Founded in 1999 from the merger of two distinguished Birmingham institutions, St George's School Edgbaston occupies six acres of landscaped grounds near the city centre, within one mile of St George's Church. The school traces educational lineage to 1886, when Edgbaston Church of England College for Girls first opened its doors. Today, it operates as Birmingham's first independent school to offer complete provision from nursery through to sixth form for children aged two to nineteen.
The school's Christian ethos welcomes families of all faiths and none, reflecting Birmingham's cultural diversity. With approximately 380 pupils across its three phases, Pre-Prep, Prep, and Senior School, St George's prioritises personalised education. Small class sizes and bespoke timetables (available to those who need additional support) distinguish this school from larger competitors. The most recent ISI inspection confirmed students make excellent progress, with teaching enabling strong outcomes across all year groups and abilities.
A-level results place the school in the national typical performance band (top 25% of schools in England). The sixth form, though smaller, attracts students seeking a smaller-scale alternative to larger sixth form colleges. In 2024, 73% of St George's School Edgbaston's sixth form leavers went on to university. Those considering St George's should budget for day fees of £4,230 per term from April 2026 for Years 7-11, with sixth form at £2,100 per term. Sibling discounts of 10% apply when multiple children attend simultaneously.
Step into St George's and you immediately sense scale. With just 380 pupils across all phases, staff genuinely know every child. Classrooms move at a measured pace; there is no rushing between lessons or assembly-line processing. The school's Georgian buildings house the upper school, while modern extensions provide specialist facilities. Extensive grounds offer breathing room unusual for urban Birmingham schools.
The atmosphere balances formality with approachability. Pupils wear uniform, pastoral routines are structured, and there is clear expectation around behaviour and respect. Simultaneously, staff describe the school as "a very caring school where all children are known individually." Teachers spend time understanding each pupil's learning style and adapting instruction accordingly. For families coming from larger state schools, this transition to personalised attention marks a fundamental shift.
Mr Luke Nicholls took over as Head Master in March 2025, succeeding Mr Gary Neal. Nicholls brings fresh energy to the role while inheriting a school with established systems. The previous leadership team, including Deputy Principal Mrs Jenny Shaw and Head of Junior School Mrs Joanne Sadiq, provides continuity. Sir Robert Dowling chairs the Board of Trustees and brings three decades of education governance experience, including founding Selly Oak Special School.
The Christian foundation is genuine but non-exclusive. Daily practice includes prayer and reflection, and the school calendar marks Christian festivals prominently. Yet the prospectus explicitly states that the school "welcomes children from all faiths and none" and believes the school community's multicultural diversity shapes how Christian values are applied. This positioning appeals to families seeking character education rooted in values without expectation of denominational allegiance.
The school's GCSE results sit below England average. Across recent years, approximately 31% of pupils achieved grades A*-A at GCSE (equivalent to grades 9-8), compared to the England average of 54%. This places the school in the lower quartile, ranking 3,328th out of 4,593 schools in England (FindMySchool ranking).
The Attainment 8 score of 41.9 reflects this positioning. For context, the England average is approximately 46. These figures matter for families considering St George's. The school is not selective at GCSE entry, accepting pupils across the ability range. Results reflect the actual intake rather than filtering for high achievers. The school website states that St George's "caters for a range of interests and abilities, ensuring success at all levels."
It is important to note that independent schools may present qualifications differently. Some students take IGCSEs or alternative qualifications not captured in standard performance measures. GCSE data for independent schools can sometimes be misleading because independent schools may offer qualifications alongside or instead of GCSE. Parents seeking detailed breakdowns should contact the school directly to understand which qualifications are offered in specific subjects.
Sixth form results are considerably stronger than GCSE figures. Approximately 61% of A-level grades achieved A*-B, well above the England average of 47%. With a small cohort (typically 30 pupils), sixth form results carry more significance and suggest the school's approach suits post-16 learners better. The school ranks 695th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the national typical performance band, in line with the middle 25-60% of schools.
This disparity between GCSE and A-level performance deserves explanation. The sixth form is non-selective; students progress from Year 11 if they meet minimum grade requirements (Grade 5 in GCSE subjects they wish to study at A-level; Grade 7 in Mathematics for maths-based subjects). Not all Year 11 pupils enter sixth form; some progress to sixth form colleges or leave education. Those remaining tend to be motivated, and sixth form results reflect stronger student engagement at post-16 level.
The school offers 20+ A-level subjects including academic disciplines such as Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, English Literature, History, Geography, and languages alongside subjects such as Art, Music, and Design Technology. Sixth formers study a balance of facilitating subjects (those preferred by Russell Group universities) and subjects of genuine interest, supported by small groups and individual teacher attention.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
61.02%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
Teaching is described in the most recent ISI findings as enabling excellent pupil progress across all year groups and abilities. The school prioritises depth over breadth, recognising that with small classes, individualised explanation and challenge become possible.
Staff expertise extends beyond traditional subject knowledge. The school explicitly mentions lead roles including Head of Science, Lead Teachers for Teaching Quality and Standards, and specialist intervention teachers. The curriculum is enriched throughout with weekly enrichment lessons allowing pupils to explore diverse activities promoting personal development. These sessions are timetabled formally, not add-ons, signalling their importance.
Small class sizes are fundamental to the school's approach. Classes are "large enough to encourage discussions and a lively atmosphere, but small enough to ensure every child is noticed and listened to." Academic progress is tracked rigorously with regular reviews ensuring pupils achieve their potential. The school's ability to offer flexible timetables (within reasonable limits) allows tailoring for pupils with specific needs or requirements, whether gifted children needing acceleration or those requiring additional consolidation.
The PSHE curriculum is explicitly tailored to each year group, with pastoral teams integral to delivery. The school believes that positive mental health and wellbeing promotes the best learning. This philosophy translates to curriculum time dedicated to character, resilience, and life skills alongside traditional academic content.
In 2024, 73% of sixth form leavers progressed to university, with the remainder entering further education, apprenticeships, or employment. Given the sixth form cohort is approximately 30 students, this typically represents around 22 students entering higher education annually. The school website does not publish detailed university destination data publicly, though academic strength at A-level suggests placements at established universities.
Beyond raw numbers, the school's educational approach appears well-calibrated for university transition. The emphasis on independent study, analytical writing, and deep subject knowledge aligns with university expectations. Students who thrive at St George's tend to be those comfortable with independent learning and genuine intellectual curiosity rather than those seeking structure throughout.
The school provides transition support to sixth form within school. Students meeting sixth form entry requirements (Grade 5 at GCSE in intended A-level subjects, Grade 7 in Mathematics for maths-dependent subjects) are admitted to the sixth form. The head of sixth form explicitly manages progression conversations, ensuring students and families understand entry standards and plan accordingly.
For pupils not progressing to St George's sixth form, alternative pathways include local sixth form colleges in Birmingham such as Matthew Boulton College and King Edward VI College, or other independent schools with sixth form provision. The school provides guidance without presuming all pupils will stay on-site.
Extra-curricular life represents a significant dimension of the St George's experience, though the school's modest size means provision differs from larger independent schools.
The school has a chapel, and music clearly plays a central role. The curriculum includes dedicated music provision, with opportunities for individual instrumental tuition charged separately. The school supports exam preparation across Grade 1-8 in instruments, with music scholarship opportunities available at entry points. Specialist music teachers deliver curriculum lessons and private tuition through the school.
Drama operates across the school, with productions featured in the school calendar. Full-scale theatre productions involve both prep and senior school pupils. School prospectuses reference drama as a significant enrichment opportunity, though specific named productions and capacity details require direct enquiry with the drama department.
Sport is compulsory throughout the school, with pupils expected to represent teams or participate in structured physical activity. The school offers football, netball, rugby, cricket, tennis, and other traditional sports. Regular fixtures and inter-house competitions feature in the school calendar. Sports scholarships and bursaries are available for talented athletes, suggesting the school values athletic excellence as part of its identity.
The extensive grounds support outdoor sports, and the school mentions facilities for games, though specific facility names and capacities are not detailed in publicly available materials. Families interested in particular sports should request detailed sports provision information during the admissions process.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme is actively supported, with pupils able to achieve Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. Combined Cadet Force (CCF) operates for interested pupils, offering military-style training and discipline. Both programmes align with the school's stated focus on character development, resilience, and leadership. These programmes appeal particularly to families valuing structured extracurricular provision beyond purely academic enrichment.
The school's weekly enrichment curriculum allows pupils to explore subjects and activities beyond traditional subjects. Specific clubs are not extensively detailed in public materials, but the school references "enriched curriculum and wide range of extracurricular activities." Families should ask during admissions visits about specific clubs currently running, as offerings vary by year and popularity.
The school advertises support for pupils with dyslexia and other specific learning differences. A specialist SpLD (Specific Learning Difficulties) teacher provides individual sessions charged separately. The school also offers Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) support and Social Use of Language Programme (SULP) for pupils requiring communication support. These specialist provisions differentiate St George's from schools offering purely mainstream provision.
All fees exclude VAT and are payable on or before the first day of term. The school states that fee increases in recent years have been kept below the England average for independent schools.
Lunches are charged separately at £279 per term (mandatory for pupils Pre-School to Year 11). Individual musical instrument tuition, expeditions, trips, some extra-curricular activities, and additional books/stationery incur separate charges. Specialist support, including SALT (£74 per session) and dyslexia support (£40 per session), are charged outside core fees. This creates a variable total cost depending on a child's needs and interests.
The school awards academic and music scholarships for gifted children entering the senior school. Scholarship values are not published online; families should contact admissions for specifics. Scholarships typically provide partial fee remission rather than full bursaries.
The school operates a means-tested bursary programme for families demonstrating financial need. Bursary details are available on request from the admissions office. Applications require detailed financial information and are assessed confidentially. Bursary holders receive varying levels of support based on family circumstances.
A 10% remission applies for second and subsequent children attending simultaneously. This discount does not apply to families already in receipt of bursary support or other fee remittance.
Monthly payment plans are available through School Fee Plan (SFP), allowing families to spread fees across the year rather than paying termly upfront.
Fees data coming soon.
Entry points exist at Pre-Prep (age 3), Year 7 (age 11), Year 9 (age 13), and Year 12 sixth form (age 16). The school's admissions policy is selective, meaning places are not automatic.
The admissions process involves an enquiry form, followed by a £180 non-refundable registration fee. Once the school confirms space in the desired year group, families complete the formal application, including a deposit of £250 (held against final fees). Assessment methods vary by age group but typically include English and Mathematics evaluation at secondary level, plus interviews assessing aptitude and potential in key subjects.
Private tours are available during the school day, allowing families to observe teaching in action and meet staff. These visits are crucial for assessing whether the school's smaller scale and personalised approach genuinely fit your child's learning style. The school website advises contacting admissions early, as places can fill quickly once offered to successful candidates.
Minimum requirements for sixth form entry are Grade 5 at GCSE in intended A-level subjects, with Grade 7 required for Mathematics when studying maths-dependent subjects (Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics). The school does not automatically admit all Year 11 pupils to sixth form; progression depends on academic performance and space.
Lunch is compulsory for pupils Pre-School to Year 11 (£279 per term) unless parents provide packed lunch by prior agreement (typically for medical reasons only). Sixth form students may opt out.
The school is accessible by car and public transport (one mile from Birmingham centre, near St George's Church). Specific bus routes and parking details should be checked directly with the school.
The school emphasises emotional and mental health support alongside academic progress. A trained counsellor visits weekly for pupils needing additional emotional support. Pastoral staff monitor wellbeing closely, and the school's rights respecting ethos (the school holds Rights Respecting School status) ensures pupils have voice in decisions affecting them.
Form tutors and house systems provide vertical pastoral structures, with older pupils supporting younger ones. The school recognises that caring communities require time and attention; staff ratios and structures reflect this commitment.
Behaviour expectations are clear, and the school operates with definite discipline policies. The school notes that respect, kindness, and courtesy are actively promoted and that bullying is managed with effective preventative strategies. For families seeking a structured pastoral environment with clear expectations, this appeals; for those preferring more permissive cultures, it may feel formal.
Modest GCSE results: The school ranks significantly below England average for GCSE outcomes. Families prioritising consistent high achievement in national exams should examine detailed subject results before enrolling. The school is not selective at GCSE entry, accepting wide ability ranges; results reflect this democratic intake policy. However, some families may find the overall profile uncomfortable.
A-level uplift over GCSE: The dramatic improvement in A-level results (61% A*-B versus 31% A*-A at GCSE) suggests the school's personalised approach suits some pupils significantly better at post-16. This pattern implies the school may be better suited to families planning sixth form entry with motivation to access sixth form specifically, rather than those seeking consistent excellence throughout secondary.
Size and intensity: With just 380 pupils across all phases, the school is intimate. Staff know families well, expectations are explicit, and nowhere to hide academically or behaviourally. For some pupils, this closeness is nurturing; for others accustomed to anonymity in larger settings, it can feel intense. Boarding is not available, so the school remains day-only.
Financial commitment: Day fees of £12,690 annually (Years 7-11) place the school in the mid-range of Birmingham independent schools. When adding lunches, trips, music lessons, and specialist support, true costs can exceed published figures by 20-30%. Bursaries are available, but families should verify their eligibility and realistic support levels before committing.
Independent school exam policies: As noted earlier, independent schools may offer IGCSEs or alternative qualifications. Ensure you understand what specific qualifications are examined in subjects of interest before assuming conventional GCSEs are taken.
St George's offers a distinctive alternative within Birmingham's education landscape. Founded as a merger creating unity from two historic institutions, the school now operates at intimate scale with genuine personalised provision. This works brilliantly for pupils valuing individual attention, small class sizes, and character-based education within a Christian-rooted community that welcomes cultural diversity.
The marked improvement in A-level results suggests the school's approach activates fully at post-16, making it particularly suitable for families planning sixth form entry. GCSE results require honest assessment; families seeking consistent high-achievement indicators across all key stages should examine other options. For those prioritising pastoral care, individual attention, and educational philosophy over raw examination dominance, St George's merits serious consideration.
Best suited to families within commutable distance of Birmingham's Edgbaston area who value personalised education, small communities, and character development. The school suits pupils who genuinely engage with learning when given individual attention, teachers who know them well, and curricula tailored to their pace and interests.
St George's is a sound independent school with particular strengths in sixth form education and pastoral care. The ISI inspection confirmed excellent progress across year groups and affirmed effective teaching. However, GCSE results sit below England average (31% grades 9-8 compared to England average of 54%), placing the school in the lower quartile. This reflects the school's non-selective GCSE intake rather than teaching weakness. Where the school excels is in sixth form (61% A*-B at A-level), personalised education in small classes, and a caring community atmosphere. Families should evaluate whether the school's profile aligns with their educational priorities.
From April 2026, fees range from £2,630 per term in Reception to £4,230 per term for Years 7-11 (equivalent to approximately £7,890-£12,690 annually). Sixth form fees are £2,100 per term (£6,300 annually). Lunches are charged separately at £279 per term for pupils in Pre-School through Year 11. Individual music tuition, trips, expeditions, and specialist support incur additional charges. Sibling discounts of 10% apply when two or more children attend simultaneously. Bursaries and scholarships are available; contact admissions for information about financial support.
The school is selective but not highly academic in filtering. Admissions involve assessment of English and Mathematics ability plus interviews. The school accepts pupils across the ability range, suggesting competitive entry is less intense than at academic selective schools but more rigorous than fully open-entry schools. Families should arrange a private tour to assess whether the school's teaching approach and community feel genuinely suit their child, as cultural fit matters as much as academic filtering.
St George's is rooted in Christian values and includes daily prayer, reflection, and celebration of Christian festivals in the school calendar. However, the school explicitly welcomes children from all faiths and none, recognising that the school community's multicultural diversity shapes how Christian values are expressed. The school is not a church primary or secondary feeder; families of no religious faith attend St George's and find the approach acceptable. The ethos is values-based rather than denominationally restrictive.
No. St George's is a day school only. The school operates wraparound care (3.30-4.30pm) for younger pupils in the Prep school but offers no overnight boarding provision. All pupils return home at the end of each day.
The school offers 20+ A-level subjects including facilitating subjects valued by Russell Group universities (Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English Literature, History, Geography, and languages) alongside Art, Music, Design Technology, and other specialisms. Sixth form entry requires Grade 5 at GCSE in intended subjects, with Grade 7 in Mathematics for maths-dependent subjects. Contact the sixth form admissions team for the complete current curriculum offer.
The school offers specialist support for dyslexia (£40 per session from SpLD teachers), Speech and Language Therapy (£74 per session), and the Social Use of Language Programme (£150 per term). A trained counsellor visits weekly for emotional support. The school's small size allows individualised attention for pupils with identified learning needs. However, families requiring intensive specialist provision may find larger SEN-focused schools more appropriate. Contact admissions to discuss specific needs and whether the school can meet them.
Get in touch with the school directly
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