DirectoryBirminghamSeniorKing Edward's School, Birmingham
Senior school

King Edward's School, Birmingham

King Edward's School, Birmingham is a boys' senior day school with entry points at 11+, 16+, and other years.

BirminghamSeniorBoysAges 11–18Day836 pupils
Day fees
£18,324
How competitive entry is
Interview + ReferenceCompetitive entry
Pupils
836
Founded
1552
Next deadline
Assessment: 3 Oct 2026
Verified 1 month agosource
Houseroom Index 2026
78.5/100· ranked #35 of UK independents
78% data confidence·v2026.4.0·+6 vs Parent Power
How is this calculated? →
Pillar breakdown
Academic outcomes77
Destinations & outcomes86
Future-readiness55
Pastoral & wellbeing95
Pupil flourishing65
Value-add69
Access & breadth75
Parent sentiment70
External consensus95

Get your personalised Fit Score — tell us about your child to see how well this school matches your priorities.

Our take

Independent boys senior school in Birmingham for ages 11–18. Selective entry, Christian ethos.

Best for
Who thrives here
  • Families seeking a senior school for ages 11–18, with thinking already on 11+ or 13+ entry.
  • Parents who want a single-sex environment for their son.
  • Families who value a Christian ethos in school life.
  • Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
  • Internationally-mobile families wanting IB or American-style qualifications rather than only A-levels.
Watch-outs
Know before applying
  • Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
  • The Christian ethos shapes assemblies, holidays and pastoral life. Comfortable for committed families; worth thinking about for those of other or no faith.
  • SEND provision isn't documented in our profile. If your child has an EHCP or specific learning needs, ask admissions about case-by-case capacity before applying.
  • Single-sex (boys). Comfortable for some children, less so for others — worth a visit on a normal teaching day rather than only an open-day showcase.
AI-generated guidance

About the head

Domine, salvum fac regem

Mrs von Malaisé has been Chief Master & Principal of King Edward's School and King Edward VI High School for Girls since September 2024, having first joined KEHS as Principal in 2020. Educated at music school, conservatoire and the University of Cambridge, where she read English. She was a BBC Young Musician of the Year prizewinner. She began her teaching career in London state schools, before becoming Deputy Head at Putney High School. As Headmistress of Norwich High School, she led the school to be named 'Independent Girls' School of the Year'. BA English, Cambridge

The central aim of King Edward’s School is to provide education for able boys, regardless of the financial circumstances of their families.

scholarshipservicecommunityadventureinclusion

Distinctive features

Founded by King Edward VI in 1552

Co-located with King Edward's High School for Girls

Both A-Level and IB Diploma offered

Significant Assisted Places bursary programme

Activities & co-curricular

sport

AthleticsCricketFencingFootballHockeyRugbySquashSwimmingTennisWater Polo

music

Chamber Music EnsemblesChoirChoral SocietyChoral Society (joint)Clef Club (Composers Club)Clef Club (composition)Instrumental LessonsJazz BandKES and KEHS Symphony OrchestraKES ChoirKES Symphony OrchestraMusic LessonsOrchestraSwing BandsSwing Bands (two groups)Wind BandWind BandsWind Bands (two groups)

drama

DramaDrama productions and clubs

academic club

Academic Clubs and SocietiesDebating Club

service

Combined Cadet Force - ArmyCombined Cadet Force (Army, Navy, and Air Force)Combined Cadet Force (CCF) ArmyCombined Cadet Force (CCF) Royal Air ForceCombined Cadet Force (CCF) Royal NavyCombined Cadet Force - Royal Air ForceCombined Cadet Force - Royal NavyService

other

Friday AfternoonsLeadershipSustainability Society

Facilities

sports

25m indoor swimming poolAthletics trackEight rugby pitchesFive tennis courtsFloodlit astro hockey pitch and tennis courts across Bristol RoadFour cricket pitchesOutdoor sports facilities including rugby, cricket and hockey pitches across the siteRifle rangeSeven artificial surfaced cricket netsThe Andrew Brode Sports Centre - large sports hall, cardiovascular fitness room, multipurpose space, classroom, changingThree astro hockey pitches

arts

Music Department roomsMusic Department Teaching and Rehearsal RoomsMusic LibraryRuddock Performing Arts CentreSir Paul and Lady Ruddock Performing Arts Centre - 400-seat concert hall, 120-seat studio theatre, dance studio, facilit

academic

Design & Technology CentreExtensive libraryLarge laboratories for Physics and ChemistryModern Languages DepartmentOriginal 1930s buildings including a hammer-beamed assembly hall and a large library

wellbeing

Memorial Chapel - relocated historic chapel from 1838

Latest exam results

55%
A-level A*–A
80%
GCSE 9–7
7%
Oxbridge offer rate
95%
Russell Group rate

Data from 2025 results

Where leavers go

7%
to Oxbridge (2025)
2025
Cohort100
Oxbridge7
US Ivy2
Medicine0
Top universities (2025)
Cambridge3
Oxford1
Imperial College London2
Durham University1
King's College London3
Harvard University1
University of Chicago1
Cardiff University1

Recent coverage

Sunday Times West Midlands Independent Secondary School of the Decade (2021); ISI 2025: significant strength rating.

Sunday Times West Midlands Indep School of the Decade
ISI 2025

Notable alumni

J.R.R. TolkienBill OddieJonathan CoeLee ChildEnoch Powell
Recommended next step

Open-day dates not yet published

Save this school and we'll email you the moment open-day booking goes live.

Fit for your child

How well does King Edward's School, match?

Tell us your child's age, location, needs and entry point. We'll score commute, academics, support, budget and culture against schools in Birmingham.

Check fit for my child

Application timeline

2 of 7 admissions stages have confirmed dates. Save this school to be notified when dates are published.

Open dayNot published
Not published
Registration opensPassed
30 Mar 2026
Registration closesConfirmed
21 Sept 2026
Bursary deadlineNot published
Not published
AssessmentConfirmed
3 Oct 2026
InterviewNot published
Not published
OffersNot published
Not published
Acceptance deadlineNot published
Not published
Registration windows
YearOpensClosesReply byStatus
2027-2830 Mar 202621 Sept 2026TBCOpen

Open events

Open Day
Thu, 10 Sept 2026
6:00 pm
Whole-school Open Event
Open Evening
Thu, 10 Sept 2026
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Whole-school Open Evening
Registration Close
Mon, 21 Sept 2026
10:00 am
11+ Application Deadline
Exam
Sat, 3 Oct 2026
11+ Entrance Exam
Sixth Form Open
Mon, 12 Oct 2026
6:00 pm
Sixth Form Open Evening
Dates to be confirmed
Taster Evening2026-02-11T17:00:00+00:00
Dates TBC
Sixth Form Open Evening2026-10-12T17:00:00+01:00
Dates TBC
Whole-school Open Event2026-06-22T17:00:00+01:00
Dates TBC

Private tours and additional visits available by arrangement — contact admissions to arrange.

Talks & tasters

Thu, 10 Sept 2026Whole-school Open EveningOpen Evening
Mon, 12 Oct 2026Sixth Form Open EveningSixth Form Open

Fees

£18,324per year · Day · 2026-27
VAT-inclusive estimate £18,324VAT status TBCYear 7-13 projection £144,868
vs London avg (£24,000)24% below

Bursaries & Scholarships

Means-tested
Yes
Scholarships
4
medium confidence data· £1,500,000 annual support
Scholarships by category & award sizeView full bursary & scholarship guide

Excerpts

Several parents told us of having a quiet child who has ‘really come out of his shell’.

Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
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...

House system

Cary GilsonEvansHeathJeuneLevettPrince LeeVardyWilson

Wellbeing

King Edward’s School promotes pupil welfare through a vibrant house system and pastoral care, including weekly mental health theme focus such as sleep and kindness. The school encourages exercise, relaxation, and offers weekly wellbeing podcasts to support mental and physical health.

Inspection

Isi 1 Jan 2022

One inspection report on file. Worth reading before booking a visit — covers safeguarding, leadership and overall standard.

Excellent

Term dates 2025-26

autumn3 Sept 202512 Dec 2025Half-term 23 Oct 2025–31 Oct 2025
Autumn3 Sept 202512 Dec 2025Half-term 23 Oct 2025–31 Oct 2025
spring6 Jan 202627 Mar 2026Half-term 16 Feb 2026–20 Feb 2026
Spring6 Jan 202627 Mar 2026Half-term 16 Feb 2026–20 Feb 2026
summer21 Apr 20269 Jul 2026Half-term 25 May 2026–1 Jun 2026
Summer21 Apr 20269 Jul 2026Half-term 25 May 2026–1 Jun 2026
autumn3 Sept 202616 Dec 2026Half-term 19 Oct 2026–30 Oct 2026
spring6 Jan 202724 Mar 2027Half-term 15 Feb 2027–19 Feb 2027
summer13 Apr 20277 Jul 2027Half-term 31 May 2027–7 Jun 2027

INSET: 1 Sept 2025 · 2 Sept 2025 · 5 Jan 2026 · 20 Apr 2026 · 1 Jun 2026 · 1 Sept 2026 · 2 Sept 2026 · 4 Jan 2027 · 5 Jan 2027 · 12 Apr 2027 · 7 Jun 2027

Schools like King Edward's School, Birmingham

Ranked by semantic similarity across curriculum, ethos, intake and admissions style. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

85%

King Edward VI High School for Girls

Birmingham · Senior · Ages 11–18
£17,836 – £17,862
58%

The King Alfred School

Barnet · Ages 4–19
Fees TBC
58%

King's College School

Merton · All Through · Ages 4–18
Fees TBC
58%

Bickley Park School

Bromley · All Through · Ages 3–13
£9,585 – £23,700
58%

Babington House School

Bromley · All Through · Ages 2–16
£2,097 – £26,115
58%

King's House School

Richmond upon Thames · Prep · Ages 2–13
£10,590 – £26,340

Questions parents ask

Common questions about King Edward's School, Birmingham, answered from this school’s structured profile data. Always confirm specifics with admissions before applying.

What kind of child is King Edward's School, Birmingham best for?+

Independent boys senior school in Birmingham for ages 11–18. Selective entry, Christian ethos.

How does admissions work?+

Admissions are selective — expect an entrance assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early. See the admissions timeline above for confirmed dates.

Are fees published?+

Yes — see the Fees table further down the page. Add extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition, registration fees) on top of the base figure before budgeting.

Does the school support SEND?+

Yes — the school states support for dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), processing needs, anxiety and others. Always confirm case-by-case capacity with admissions if your child has an EHCP.

Are there open days?+

5 upcoming open days or tours — see the admissions timeline. Booking is usually required.

How do I contact admissions?+

email at admissions@kes.org.uk or phone on 0121 415 6056. Reference your child's age and intended entry year in the first message.

What similar schools should I compare?+

We've ranked 6 schools by semantic similarity to King Edward's School, Birmingham — see the "Schools like King Edward's School, Birmingham" grid below. Most parents shortlist 4–6 schools before applying.

Enrichment last updated 26 May 2026. Sources include the school’s official site, Wikipedia, Good Schools Guide, Tatler, and Sunday Times Parent Power.

Reviews

No reviews yet.

Parent reviews

No parent reviews yet.
Track this school
Get deadline alerts for registrations, open days and offer dates.
Data
View King Edward's School, Birmingham data profile
Exam results, fees, university destinations, inspections, peer schools and feeder preps — on one page.
Want to get in touch? Send an enquiry directly.
Are you from this school?
Claim this listing to manage admissions, events, photos and parent leads — free.
Claim listing