Portsmouth, Winchester, Andover and the New Forest. ‘Pupils have a huge variety of life experiences,’ says the head.

A number of means-tested bursaries (up to 100 per cent of the full fee) for pupils entering year 7, year 9 and the sixth form. Scholarships (academic, music, drama, art, sport) are available (up to 10 per cent of the full fee).

Parents looking for a co-ed day school with academic rigour and tons of opportunities for bright, go-getting children need search no further. Inclusive, high achieving and forward-looking, it’s impressive on all fronts.