King Edward VI Handsworth School
125%
Capacity
1,324
Pupils
5.6x
Demand
About King Edward VI Handsworth School
King Edward VI Handsworth School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Birmingham community, welcoming girls from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,324 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (125% of 1,060 places).
Ofsted has rated King Edward VI Handsworth School "Good", the school is led by headteacher David Goodwin, it falls under Birmingham local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.80 is well above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is strong at 77.3. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of B. Additionally, placing it in the top 10% nationally. Additionally, ranked 191st out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 9th out of 83 in Birmingham.
King Edward VI Handsworth School is a popular choice with families — it received 1,069 applications for 192 places, making it 5.6x oversubscribed. Of these, 163 were first-preference applications.
King Edward VI Handsworth School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 86% recommending the school (125 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at King Edward VI Handsworth School include Science Labs, Sports Hall, Tennis Courts, Theatre, Playing Fields, Gymnasium, Swimming Pool, Sixth Form Centre, Art Studios.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Hockey, Rugby, Dance, Basketball and 5 more, as well as clubs including Coding, Book Club, Model UN, Film Club and 7 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 24.4%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Birmingham, King Edward VI Handsworth School is one of the options available in the West Midlands region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 18 years |
| Gender | Girls |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Rose Hill Road, Birmingham, Birmingham, B21 9AR |
| Headteacher | David Goodwin |
| Local Authority | Birmingham |
| Number of Pupils | 1,324 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 24.4% |
| School Capacity | 1,324 / 1,060 (125% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
17 Dec 2024Quality of Education
Good
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 28 Jan 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.80)
191st of 3,141
Nationally
15th of 371
In West Midlands
9th of 83
In Birmingham
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly more progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
43.5
'22/23
39.1
'23/24
39.9
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
125 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
20Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed192
1,069
Extremely High Demand
Very competitive - significantly more applications than places
163 families put this school as their 1st choice (15% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About King Edward VI Handsworth School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Rose Hill Road, Birmingham
Birmingham, B21 9AR
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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