King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls
Birmingham, United Kingdom
About King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls
King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls is a secondary grammar school in Birmingham, operating under the Schools of King Edward VI in Birmingham organisation. Since 2011, King Edward VI Handsworth School has held academy status. There are 1274 pupils aged 11-18 on the school roll, 380 of whom are in the sixth form.
The school was founded in 1911 by the merger of three pre-existing schools. Designed by architect PB Chatwin, King Edward VI Handsworth School then cost the very high figure of £50,000 to build.
Extensive renovations have been undertaken on the grammar school’s historic buildings, while new facilities include a library, science building, state-of-the-art sports hall along with a new dining room and Gym facility. A neighbouring church has been transformed into its music centre. The long-running school magazine is known as The Beacon.
Headmistress
Mrs Amy Whittall
Values and vision
The motto of King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls is "Love of learning, pride in diversity, excellence for all", which is demonstrated through the positive, inclusive atmosphere. The school takes a forward-thinking approach to education, implementing Guy Claxton’s Building Learning Power strategies to great effect.
King Edward VI Handsworth School provides its students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for academic success and independent thought. Almost 100% of sixth-form students go on to university, with many studying at Oxbridge and Russell Group institutions.
The secondary school is a specialist performing arts college, and since 2010 has had a further specialism in science.
Ofsted report
“Almost all students make expected progress in both English and mathematics and a very high proportion make more than expected progress in these subjects compared to national figures. There is no significant difference between the rates of progress of students from different ethnic backgrounds.”
View King Edward VI Handsworth School’s latest Ofsted report
Location
“Both the staff and pupils have a drive and passion for education, which creates a positive learning environment. Teachers are incredibly enthusiastic about their subjects and this rubs off on the girls who seem to genuinely enjoy their lessons and being stretched and challenged to achieve the best they can. This makes the school a really rewarding place to work.”
- Trudy Kirby, Teacher of Biology“Having been at my last school for thirteen years the decision to move to Kind Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls was a big one. Right from the beginning I was made to feel very welcome. There is an excellent induction programme for new staff and the students are a delight to teach. This is a good place to develop as a professional”.
- Andrew Freer, Head of Economics & EPQ Coordinator“The staff and students are so friendly and welcoming that it didn’t take long to settle into the school. I’ve had opportunities to get involved in all aspects of school life (like running basketball club at lunchtimes or taking Year 7 on a residential weekend). The department is also fantastic at sharing ideas and interesting ways to teach lessons so it makes planning fun. The girls here are also really eager to learn and willing to take on new challenges so are a joy to teach.”
- Mariyum Waqar, Teacher of Mathematics“King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls is a most rewarding, challenging and supportive place to work. As a new member to the Senior Leadership Team I have been made to feel most welcome by all areas of the school community. I have been involved in decisions from day one and offered help to find all that I need from staff, students and governors alike. The students are very keen to learn, curious in a good way about new staff and I have already seen them in action with various charity and community activities. Within the first month they have raised money by dressing up and baking cakes, offered their time to give tours to prospective students and been involved in outreach programmes. Staff work hard and give of their time willingly to help and support students and the number of enrichment activities and excursions is exceptional. Making the decision to move up the career ladder or to change schools is never easy but this has been a great one!”
- Jacqueline Kendall, Deputy Head
