Inner-City Birmingham Grammar School Earns Acclaim from Prestigious Good School Guide
King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys, located in Grove Lane, Birmingham, has been lauded by the esteemed Good School Guide as a "high-achieving, nurturing grammar with a strong community feel." This independent publication, founded nearly four decades ago by two working mothers to provide unbiased insights into UK schools, highlighted the school's exceptional standards during a recent inspection.
Curriculum and Academic Achievements
Inspectors were particularly impressed by the school's innovative curriculum, which consistently introduces high-level learning across all subjects. Notable features include a home-grown mathematics curriculum that brings A-level content to students in Years 7, 8, and 9, a 'skills for writing' course developed by the University of Exeter integrated into English lessons, and standout computing and cybersecurity education. This tailored approach has yielded outstanding results, with 65% of GCSE grades in the 7-9 range in 2025 and 93% of pupils achieving grade 5 or above in English and Maths—double the national average of 46%. A-Level results were also praised, especially in mathematics, described as "off the scale."
Student Engagement and Extracurricular Activities
The report described Handsworth students as "scholarly to the core," with an ethnically diverse student body "unified by really valuing education." Inspectors noted that students were "hungry to learn," often undertaking extra work that teachers readily mark. Beyond academics, the school offers over 30 extracurricular clubs, including debating, films, chess, computing, and physics, with sixth formers even establishing a 'med-soc' for aspiring doctors. Enrichment opportunities for older students include guest lectures, community service, mental health ambassador roles, and support from an in-house careers team.
Pastoral Care and Community Support
Handsworth Grammar was highlighted for its robust pastoral system, with a SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) team praised by parents as "efficient, communicative, supportive, and flexible." Led by experienced staff, the school provides a "safe space" and "positive ethos" for students with autism, ADHD, mental health issues, and physical impairments. The form tutor system fosters strong rapport, with students describing tutors as their "most trusted adult" and parents noting easy accessibility.
School Trips and Facilities
Inspectors also commended the school's diverse trips, such as visits to Dubai, Texas, North Yorkshire, Paris, Rome, Switzerland, and the Italian Alps, which expand pupils' cultural capital. Arts and sports provisions were praised, with students eager to showcase facilities, and a system of teaching boys in form groups for the first two years helps build secure friendships.
Headteacher's Response
Headteacher Tim Johnson expressed satisfaction with the review, stating, "We enjoyed showing the inspectors round and sharing what makes Handsworth stand out, from our facilities and curriculum to our values of community, aspiration, respect, endeavour, and service. The review captured that Handsworth is a happy school where students are confident and enthusiastic about learning, thanks to our dedicated staff."
