The 10 best schools in Birmingham in 2025

1. King Edward VI High School for Girls

(c) kehs.org.uk

King Edward VI High School for Girls (KEHS) in Birmingham is a top independent school for girls aged 11 to 18. Known for academic success, it consistently achieves excellent results, with many students going on to top universities.

Founded in 1883, KEHS blends tradition with modern teaching to create a vibrant and inspiring environment. The school promotes a love of learning, creativity, and curiosity.

Its campus has great facilities for academics, sports, music, and drama. KEHS helps students build confidence, leadership skills, and a strong sense of community, preparing them for success in school and beyond.

The Times named the school 'Independent School of the Year for Academic Excellence in the West Midlands 2025'.

Key information

• National rank (independent schools): 10

• ISI rating: excellent

• A level results (2024): 95.7% A*–B

• GCSE results (2024): 95.4% A*/A/9/8/7

• Fees: £5,954 per term

• 11 plus assessment: English and maths exams

2. King Edward's School, Birmingham

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King Edward’s School in Birmingham is a leading independent day school for boys aged 11 to 18. Founded in 1552, it has a long history of academic excellence and tradition. The school offers a challenging and supportive environment that encourages intellectual curiosity and personal growth.

Students follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, which prepares them for top universities and a global future. King Edward’s School also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, drama, and clubs, helping students explore their interests and develop new skills.

The school emphasises leadership, teamwork, and a strong sense of community. Its modern facilities, combined with a historic setting, provide an inspiring space for learning and growth. With its focus on academic achievement, character development, and opportunity, King Edward’s School prepares boys for success in life beyond the classroom.

Key information

• National rank (independent schools): 44

• ISI rating: excellent

• IB results (2024): 36.7 average diploma points

• GCSE results (2024): 86% A*/A/9/8/7

• Fees: £6,108 per term

• 11 plus assessment: English, maths and verbal reasoning exams

3. King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls

(c) kechg.org.uk

King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls in Birmingham is a top-performing grammar school, known for its academic excellence and supportive environment. The school provides a broad and enriching education for girls aged 11 to 18, encouraging intellectual curiosity and independent thinking.

Camp Hill Girls fosters a love of learning through a well-rounded curriculum and outstanding teaching. Beyond academics, students can explore a wide range of extracurricular activities, from sports and music to drama and science clubs. These opportunities help students build confidence, leadership, and friendships.

The school values individuality and community, creating a nurturing space where every student can thrive. Its focus on academic success, personal growth, and wider opportunities ensures girls are well-prepared for the challenges of university and beyond.

• National rank (state schools): 10

• Ofsted rating: outstanding

• A level results (2024): 89.8% A*–B

• GCSE results (2024): 88% A*/A/9/8/7

• Fees: free (state-funded)

• 11 plus assessment: West Midlands Grammar Schools 11 plus

4. King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys

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King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys in Birmingham is a top grammar school for students aged 11 to 18. Known for its academic excellence, the school consistently ranks among the best in the UK. It offers a rigorous curriculum that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and a love of learning.

The school encourages students to pursue their interests through a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, drama, and clubs. These activities help build teamwork, confidence, and leadership skills.

With modern facilities and dedicated teachers, Camp Hill provides a supportive environment where boys can thrive. Its focus on academic success, personal growth, and community spirit prepares students for top universities and future challenges.

Key information

• National rank (state schools): 21

• Ofsted rating: outstanding

• A level results (2024): 82.9% A*–B

• GCSE results (2024): 87.4% 9–7

• Fees: free (state-funded)

• 11 plus assessment: West Midlands Grammar Schools 11 plus

5. King Edward VI Five Ways School

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King Edward VI Five Ways School is a top grammar school in Birmingham for boys and girls aged 11 to 18. Founded in 1883, the school has a strong tradition of academic excellence and personal growth. It offers a challenging curriculum designed to inspire a love of learning and prepare students for success.

Students achieve outstanding results and often go on to study at leading universities. The school encourages curiosity and critical thinking, with dedicated teachers who support each student’s progress.Beyond academics, Five Ways offers a wide range of extracurricular activities. Students can take part in sports, music, drama, and clubs. These activities help develop confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills.

The school’s modern facilities, including science labs, sports fields, and creative spaces, provide an ideal setting for learning. Five Ways also emphasises community and values respect, kindness, and inclusion.

With its focus on academic achievement and personal development, King Edward VI Five Ways School prepares students for the challenges of the future. It offers a vibrant and supportive environment where every student can thrive and achieve their potential.

• National rank (state schools): 36

• Ofsted rating: good

• A level results (2024): 84% A*–B

• GCSE results (2024): 76% A*/A/9/8/7

• Fees: free (state-funded)

• 11 plus assessment: West Midlands Grammar Schools 11 plus

6. Bishop Vesey's Grammar School

(c) wikipedia.org

Bishop Vesey's Grammar School (BVGS) is a boys' grammar school with a mixed sixth form in Sutton Coldfield. It was founded in 1527, making it the oldest school in the city of Birmingham. The school aims to provide inspiration to able children and provides a vast range of extracurricular activities.

• National rank (state schools): 42

• Ofsted rating: outstanding

• A level results (2024): 81.6% A*–B

• GCSE results (2024): 73.2% A*/A/9/8/7

• Fees: free (state-funded)

• 11 plus assessment: West Midlands Grammar Schools 11 plus

7. Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls

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Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls is a girls' grammar school north of Birmingham city. It prides itself on a happy and purposeful environment and prioritises the importance of a growth mindset.

Key information

• National rank (state schools): 45

• Ofsted rating: good

• A level results (2024): 73.5% A*–B

• GCSE results (2024): 86.6% A*/A/9/8/7

• Fees: free (state-funded)

• 11 plus assessment: [West Midlands Grammar Schools 11 plus]Sutton Coldfield Grammar School 11 plus

8. Edgbaston High School

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Edgbaston High School is an independent day school for girls aged 2–18, comprising a prep school, senior school and sixth form. It was founded in 1876, making it the oldest independent girls' school in Birmingham. The school is praised for its strong pastoral care and a huge co-curricular programme.

• National rank (independent schools): 189

• ISI rating: excellent

• A level results (2024): 68% A*–B

• GCSE results (2024): 72% A*/A/9/8/7

• Fees: £5,580–£5,670 per term

• 11 plus assessment: CEM Select exam

9. St Paul's School for Girls, Edgbaston

(c) stpaulgl.bham.sch.uk

St Paul's School for Girls is a Catholic girls' comprehensive school in Edgbaston. It was founded in 1908 by the Sisters of Charity of St Paul the Apostle and maintains a community built on faith and tradition. While not academically selective, students at St Paul's consistently achieve excellent exam results. These results rank the school within the top 10 comprehensive schools in the UK.

• National rank (state schools): 73

• Ofsted rating: outstanding

• A level results (2024): 82.3% A*–B

• GCSE results (2024): 53.3% A*/A/9/8/7

• Fees: free (state-funded)

• Year 7 entry process: non-selective, but Catholic children are prioritised