KEHS (Girls) Review 2026: elite independent schooling in Edgbaston

When Edith Creak became head in 1883 — among the first women to hold a university degree — she is credited with bringing a pioneering spirit that influenced the school from the start. Today, as KEHS approaches its 150th anniversary, that same ambition defines everything here. Ranked in the elite tier in England for both GCSE and A-level results (FindMySchool data), with 5 students securing Oxbridge places in 2024, this is a school where academic excellence is woven into the fabric of daily life. Located on a magnificent 50-acre campus in Edgbaston, KEHS shares facilities with King Edward's School for boys, creating a unique environment where over 650 girls, aged 11 to 18, pursue learning with genuine intellectual curiosity. The school has been named West Midlands Independent Secondary School of the Year for Academic Excellence for five consecutive years and the UK's best value independent school by The Telegraph. Independent, selective, and unapologetically ambitious, KEHS combines stellar academic outcomes with an extraordinary range of over 70 clubs and activities, making it one of Birmingham's most sought-after schools.

The campus itself speaks to the school's values. Red-brick Georgian buildings sit alongside modern facilities, including the Ruddock Performing Arts Centre, completed in 2012 and shared with King Edward's School, which features multiple drama studios and a tiered seated hall for orchestral performances. Set in Edgbaston, Birmingham, the school is described as having a clear identity shaped by its surroundings and community. Girls move between lessons with focus and energy. Conversations in the library and corridors reflect the school's commitment to intellectual engagement. The atmosphere is simultaneously rigorous and supportive, ambitious without being anxious.

Mrs Kirsty von Malaisé became Principal in 2020 and, since September 2024, has taken on the joint role of Chief Master and Principal of both KEHS and King Edward's School, a significant recognition of her leadership. She describes the school as "approaching its 150th year, continuing to provide outstanding and scholarly education to the brightest girls, irrespective of their social or economic background." The pastoral care structure is notably strong. The House system creates smaller communities within the larger school, with anti-bullying ambassadors and form prefects embedded in pastoral networks. First-year students participate in a residential week at Condover Hall, establishing friendships and confidence from the outset.

The October 2023 ISI inspection noted that pupils are "enthusiastic learners who take pride in their work and are keen to do well" and described them as "extremely proud of their school." The inspection identified the school's extra-curricular provision as a significant strength, a rare designation that reflects the depth and quality of activities on offer. The sense of belonging here is tangible; girls speak about the warmth of relationships between staff and students, and the genuine care embedded in the school's pastoral model.

GCSE Results

The 2024 GCSE cohort delivered exceptional results, placing KEHS in the elite tier in England. 95% of grades were 9-7 (A*/A), with 84% achieving grades 9-8. This performance ranks the school 12th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), and 1st locally among Birmingham schools. The school's commitment to breadth is evident: students study separate sciences, and the curriculum includes options in classical languages (Latin and Ancient Greek), philosophy, and additional languages including Mandarin and German.

The Attainment 8 score and Progress 8 metrics place the school well above national averages, indicating that pupils not only achieve high grades but make exceptional progress from their starting points.

A-Level Results

A-level performance matches GCSE excellence. In 2024, 95% of entries achieved A*-B grades, with 42% at A* and 38% at A grades. The school ranks 24th in England for A-level results (FindMySchool ranking), placing it firmly in the elite tier. Across the 30+ subjects on offer, students pursue everything from Further Mathematics and Physics to Ancient Greek, History of Art, and Economics, reflecting the breadth and ambition of the sixth form.

University Destinations and Oxbridge

In the 2024 leavers cohort of 93 students, 82% progressed to university, with 5 securing places at Oxford and Cambridge combined. Beyond Oxbridge, the school's leavers access Russell Group universities regularly, with strong representation at universities including Imperial College, Edinburgh, Durham, and Bristol. 10% of leavers enter employment, many in graduate roles, while the remainder pursue further education and apprenticeships.

Teaching at KEHS reflects the school's intellectual values. Staff are subject specialists with deep expertise, and the curriculum is designed to foster independent thinking and genuine scholarship. The ISI inspection highlighted that "school leaders are committed to ensuring that pupils find joy in their learning and that pupils realise their full academic potential."

Classes operate on small class sizes, particularly in the sixth form, enabling the dialogue and challenge that characterises strong independent schools. The teaching approach combines rigorous traditional methods, essays, close reading, mathematical proofs, with creative pedagogical innovation. Academic scholarships and the house system reward intellectual ambition and encourage healthy academic competition. The school's own entrance examinations at 11+ test reading, writing, and mathematical reasoning; teaching builds on these foundations to develop critical thinking and problem-solving across all disciplines.

The library is well-resourced and extensively used. Care is taken to support transition into Year 7, and structured study skills programmes support progression through the school.

The sixth form is a particular strength. Spanning Years 12 and 13, it welcomes around 150 internal progressions plus 50-80 external entrants each year. Entry requires strong GCSE results (typically grade 6 or above in prospective A-level subjects). The Principal offers an interview process that ensures a good fit for the school's academic culture.

Students are encouraged to pursue intellectual passions through the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), where independent research into self-chosen topics sits alongside formal A-level study. The sixth form spaces are dedicated and well-equipped, providing a sixth form identity separate from the main school. A-level results speak to the quality of teaching and student engagement; the average entry across the cohort achieves high grades, and the progression to leading universities is a testament to both academic achievement and the school's support for university applications.

The school's university destinations reflect the calibre of teaching and the high aspirations embedded in school culture. In 2024, 82% of leavers progressed to university. Five students secured Oxbridge places; beyond this, leavers access selective universities including Imperial College, UCL, Edinburgh, Durham, Bristol, and Warwick regularly. Some students pursue apprenticeships and entry-level graduate positions, and a few continue their studies at further education colleges.

The school's careers provision is strong, with the Head of Careers working alongside form tutors to support university choices, applications, and personal statements. Guest speakers from leading universities and professions visit throughout the year. The Old Edwardian network, spanning over 3,400 alumni globally, provides mentorship and guidance for current students.

Co-curricular provision is expansive and is a defining feature of life at KEHS. The school offers over 70 clubs and societies each week, running during lunchtime and after school. This is far more than a checklist of activities; the quality and breadth reflect the school's commitment to the full development of each student.

Music: A Major Pillar

Music thrives at KEHS. The school has two choirs (Chamber Choir for Years 10+, and Lower School Choir for Years 7-9), and a 100-strong Choral Society drawn from pupils and staff of both schools. Instrumental ensembles include a Guitar Ensemble (Grade 2+ standard) and a Recorder Ensemble (no audition required), with chamber music opportunities for students playing multiple instruments. The school holds six lunchtime concerts throughout the year in the concert hall of King Edward's School. In 2018, KEHS student Lauren Zhang won BBC Young Musician, placing the school at the forefront of musical talent in England. The school offers LAMDA Speech and Drama examination preparation and Associated Board music examination coaching at an additional charge. The annual TuneUp Tuesday celebrates the arts and explores career opportunities in creative industries.

Drama and Performing Arts

Drama is embedded in the school culture. The Ruddock Performing Arts Centre provides several purpose-built drama studios and a tiered seated hall for major productions. Lower School Drama Club, Middle School Drama Club, and Senior Dramatic Society provide lunchtime opportunities to develop theatre skills. The annual Dance Production, performed at the Ruddock Centre, is one of the hottest tickets on the KEHS calendar. The school produces a major dramatic production annually, often with collaboration between KES and KEHS, and smaller lunchtime and classroom productions run throughout the year.

Sport: Ranked in the Top 30

Sport is integral to KEHS life. In January 2024, School Sports Magazine ranked KEHS among the top 30 UK schools for sport, a significant accolade reflecting consistent achievement and breadth of provision. The school fields teams across multiple sports: hockey, netball, cricket, tennis, athletics, badminton, basketball, football, gymnastics, swimming, lifesaving, rounders, and fencing. Expert coaches, including several with international experience, run competitive clubs alongside recreational options for all abilities.

The athletics programme is particularly strong, with track and field events coached by a former England Heptathlete. Swimming sessions cater to both competitive swimmers preparing for inter-school galas and novices learning technique. Hockey and netball teams compete at county and regional level. Tennis is offered three times per week. Cricket is played year-round, with an indoor winter league and numerous summer fixtures. The school has been named one of the UK's Top 20 all-girls schools for cricket by The Cricketer magazine, emphasizing particular strength in this discipline.

Clubs and Societies: Breadth and Depth

With over 70 clubs available, students can pursue almost any intellectual or practical interest. The Chess Club welcomes competitive players and novices alike, with a visiting chess coach. Physics Club attracts many STEM-minded students and has entered the UK Young Physicists competition and British Physics Olympiad. Psychology Club explores human behaviour and psychological research across multiple topics including memory, personality, and stress. Philosophy Club tackles conundrums from cannibalism to free will. Current Events Club, hosted by the Principal, engages sixth formers in weekly discussion of topical news and controversial media coverage.

The Debating Club (Junior and Senior) develops public speaking skills through debate on diverse topics, from vegetarianism to artificial life. Model United Nations offers students the chance to act as delegates, attending conferences and developing negotiation skills. Maths Team Challenge provides stimulating problems for students who love puzzles. The History Discussion Group helps sixth formers place modern events in historical context. Quill is the literary society where award-winning writers develop their craft; KEHS has produced the Birmingham Young Poet Laureate in recent years, and the Spoken Word Poetry Club, led by Jasmine Gardosi (a former KEHS student and Birmingham Poet Laureate), continues this tradition. The Reading Group, led by the Head of English and School Librarian, meets bi-monthly to discuss fiction from classics to contemporary novels.

Subject-specific societies include Dental Society, Economics Society (for sixth formers), MedSoc (for those aspiring to medicine), and French, German Film, and German Language Clubs. The Camera Club teaches photography and Photoshop techniques. Ceramics Club offers hand-building techniques and artistic exploration. Art Attack, run by sixth form art students, provides materials and stimulus for lower school artists. The Gardening Club nurtures fruits and vegetables in the polytunnel. Geocaching Club uses GPS technology for 21st-century treasure hunts. Martial Arts Club develops fitness and confidence. Gymnastics Club trains three times weekly, with many competing regionally.

House system involvement through inter-house competitions builds community and leadership. The school's Care. Do. Give. ethos is lived through societies like Sustainability Society (co-ed with KES), Spectrum Society (LGBT+ inclusive), and Afro Caribbean Society, which discusses cultural topics and hosts inspirational speakers.

Tuition fees for 2025-26 are £5,954 per term, or £17,862 per annum, exclusive of VAT. With VAT included, the annual cost is £21,444. This places KEHS in the mid-range of independent schools in England and represents exceptional value for an academically selective day school with this calibre of facilities and teaching.

Fees are inclusive of almost all extras: books, stationery, materials, personal accident insurance, public examination fees (except re-sits), and curriculum-related day trips. Private music lessons and residential trips incur additional charges. School meals are optional from Year 8 onwards (£4.75 per day for those opting in); Year 7 students are required to participate in the lunch system.

A 25% sibling discount applies if three or more children from the same immediate family attend either KEHS or King Edward's School on full fees simultaneously.

The school's Assisted Places scheme, combined with scholarship options, ensures that bright girls from modest backgrounds can access this education. This commitment to meritocratic access regardless of economic background is a defining feature of KEHS's mission.

Entry is by entrance examination and interview. At 11+, girls sit an English paper (testing reading and writing skills) and a Mathematics paper (arithmetic and problem-solving). A headteacher's reference is required. The registration fee is £50 plus VAT (lower if families receive certain state benefits). Academic Scholarships are available for girls achieving highly in the entrance examination (10-50% reduction, no separate scholarship exam required). Music Scholarships are available to girls at Grade 6+ standard. These scholarships are not means-tested and may be combined with Assisted Places.

Assisted Places represent the school's commitment to accessibility. These are means-tested awards based on family income and assets, available to high-performing candidates regardless of ability to pay full fees. Families with gross household income below £20,000 may qualify for a fully funded place, with a sliding scale extending to the income threshold of £72,000. Girls receiving fully funded Assisted Places may also access free school meals, assisted travel costs, and a uniform allowance. However, demand for Assisted Places far exceeds available funding; the school urges interested families to apply, though not all academically strong candidates can be funded.

External entry into Year 12 is common, with 50-80 new sixth form students joining each year. Entry requires strong GCSE grades and an interview, typically held in November. A £400 non-refundable deposit secures a place for full fee-paying families.

The school looks for girls with genuine intellectual curiosity and the resilience to thrive in a selective, academically demanding environment.

Pastoral care is excellent and well-structured. Each girl has a form tutor who monitors her academic progress and wellbeing. The House system creates smaller, purposeful communities within the school, with House staff providing consistent pastoral oversight. Anti-bullying ambassadors and form prefects are trained to support peer relationships and report concerns confidently.

The school's PSHE curriculum covers relationships, personal health, careers exploration, and citizenship. A school counsellor provides additional emotional support for students navigating challenges. The October 2023 ISI inspection noted that wellbeing is promoted "by creating an academic culture of scholarship underpinned by sensitive pastoral care," highlighting the holistic approach to student development.

The residential week for all Year 7 students at Condover Hall builds friendships and confidence early. Students also have opportunities for expeditions (Voyager Year 8, First Challenge Year 9) and outdoor pursuits including cross country, skiing trips, and cycling tours.

School hours run from 8:50am to 3:20pm for main school, with slightly varied timings for sixth form. The school day is organised in periods with lunch breaks and form times interspersed. After-school clubs and societies run until approximately 4:30pm or later depending on the activity.

Public transport is readily accessible via local bus routes and Birmingham's rail network. The school's location in Edgbaston, on a large leafy campus, balances accessibility with a sense of space and calm. Walking routes and cycling are viable for local families; parking on the Edgbaston site is available for staff and, where relevant, for visiting families.

The school is cashless; all catering and other charges are paid via school account systems.

Selective entry is competitive. The entrance examination is rigorous, testing reasoning as well as knowledge. While the school does not formally recommend tutoring, many families do seek preparation, creating a culture of entrance coaching. Families should be realistic about the selectivity; the school is seeking the brightest girls and those demonstrating genuine intellectual curiosity.

Assisted Places are heavily oversubscribed. While the school's commitment to access is genuine, demand far outweighs supply. Even academically excellent candidates may not secure funding. Families relying on an Assisted Place should have alternative plans.

Independent school ethos. KEHS operates on traditions and values specific to the school: a House system, form uniform requirements, entrance by examination, and strong pastoral hierarchies. This works beautifully for girls who embrace the culture, but families seeking a more informal or less structured environment should consider whether this fits their child.

Sixth form diversity. While the sixth form welcomes external entrants, the culture is influenced by the school's selective intake. Girls joining in Year 12 from other schools should expect an academically rigorous, fairly formal environment and may need time to adjust to KEHS's particular rhythms.

It’s widely regarded as a top‑tier Midlands girls’ school and sits among the UK’s strongest independent options. The combination of intellectual ambition, exceptional pastoral care, extraordinary facilities, and over 70 clubs and activities creates an education that is far more than grades on a transcript. This is a school where girls develop confidence, curiosity, and the resilience to pursue their passions. Ranked in the elite tier in England for both GCSE and A-level results, with consistent progression to leading universities, the academic credentials are unquestionable. But what distinguishes KEHS is the culture: the evident joy in learning, the strength of relationships between staff and students, and the expectation that each girl will contribute meaningfully to the school and, ultimately, to society.

Best suited to families seeking a selective, academically rigorous day school with exceptional breadth of opportunity. The school works exceptionally well for girls who thrive with structure, high expectations, and a close sense of community. The main barriers to entry are the selectivity of admission (requiring genuine academic ability) and the cost, though the Assisted Places scheme and scholarships do provide a route for talented girls from less affluent backgrounds. For the right families, KEHS is transformative.