Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. With so many options available, it can feel overwhelming.
Birmingham is home to some of the best secondary schools in the country, offering excellent education and facilities. This guide aims to help you by highlighting the top 10 secondary schools in Birmingham.
We’ll provide you with useful information about each school, making it easier for you to find the perfect fit for your child. Whether you’re looking for strong academic performance, a wide range of extracurricular activities, or a supportive environment, secondary Birmingham’s secondary schools have something for everyone.
How to Select the Best School for Your Child?
Choosing the best secondary school for your child in Birmingham involves considering several factors. First, look at academic performance. Check the school’s exam results and Ofsted ratings. These give you an idea of how well students are doing and the quality of teaching.
Don’t just focus on grades; consider how the school supports all students, including those who might need extra help. Visit the schools if possible. Seeing the environment firsthand can help you decide if it feels right for your child. Talk to teachers and current students to get a sense of the school’s atmosphere.
Next, think about what extracurricular activities are available. The best secondary schools in Birmingham offer a variety of clubs, sports, and arts programs. These activities help develop your child’s interests and skills outside the classroom. Also, consider the school’s facilities, such as libraries, sports halls, and science labs. Finally, consider the location and how easy it is for your child to get to school.
1. King Edward VI High School for Girls
King Edward VI High School for Girls (KEHS) is a leading independent day school for girls aged 11 to 18, located in Edgbaston, Birmingham. The school is renowned for its academic excellence, rich history, and commitment to nurturing the intellectual and personal development of its students.
Prominent Academic Achievements
In 2023, KEHS achieved outstanding academic results:
- GCSEs: 94.9% of entries were graded 7-9.
- A-Levels: 78% of entries were graded A*/A. These impressive results highlight the school’s dedication to academic excellence and its position as one of the best secondary schools in Birmingham, UK.
Facilities
- Modern Science Labs: Equipped for advanced experiments and research.
- Performing Arts Centre: Includes a theatre and music practice rooms.
- Sports Facilities: Indoor sports hall, fitness suite, and outdoor playing fields.
- Library: Extensive collection of books and resources.
- Art Studios: Equipped for various forms of visual arts and design.
- IT Suites: State-of-the-art computer labs for ICT lessons.
Extracurricular Activities
- Duke of Edinburgh’s Award: Offers Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.
- Drama and Theatre: School productions and drama clubs.
- Music: Choirs, orchestras, and individual instrument lessons.
- Sports: Includes archery, athletics, badminton, cheerleading, fencing, football, gymnastics, hockey, netball, swimming, tennis, and more.
- Outdoor Pursuits: Cycling tours, ski trips, and weekly climbing and cross-country clubs.
King Edward VI High School for Girls stands out for its academic achievements, excellent facilities, and diverse extracurricular activities, making it one of the best secondary schools in Birmingham, UK. For more information, visit the King Edward VI High School for Girls website.
2. King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys is a prestigious state-funded grammar school in Birmingham, UK. Established in 1883, the school is known for its high academic standards and a broad range of extracurricular opportunities, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where students are encouraged to achieve their best.
Prominent Academic Achievements
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys consistently achieves outstanding academic results. In 2023, the school reported:
- GCSE: 90% of grades were 7-9, with a significant number achieving top grades.
- A-Level: 78% of grades were A*/A. The school also received an “Outstanding” rating in all categories from Ofsted in its most recent inspection.
Facilities
- Modern Science Labs: Equipped for advanced experiments and research.
- Sports Hall: Facilities for basketball, badminton, and other indoor sports.
- All-Weather Pitch: Currently under construction, for various outdoor sports.
- Library: Extensive collection of books and digital resources.
- Music and Drama Studios: Spaces for music practice, performances, and drama productions.
- Design and Technology Workshops: Equipped for practical and creative projects.
Extracurricular Activities
- Duke of Edinburgh Award: Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels.
- Sports Teams: Rugby, football, hockey, athletics, and more.
- Music and Drama: Choirs, orchestras, drama productions, and music clubs.
- Academic Societies: Rubik’s Cube Club, Medical Society, Engineering Society, Debating Society.
- Trips and Excursions: Annual ski trip, Battlefields trip to France and Belgium, and senior sports tours.
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys is one of the best secondary schools in Birmingham, UK, known for its exceptional academic achievements, excellent facilities, and diverse extracurricular activities. For more information, visit the King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys website.
3. King Edward VI Five Ways School
King Edward VI Five Ways School is a highly regarded co-educational grammar school located in Bartley Green, Birmingham, England. The school, part of the King Edward VI Foundation, is known for its strong academic performance and a rich history of educational excellence dating back to its founding in 1883. It provides a supportive and challenging environment where students can excel both academically and personally.
Prominent Academic Achievements
King Edward VI Five Ways School consistently achieves outstanding academic results. In 2023:
- GCSE: 75% of all grades were 7-9.
- A-Level: 83% of all grades were A*-B, with 45% at A*/A. The school is frequently ranked among the top schools in national performance tables, reflecting its commitment to academic excellence.
Facilities
- Modern Science Labs: Equipped for advanced scientific experiments and research.
- Sports Hall: Facilities for basketball, badminton, and other indoor sports.
- Fitness Suite: Well-equipped gym for physical education.
- Drama and Music Studios: Spaces for performing arts, including theatre productions and music lessons.
- Library: Extensive collection of books and digital resources for research and study.
- All-Weather Sports Pitch: Currently under development for various outdoor sports.
Extracurricular Activities
- Duke of Edinburgh Award: Available at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels.
- Sports Teams: Includes rugby, football, hockey, athletics, and more.
- Performing Arts: Drama productions, music ensembles, and choir.
- Academic Societies: Rubik’s Cube Club, Medical Society, Engineering Society, Debating Society.
- Trips and Excursions: Annual ski trip, Battlefields trip to France and Belgium, senior sports tours.
King Edward VI Five Ways School stands out among secondary schools in Birmingham, England, for its exceptional academic achievements, state-of-the-art facilities, and diverse extracurricular activities. For more information, visit the King Edward VI Five Ways School website.
4. Heartlands Academy
Heartlands Academy is a coeducational secondary school located in Nechells, Birmingham, UK. It is part of the E-ACT network of academies and is recognized for its high academic standards and commitment to student development. Despite being in one of the most deprived wards in the country, the academy excels in providing quality education and support to its students.
Prominent Academic Achievements
Heartlands Academy has achieved exceptional academic results:
Progress 8 Score: 1.46 in 2019, indicating that students achieve on average one and a half grades higher in every qualification compared to similar students nationally.
GCSE Results 2019:
- 84% of students achieved at least a 4+ in English and Mathematics.
- 71% of students achieved a strong pass (9-5) in English and Mathematics.
- 47% of students achieved the equivalent of eight grade 7s or more.
Facilities
- Modern Science Labs: Equipped for a variety of scientific experiments and research.
- Sports Hall: Facilities for basketball, badminton, and other indoor sports.
- Library: A well-stocked resource center for student research and study.
- IT Suites: Equipped with modern computers for ICT lessons and independent study.
- Art Studios: Spaces for visual arts and creative projects.
- Music Rooms: Dedicated areas for music practice and performances.
Extracurricular Activities
- Duke of Edinburgh Award: Encourages personal development through physical activities and community service.
- Sports Teams: Includes football, netball, athletics, and more.
- Performing Arts: Opportunities in drama productions, music ensembles, and choir.
- STEM Clubs: Engages students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics projects.
- Debate and Public Speaking: Develops students’ communication skills through regular debates and competitions.
Heartlands Academy is one of the best secondary schools in Birmingham, UK, noted for its outstanding academic achievements, excellent facilities, and diverse extracurricular activities. For more information, visit the Heartlands Academy website.
5. Swanshurst School
Swanshurst School is a highly successful and oversubscribed community school for girls aged 11 to 19, located in Birmingham, UK. Known for its commitment to excellence, Swanshurst provides a nurturing environment that fosters both academic and personal growth. The school is dedicated to developing students into well-rounded citizens with a thirst for knowledge and a passion for learning.
Prominent Academic Achievements
Swanshurst School has achieved impressive academic results. In 2023, the school reported:
- GCSE: 60% of students achieved grades 5 or above in English and Mathematics.
- A-Level: 27% of grades were A*-A, and 60% were A*-B, exceeding the national average. These results highlight the school’s commitment to academic excellence and its effectiveness in preparing students for further education and careers.
Facilities
- Modern Science Labs: Equipped for a wide range of scientific experiments and practical lessons.
- Sports Hall: Facilities for various indoor sports, including basketball and badminton.
- Performing Arts Spaces: Includes a drama studio and music rooms for practice and performances.
- Library: Comprehensive resource center for student research and study.
- IT Suites: State-of-the-art computer labs for ICT lessons.
- Sixth Form Centre: Dedicated space for older students to study and socialize.
Extracurricular Activities
- Duke of Edinburgh’s Award: Offers Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels to encourage personal development.
- Sports Teams: Includes football, netball, athletics, and more.
- Performing Arts: Drama productions, music ensembles, and dance clubs.
- Academic Societies: Various clubs focusing on different subjects, including STEM and humanities.
- Student Leadership Opportunities: Roles in student council and other leadership programs.
- Community Service: Opportunities for students to engage in local community projects.
Swanshurst School is one of the good secondary schools in Birmingham, known for its strong academic performance, excellent facilities, and diverse extracurricular activities. For more information, visit the Swanshurst School website.
6. King Edward VI Aston School
King Edward VI Aston School is a selective grammar school for boys located in Aston, Birmingham, UK. Part of the prestigious King Edward VI Foundation, the school has been providing high-quality education since 1883. Known for its academic excellence and supportive environment, it aims to develop well-rounded global citizens who embody core values such as diligence, honesty, integrity, and kindness.
Prominent Academic Achievements
King Edward VI Aston School boasts impressive academic achievements. In 2023, the school achieved outstanding GCSE and A-Level results:
- GCSE: 90% of grades were 7-9.
- A-Level: 78% of grades were A*/A. The school has been rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted in all categories, including quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management.
Facilities
- Modern Science Labs: Equipped for advanced scientific experiments.
- Sports Hall: Facilities for various indoor sports, including basketball and badminton.
- All-Weather Pitch: For outdoor sports activities.
- Drama and Music Studios: Spaces for performing arts, including theatre productions and music lessons.
- Library: Comprehensive resource center for research and study.
- IT Suites: State-of-the-art computer labs for ICT lessons.
Extracurricular Activities
- Duke of Edinburgh Award: Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels.
- Sports Teams: Includes rugby, football, hockey, athletics, and more.
- Performing Arts: Drama productions, music ensembles, and choir.
- Academic Societies: Rubik’s Cube Club, Medical Society, Engineering Society, Debating Society.
- Trips and Excursions: Annual ski trip, Battlefields trip to France and Belgium, senior sports tours.
King Edward VI Aston School is a top choice among good secondary schools in Birmingham, UK, known for its exceptional academic achievements, excellent facilities, and diverse extracurricular activities. For more information, visit the King Edward VI Aston School website.
7. Priestley Smith School
Priestley Smith School is a specialist school in Birmingham, UK, dedicated to educating students aged 2 to 19 who have significant visual impairments. The school also supports students with additional needs such as social and emotional challenges, moderate learning difficulties, and medical conditions. Priestley Smith School aims to provide a nurturing and inclusive environment where every student can achieve their full potential.
Prominent Academic Achievements
Priestley Smith School has been rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted in its most recent inspection. The school’s tailored curriculum and specialized support enable students to achieve significant progress.
The school uses a range of assessment tools to monitor student progress and ensure that every student reaches their potential, but specific academic statistics for the latest year were not disclosed in the public domain.
Facilities
- Modern Science Labs: Equipped for a variety of scientific experiments and practical lessons.
- Library: Extensive collection of books, including braille and large print, and digital resources.
- IT Suites: State-of-the-art computer labs with assistive technology for visually impaired students.
- Music Rooms: Dedicated spaces for music practice and performances.
- Art Studios: Equipped for various forms of visual arts and creative projects.
- Specialist Reprographics Department: Produces braille and tactile resources.
- Habilitation Rooms: Spaces for teaching mobility, orientation, and independence skills.
Extracurricular Activities
- Duke of Edinburgh Award: Encourages personal development through physical activities and community service.
- Inclusive Sports Teams: Adapted sports programs for visually impaired students.
- Music and Performing Arts: Opportunities in school choirs, orchestras, and drama productions.
- STEM Clubs: Engages students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics activities and competitions.
- Community Service Programs: Involves students in local community projects and initiatives.
Priestley Smith School is a leading example of good secondary schools in Birmingham, known for its specialized support for visually impaired students, excellent academic achievements, and comprehensive facilities. For more information, visit the Priestley Smith School website.
8. Nishkam High School
Nishkam High School is a faith-based secondary school located in Birmingham, UK. It emphasizes a values-led education rooted in Sikh principles, open to students of all faiths and backgrounds. The school is known for its strong community ethos, academic excellence, and commitment to developing well-rounded individuals.
Prominent Academic Achievements
Nishkam High School has achieved impressive academic results, reflecting its commitment to high standards. In 2022, the school achieved the following:
- GCSE: 87% of students achieved grade 4 or above in English and Maths.
- A-Level: 60% of grades were A*-B, with a high number of students progressing to top universities.
Facilities
- Modern Science Labs: Equipped for advanced scientific experiments and research.
- Sports Hall: Facilities for various indoor sports, including basketball and badminton.
- Music Rooms: Dedicated spaces for music practice and performances.
- Art Studios: Equipped for various forms of visual arts and creative projects.
- Library: A comprehensive resource center for student research and study.
- IT Suites: State-of-the-art computer labs for ICT lessons.
Extracurricular Activities
- Duke of Edinburgh Award: Encourages personal development through physical activities and community service.
- Sports Teams: Includes football, netball, athletics, and more.
- Performing Arts: Drama productions, music ensembles, and dance clubs.
- STEM Clubs: Engages students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics projects.
- Community Service Programs: Involves students in local community projects and initiatives.
Nishkam High School stands out among schools in Birmingham secondary education for its academic achievements, excellent facilities, and diverse extracurricular activities. For more information, visit the Nishkam High School website.
9. St Paul’s School for Girls
St Paul’s School for Girls is an all-girls Catholic secondary school located in Edgbaston, Birmingham. Founded in 1908 by the Sisters of Charity of St Paul the Apostle, the school emphasizes both academic excellence and personal development, fostering a supportive and nurturing environment. The school is known for its strong sense of community, built on faith and tradition, and offers a distinctive educational experience for Catholic girls from Birmingham and surrounding areas.
Prominent Academic Achievements
St Paul’s School for Girls consistently achieves outstanding academic results:
- GCSE Results (2023): 90% of students achieved grades 4 or above in English and Maths.
- A-Level Results (2023): 78% of grades were A*-B, showcasing the school’s commitment to academic excellence. The school has been rated “Outstanding” by Ofsted, reflecting its high standards in teaching, leadership, and student outcomes.
Facilities
- Modern Science Labs: Equipped for a range of scientific experiments and practical lessons.
- Sports Hall: Facilities for various indoor sports, including basketball and badminton.
- Music Rooms: Dedicated spaces for music practice and performances.
- Drama Studio: Space for drama classes and school productions.
- Library: Comprehensive resource center for student research and study.
- IT Suites: State-of-the-art computer labs for ICT lessons.
Extracurricular Activities
- Duke of Edinburgh Award: Encourages personal development through physical activities and community service.
- Sports Teams: Includes football, netball, athletics, and more.
- Performing Arts: Opportunities in drama productions, music ensembles, and dance clubs.
- STEM Clubs: Engages students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics activities and competitions.
- Community Service Programs: Involves students in local community projects and initiatives.
St Paul’s School for Girls stands out among secondary schools in Birmingham for its strong academic performance, excellent facilities, and diverse extracurricular activities. For more information, visit the St Paul’s School for Girls website.
10. King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys
King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys, located in Birmingham, UK, is a prestigious state grammar school with a rich history dating back to 1862. As part of the King Edward VI Foundation, the school offers a stimulating and academically successful environment for boys aged 11 to 18, and for both boys and girls in its sixth form.
The school is known for its high academic standards, strong community values, and emphasis on personal development.
Prominent Academic Achievements
King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys consistently achieves outstanding academic results:
- GCSE Results (2023): 98% of students achieved grades 4 or above in English and Maths, with 80% achieving grades 7-9.
- A-Level Results (2023): 75% of grades were A*-B, showcasing the school’s commitment to academic excellence.
Facilities
- Modern Science Labs: Equipped for a range of scientific experiments and practical lessons.
- Sports Hall: Facilities for various indoor sports, including basketball and badminton.
- All-Weather Sports Pitch: For outdoor sports activities.
- Drama and Music Studios: Spaces for performing arts, including theatre productions and music lessons.
- Library: A comprehensive resource center for research and study.
- IT Suites: State-of-the-art computer labs for ICT lessons.
Extracurricular Activities
- Duke of Edinburgh Award: Offers Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels to encourage personal development.
- Sports Teams: Includes rugby, football, hockey, athletics, and more.
- Performing Arts: Opportunities in drama productions, music ensembles, and choir.
- Academic Societies: Clubs focusing on various subjects, including the Rubik’s Cube Club, Medical Society, and Debating Society.
- Trips and Excursions: Annual ski trip, Battlefields trip to France and Belgium, and senior sports tours.
King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys stands out among the best secondary schools in Birmingham, UK, for its exceptional academic achievements, excellent facilities, and diverse extracurricular activities. For more information, visit the King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School website.
Preparing for Admission to Top Secondary Schools
To gain admission into these top secondary schools in Birmingham, your child needs to excel in the 11+ exam. This exam tests their abilities in English, Maths, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Preparing for the 11+ exam can be challenging, but personalized tutoring can make a significant difference.
Why Choose Find Your Tutor (FYT)?
Find Your Tutor (FYT) offers one-to-one online personalized tutoring tailored to your child’s unique needs. Our experienced tutors provide focused guidance to help your child understand key concepts, develop exam techniques, and build confidence. With FYT, your child can ace the 11+ exam and secure a place at one of Birmingham’s top secondary schools.
Benefits of FYT Tutoring
- Customized Learning Plans: Tailored to address your child’s strengths and weaknesses.
- Experienced Tutors: Experts in 11+ exam preparation.
- Flexible Scheduling: Lessons at times convenient for your family.
- Interactive Lessons: Engaging and motivating for your child.
Give your child the best chance of success by signing up for a free trial lesson with Find Your Tutor. Start their journey towards academic excellence today by visiting Find Your Tutor or sign up for a free trial lesson here.
Conclusion
Choosing the right secondary school is crucial for your child’s future success. The schools highlighted in this article offer excellent academic programs, facilities, and extracurricular activities, making them some of the best secondary schools in Birmingham, UK.
To ensure your child is well-prepared for the 11+ exam and can secure a place in one of these prestigious schools, consider personalized tutoring with Find Your Tutor. For more information about each school, visit their respective websites.
