King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys
Birmingham, West Midlands · B21 9ET
King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School is a well-established day grammar for boys in Birmingham with over 160 years of history and strong academic credentials. The school combines rigorous academics with a broad co-curricular offer, serving over 1,000 pupils across entry points at 11, 13, and 16. Its house system and mental health focus reflect a pastoral culture attentive to whole-pupil development, though as a selective grammar it draws primarily from ambitious, academically-oriented families.
- →Selective grammar status with proven track record and 160+ year heritage
- →Breadth of subject choice including law, psychology, and computer science alongside traditional academics
- →Established house system and explicit mental health/wellbeing curriculum
- →Strong co-curricular including DofE, overseas expeditions (Iceland, ski trips), and diverse clubs
Who thrives here
Academically confident boys who have passed the 11+ or entrance exams; pupils who thrive in a structured, competitive peer group and value both classroom rigour and breadth of enrichment.
Strengths at a glance
Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.
At a glance
Contact & visit
Grove Lane, Handsworth
Birmingham, West Midlands
B21 9ET
Nearest stations
Frequently asked questions
How much does King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys cost?
King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys is a state grammar school, so there are no tuition fees — places are free and allocated by the 11-plus exam and the school’s admissions criteria.
How do you get into King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys?
King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.
What are King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys's exam results?
At King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys, 31.3% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 65.3% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.
Is King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys a boarding school?
King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys is a day school in Birmingham and does not offer boarding.
What is King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys's latest inspection rating?
Ofsted rated King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys “Good” (2024).
What parents say
Frequently praised
✓Strong pastoral care and mental health awareness for a grammar school
✓Rigorous academics with broad subject range including law and psychology
✓Excellent enrichment and overseas opportunities (expeditions, ski trips)
✓Formal leadership structures and house system building community
✓Good careers guidance and employer engagement
Common concerns
!As a selective grammar in an under-invested part of Birmingham, social diversity may be limited and some families report pressure-driven culture
!Not yet inspected by Ofsted; limited external validation of teaching quality
!Facilities and investment profile not highlighted publicly; potential ageing infrastructure in parts