If you're considering a secondary school in Birmingham for your child, you have plenty of choice. There are 168 schools to choose from!
Keep reading to learn which 10 schools are ranked the highest in Birmingham in 2026, and how you can help your child get a place at a top school.
How are school league tables calculated?
Each year, The Times Parent Power releases its annual rankings for schools across the UK. Secondary schools are ranked by their most recent moderated exam results. This includes A levels and/or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and GCSEs.
There are different league tables for independent (private) schools and state schools.
What are King Edward VI schools?
The King Edward VI Foundation is a charity that operates 13 schools in Birmingham. It manages historic land assets dating back to when King Edward's School was founded in 1552. The Foundation aims to ensure that children from all backgrounds in Birmingham can access a good education.
The charity consists of two private schools, six grammar schools, and five non-selective schools:
King Edward VI Aston School (grammar)
King Edward VI Balaam Wood Academy
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys (grammar)
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls (grammar)
King Edward VI Five Ways School (grammar)
King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys (grammar)
King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls (grammar)
King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls' Academy
King Edward VI High School for Girls (independent)
King Edward VI Lordswood School for Girls (academy)
King Edward VI Northfield School for Girls (academy)
King Edward VI Sheldon Heath Academy
King Edward's School (independent)
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The 10 best schools in Birmingham in 2026
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, the school consistently achieves excellent results, with many students going on to top universities.
The Times named the school 'Independent School of the Year for Academic Excellence in the West Midlands 2026'.
Key information for King Edward VI High School for Girls
National rank (independent schools): 11
ISI rating: excellent
A level results (2025): 94.9% A*–B
GCSE results (2025): 96.6% 9–7
Fees (2025–2026): £7,145 per term
2. King Edward's School, Birmingham
(c) facebook.com
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.
Students in the sixth form take the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. King Edward’s School also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, drama, and various clubs and societies.
Key information for King Edward's School
National rank (independent schools): 41
ISI rating: excellent
IB results (2025): 38.2 average diploma points
GCSE results (2025): 83.8% 9–7
Fees (2025–2026): £7,330 per term
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 education, encouraging curiosity and independent thinking.
Key information for King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls
National rank (state schools): 17
Ofsted rating: outstanding
A level results (2025): 86.8% A*–B
GCSE results (2025): 84.7% 9–7
11 plus exam type: West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test
4. King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys
(c) crowdfunder.co.uk
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys is a top grammar school for boys 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 encourages critical thinking, creativity, and a love of learning.
Key information for King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys
National rank (state schools): 40
Ofsted rating: outstanding
A level results (2025): 84.5% A*–B
GCSE results (2025): 70.6% 9–7
11 plus exam type: West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test
5. 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.
Key information for Bishop Vesey's Grammar School
National rank (state schools): 41
Ofsted rating: outstanding
A level results (2025): 80.6% A*–B
GCSE results (2025): 77.5% 9–7
11 plus exam type: West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test
6. Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls
(c) facebook.com
Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls is a girls' grammar school just north of Birmingham city centre. It prides itself on a happy and purposeful environment and prioritises the importance of a growth mindset.
Key information for Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls
National rank (state schools): 49
Ofsted rating: good
A level results (2025): 76.5% A*–B
GCSE results (2025): 82.8% 9–7
11 plus exam type: West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test
7. King Edward VI Five Ways School
(c) birminghamweare.com
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.
Key information for King Edward VI Five Ways School
National rank (state schools): 54
Ofsted rating: good
A level results (2025): 80% A*–B
GCSE results (2025): 74% 9–7
11 plus exam type: West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test
8. Edgbaston High School for Girls
(c) find-an-architect.architecture.com
Edgbaston High School for Girls is an independent day school for girls aged 2–18 with 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.
Key information for Edgbaston High School for Girls
National rank (independent schools): 179
ISI rating: excellent
A level results (2025): 75.5% A*–B
GCSE results (2025): 63.4% 9–7
Fees (2025–2026): £6,696–£6,804 per term
9. King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls
© kingedwardvi.bham.sch.uk
King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls is a girls' grammar school founded in 1883. The school is proud of its tradition and forward-thinking. It aims to prepare students to meet the challenges of a fast-paced and ever-changing world.
Key information for King Edward VI Handsworth School for Girls
National rank (state schools): 93
Ofsted rating: outstanding
A level results (2025): 72.7% A*–B
GCSE results (2025): 65.9% 9–7
11 plus exam type: West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test
10. King Edward VI Aston School
(c) commons.wikimedia.org
King Edward VI Aston School is a boys’ grammar school in Birmingham for pupils aged 11–18. The school is known for strong academic results, a supportive house system and a busy co-curricular life, with plenty of options in music, sport and clubs. Students learn in a warm, focused community where ambition and personal growth are encouraged.
Key information for King Edward VI Aston School
National rank (state schools): 169
Ofsted rating: outstanding
A level results (2025): 64% A*–B
GCSE results (2025): 58.9% 9–7
11 plus exam type: West Midlands Grammar Schools Entrance Test
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