Founded in 1552 by royal charter of Edward VI. It moved from the city centre to its present site at Edgbaston in 1936 to occupy a purpose-built establishment of pleasing design in a large area of parkland and spacious playing fields. The site and a number of facilities are shared with King Edward VI High School for Girls; there is extra-curricular collaboration between them in music and drama and the two schools share a new performing arts centre. High academic standards are needed for entry and the school welcomes academically able boys regardless of financial circumstance. Over 30% of pupils receive some kind of financial support and over 50% are from ethnic minorities - one of the most diverse independent schools in the country. It now offers the International Baccalaureate instead of A-levels. Academically, it is one of the leading schools in England and examination results are consistently excellent. Virtually all pupils go on to degree courses at top universities, including many to Oxbridge. It is strong in music, drama and the visual arts. It also has an excellent all-round record in sports and games, with many recent successes.
Pupils: Age range 11-18; 840 day boys. Entrance: Main entry ages 11, 13 and 16. Own entrance exam used; sixth-form entry requires 4 GCSEs at least grade A in academic subjects. A high academic standard required for entry; no religious requirements.
Up to 15 pa academic and music scholarships, up to 50% fees. Up to 25 means-tested assisted places at 11 and 16. Funds available for financial support continue to increase.
Chief Master: John Claughton, in post from 2006. Educated at King Edward's Birmingham and Oxford University (classics). Previously Headmaster at Solihull and Housemaster and Master i/c of Cricket at Eton. Former professional cricketer for Warwickshire. Teaching staff: 65 full time, 18 part time, Annual turnover 5%.
GCSE: 117 in fifth year, all gaining at least grade C in 8+ subjects. A-levels: 122 in upper sixth, 16% passing in 5+ subjects (including general studies), 84% in 4 subjects, with an average final point score of 508 (first IB Diploma results not yet available). Pupils regularly win medals in physics and chemistry Olympiads.
99% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (25% after a gap year, preferably working abroad), 15% to Oxbridge. 20% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 15% in science and engineering, 30% in humanities and social sciences, 15% in maths or economics, 8% in modern languages.
GCSE/IGCSE; IB Diploma in sixth form. Languages: French, German, Spanish, Latin and Greek offered at GCSE/IGCSE and IB. Also German, Spanish and Italian for beginners at IB; Mandarin as an extra. Over 75% take GCSE in more than 1 language. Regular exchanges (France, Germany and Spain). ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 250 computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Over 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken (over 50 pupils in school with Grade 8). Some 15 musical groups. Strong representation in the Birmingham Schools Symphony Orchestra. Major annual concerts in Symphony Hall. Drama: Drama offered at GCSE and IB. Many pupils are involved in school productions (eg Romeo and Juliet) and some in house/other productions. Art and design: On average, 25 take GCSE, 6 in sixth form. Design, pottery also offered.
Sport: Athletics, basketball, cricket, rugby, swimming, gymnastics compulsory. Optional: fives, fencing, tennis, orienteering, cross-country, water polo, archery, hockey, squash, badminton, table tennis, sailing, golf. National quarter finalists in basketball and rugby; U16 water polo team national champions. Activities: Pupils take bronze and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award (currently 75 and 30 respectively); DoE, CCF and community service optional at age 14. Up to 30 clubs, eg Shakespeare, mathematics, dramatic, scientific, Graphic Universe, chess (reached national quarter finals twice recently).
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses with pastoral function. School prefects. Religion: Christian but 54% of pupils from ethnic minorities. Strong Islamic Society. Social: Many activities with King Edward VI Girls' High School. Expeditions to eg Morocco, Namibia; rugby tour to Japan; regular ski and water sports trips (eg France, Utah); economics study trip to Paris; many walking, caving, climbing and cycling trips in the UK.
Any contact with drugs may result in expulsion.
Old Edwardians Association, run by the Development Director at the school (tel 0121 415 6050 or email oldeds@kes.org.uk); website www.oldeds.kes.org.uk
J R R Tolkien (author); Sir John Vane (Nobel Laureate, pharmacology); James David Rudkin (playwright); Bill Oddie (TV presenter and former Goodie); Enoch Powell (MP, Conservative and UUP); Sir Alan Haselhurst (Conservative MP and Deputy Speaker); William John Gunnell (Labour MP); Alan Smith (England Test cricketer); Herbert Tudor Buckland (Arts and Crafts architect); Sir Colin Figures (Head of MI6); Jonathan Coe and Lee Child (novelists).
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