Birmingham grammars and private schools

[paperclipper]

I'm trying to understand the secondary options in the Edgbaston area and nearby.

State grammars look amazing but there are also the fee paying KES/KEHS in Edgbaston. Are the academic standards comparable? I see the grammars have catchments so would parents only pay for the Edgbaston KE schools if they're out of catchment for grammars? Or other factors?

What about Edgbaston High School, where does that fit in, seems to be a separate independent girls only and all through.

Children are still very young so got years to consider it.

Any insights appreciated!

Kehs was 12th in the rankings this year, it's a very good school. Lots of kids there also had grammar offers. Edgbaston High is also good, although slightly less academic, I have a niece at KEHS but the other has opted for EHS as she's a bouncier person and liked it better despite having a KEHS and Camp Hill offer. They are all good schools, it's finding the one that is the best fit for the child if they pass the exams and get offers.

Until niece 2, my mum, my two sisters and I went to KEHS With grammar offers in hand. So a bit of bias, but EHS will be great for niece 2, a 30% scholarship helps.

But all the KE foundation schools are excellent.

It wasn't catchment in our days and that does affect the grammar choices, but they are all good.

Thank you

At Edgbaston High, do children tend to stay 4-18 or is there much movement in and out at 11 do you know?

Niece is going in at 11 from a state primary. Quite a lot are apparently, judging from the taster day.

The academic standards are broadly comparable between the private KE schools (KES, KEHS) and the local state grammars, most of which are also run by the KE Foundation. @murasaki has given some good specific knowledge about the private schools.

If you’re in Edgbaston you will be in catchment for one of the KE state grammars – it will either be Handsworth (boys or girls) or Camp Hill (boys or girls) or Five Ways (mixed.) It is worth checking which you’re in catchment for, as it might influence your choice simply because the Camp Hill schools and Five Ways get slightly better results than the Handsworth schools. That should not worry you as there is a historical bias still at play which will gradually change, but you might want to check out which would be your catchment grammar and how your children would commute to it.

If you prefer a state grammar that you’re not in catchment for, it can be difficult to get a place – very high scores are required and there are very few places available out of catchment at the Camp Hill schools and Five Ways. It does vary year by year so you could keep an eye on the cut-off scores and how they change from year to year. https://kingedwardvifoundation.co.uk/results-and-offers/

Then it comes down to your preference between private and state schools. Of course, at KES, KEHS and EHS you get all the added benefits of a private education. It depends on your financial situation and how much your child will make the most of these benefits. They all have excellent reputations.

All the state grammars in the region (not just the KE Foundation ones) are excellent schools: well run, with high standards of teaching and excellent results. If academic results are your priority, there is no reason your children won’t achieve their potential at any of them. Of course, they come with all the financial challenges and government/curriculum requirements of state schools.

If you live in Edgbaston and your children pass the various tests, you’re extremely well located for secondary schools!

Yes, I'd be more than happy with any of the selective schools. Sounds like you've got plenty of time for research!

Thank you both, great info!

Another question! Have discovered St George's and The Priory schools in Edgbaston both mixed which would be perfect. Any views please?

@murasaki yes plenty of time but this research is just one aspect of quite a complicated jigsaw of factors and realistically we won't be able to visit schools for a while.

If you can afford it, private every time. Loads of pastoral support and extra curricular opportunities. Every child is hugely supported, in terms of progression, well being etc. This just isn’t feasible at a grammar, regardless of anything else. This is why almost always the academic privates get better gcse and a level results compared with the super selective grammars. I have direct experience of both KES/KEHS and the king ed grammars.

Don’t forget to research the non-selective options too.

@paperclipper St George's and Priory also have good reputations but they are not in the same league as KES/KEHS/EHS.

Ref St George's, I slightly know someone with a DS who didn't pass the 11 plus but got a scholarship to St George's. I also know of someone who passed the 11 plus but didn't score highly enough for a grammar school place, who also got a scholarship offer for St George's and is starting there in September. He also got a full fees offer for KES but his parents felt St George's would suit him better as it is smaller/gentler.

I know less about Priory, other than small class sizes being a key selling point.

They are probably good alternatives if the highly academic route turns out not to be the best fit for your DC. As I said before, you are spoilt for choice!

Thank you!