- Founded by Edward VI in 1552, the all-boys school is twinned — and shares its site — with King Edward VI High School for Girls and some of its clubs, societies and events are combined.
- The school offers “exceptional education to the cleverest boys” from the local area, and says it is “renowned for its distinctive and holistic approach”. Academic excellence is pursued, and in 2025 seven boys secured places at Oxford and Cambridge.
- Co-curricular activities include clubs such as Agora — a philosophy and religion discussion group — and King Edward’s own version of University Challenge.
- Friday afternoons have been restructured so that the school day finishes earlier: year 7s devote the rest of the day to games while older boys choose from activities “designed to develop not only their interests and skills but also their personalities”.
- Alumni include the pre-Raphaelite artist Edward Burne-Jones and JRR Tolkien. Jonathan Coe’s 2001 novel The Rotters’ Club was based on his time at the school.
Results
A-level 2025 rank: 23
Grade
%
A*
45.2
A
32.7
B
17
A*/A
77.9
A*-B
94.8
GCSE 2025 rank: 60
Grade
%
9/8
66.8
7
17.1
9/8/7
83.8
International baccalaureate 2025 rank: 13
Grade
%
Higher Level 7
45.2
Higher Level 6
32.7
Higher Level 5
17
Higher Level 7 and 6
77.9
Higher Level 7, 6 and 5
94.8
Diploma pass
99.1
Average IB points
38.2