King Edward's School
KESPart of King Edward VI Foundation
Updated July 2026
IB Diploma
King Edward’s School, Birmingham, is a leading independent school for boys with a nearly 500-year history, renowned for its academic excellence and holistic development. It combines a traditional, high-achieving environment with a spirit of adventure and a commitment to accessibility.
Curriculum
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school is committed to a distinctive and holistic approach to academic, co-curricular, and pastoral life, underpinned by an enduring commitment to accessibility and diversity. It aims to inspire boldness in the pursuit of discovery and foster a culture of intellectual curiosity. The school emphasizes building a strong sense of belonging and community among its pupils.
Programmes
The school offers a rigorous academic curriculum, including GCSEs and a Sixth Form programme that features both A Levels and the International Baccalaureate (IB). Departments cover a wide range of subjects, including Art, Biology, Chemistry, Classics, Computer Science, Design and Technology, Drama, Economics and Business Management, English, Environmental Systems and Societies, Geography, History, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Music, PE, Physics, Psychology, and Philosophy/Religious Studies. The Sixth Form curriculum includes the IB Core and Learner Profile, alongside specialized A Level pathways.
Outcomes
The school is recognized as an academic powerhouse and has been named The Sunday Times West Midland Independent School of the Decade. It has been shortlisted for Independent Boys' School of the Year and is frequently featured in leading school guides. Pupils benefit from a curriculum that prepares them for university destinations, with a strong emphasis on intellectual curiosity and aspiration.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It maintains high standards for health, safety, and wellbeing, as evidenced by a 98.44% EdSafe audit score. Pastoral support is a core component of the school's holistic approach to student life.
Frequently asked questions(6)
- What curriculum does King Edward's School offer?
- King Edward's School offers IB Diploma.
- How much is tuition at King Edward's School?
- Annual tuition at King Edward's School is £23.1K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- Is King Edward's School a day or boarding school?
- King Edward's School is a day school.
- What accreditations does King Edward's School hold?
- King Edward's School holds accreditations including IB.
- Is King Edward's School co-educational?
- King Edward's School is a boys school.
- Where is King Edward's School located?
- King Edward's School is an international school in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026/27| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Year 7 | 11–12 | £23.1K |
| Year 8 | 12–13 | £23.1K |
| Year 9 | 13–14 | £23.1K |
| Year 10 | 14–15 | £23.1K |
| Year 11 | 15–16 | £23.1K |
| Sixth Form | 16–18 | £23.1K |
Other fees(5)
| Registration fee· Standard registration fee (£50 excluding VAT). Waived with proof of Universal Credit, Income Support, or Job Seeker's Allowance. | £60 |
|---|---|
| Registration fee· Registration fee for other entry points (£150 excluding VAT). | £180 |
| Deposit· Payable on acceptance of a fee-paying place and refunded when a pupil leaves the school, less any unpaid fees and charges. | £400 |
| Mealsday· Lunch cost per day, payable termly. Required for Year 7, optional for Years 8-11. | £4.8 |
| Insurance· Personal accident insurance is included within the school fees. | £0 |
Discounts
- Sibling discount: 25%
Admissions
The school offers an exceptional education to the cleverest boys from the region. Prospective families can register for Open Days, and the school provides information on entrance exams, assisted places, and scholarships. A non-refundable registration fee is required for applicants, and a deposit is payable upon acceptance of a fee-paying place.
Calendar
The academic year is divided into Autumn, Spring, and Summer terms, with specific dates for staff INSET days, pupil return dates, and half-term breaks. The school provides a detailed calendar covering multiple years, including specific closing times for terms and half-terms. Sport fixtures and other school events are managed through dedicated calendars.
Facilities
About the campus
Situated on a 50-acre site in Birmingham, the school features original 1930s buildings alongside modern developments like the £11m Sir Paul and Lady Ruddock Performing Arts Centre and the Andrew Brode Wing. Sports facilities include multiple rugby and cricket pitches, astro hockey pitches, tennis courts, an athletics track, a rifle range, and the Andrew Brode Sports Centre, which houses a sports hall, fitness room, and a 25-metre indoor swimming pool. The campus also includes a library, laboratories, a dining hall, and a historic Memorial Chapel.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a wide range of co-curricular activities, including drama, music, and various clubs and societies. It features a Combined Cadet Force (Army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force) and a structured leadership programme that progresses from Year 10 through the Sixth Form. The school is highly regarded for its sports programme, which includes rugby, cricket, hockey, tennis, athletics, and swimming, and it has been ranked among the top schools for sport in England.
- Mrs Kirsty von MalaiséChief Master & Principal, KES & KEHS
Mrs von Malaisé has been Chief Master & Principal of King Edward’s School and King Edward VI High School for Girls since September 2024. She was previously Principal at KEHS, Deputy Head at Putney High School, and Headmistress of Norwich High School. She is a Cambridge graduate and a former BBC Young Musician of the Year prizewinner.
- Mr Edward SwanwickSecond Master, KES
Ed Swanwick is an experienced educator with a background in UK, Australian, and international schools. He holds degrees from the University of Queensland and a master’s from the University of Cambridge. He has held senior positions including Assistant Head at Abingdon School, Deputy Head (Pastoral) at Clifton College, and Vice Principal at Westbourne International.
- Dr Daniel KennedySenior Deputy Head (Pastoral), KES
Dr Kennedy holds a joint honours degree in English and Philosophy and a PGCE from the University of Warwick. He has served in various roles including Teacher of English, Senior Head of House, and Head of English across maintained and independent sectors. He is currently the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at King Edward’s School.
- Mr Thomas CharlettDeputy Head (Academic), KES
Mr Charlett recently joined KES as Deputy Head (Academic). He holds a joint honours degree in Philosophy and Economics, a PGCE, and a master’s degree in Senior Leadership in Education. He has over twenty years of experience teaching Religious Studies and has served as a senior leader across three schools, including roles as Head of Sixth Form and Pastoral Deputy Head.
- Mr Matthew BartlettDeputy Head (Co-curricular), KES
Mr Bartlett is the Deputy Head (Co-curricular) at King Edward’s School. He previously served as the school's Director of Drama, where he oversaw a significant increase in student participation in GCSE and IB exams. Before joining KES, he taught English at Queen Mary’s Grammar School and Whitgift School.
- Mr Martin LeaDirector of Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, KES & KEHS
Mr Lea is the Director of KE Independent Schools Curriculum, Teaching and Learning, covering both KES and KEHS. He began his career at King Edward VI Five Ways and previously served as Assistant Headteacher at Bishop Vesey’s Grammar School before joining KEHS in 2015 as Vice Principal (Academic).
- Ms Kate WrightAssistant Head (Inclusion) KES & KEHS
Ms Wright is the Assistant Head (Inclusion) across both King Edward’s School and King Edward VI High School for Girls. She is a qualified SENDCo who graduated from the University of Birmingham and completed her PGCE at Jesus College, Oxford.