Proud moment for King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School, which has been declared the top performing grammar school for A Level progress in Birmingham and Walsall. Outstanding results, exceptional progress and a community that lifts every student. Read the full feature: https://ukschoolnews.com/blog/2026/02/16/king-edward-vi-handsworth-grammar-school-declared-the-best-in-a-level-progress-results/
The LEGACY Culture Cup took place this week with every Year 7 and Year 8 form group representing a nation that qualified for the World Cup. Though rain forced Wednesday’s matches to be cancelled, students and staff were determined and the competition went ahead on Thursday, wet pitches and all.
Teams showed impressive enthusiasm and sportsmanship throughout, proudly playing in the colours of their assigned countries. After an evening of spirited fixtures, two forms rose to the top:
With Brazil and Spain crowned champions, some wondered: is this a sign of what might unfold in the real World Cup this summer? Only time will tell.
Rain or shine, the event highlighted teamwork, resilience, and the vibrant culture of our school community.
Year 7 CBSO Symphony Hall Trip 11th February 2026
Despite the rainy conditions our entire cohort of year 7 students enjoyed a fantastic morning out to see the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra play in Birmingham Symphony Hall. Year 7 has been studying all about the modern orchestra this half term, including instrument families, instruments, and the important role of the conductor in this musical ensemble. The concert was an intergalactic travel through space introducing us to the instruments and the sound they could make. We started off with John William’s famous theme from Star Wars and the journey continued with excepts from Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, music from Plants vs. Zombies, Dr. Who, E.T., and others. The final piece was the finale from Stravinsky’s The Firebird and it literally raised the roof of the hall. It was a fantastic introduction to the orchestra and we hope that students will take advantage of a world class orchestra and concert hall in their home city in the future!
Mrs Ward
The Senior Prefect Team warmly invites all pupils, staff, and governors to our first ever Community Iftar on Friday 27th February, beginning straight after school. This will be a welcoming evening of food, activities, and togetherness for those of any faith or none.
As this is a self‑funded event, tickets are £3, and voluntary donations are also appreciated to help support the evening. The main meal will be served at around 5:30pm.
We hope to see you there for a memorable night of community and celebration!
We arrived at New Street Station at around 8:15 am to take the train down to London Euston, arriving about 10 am. We walked the 1.5 miles to the Opera House in Covent Garden. We were one of several schools there that day who came to enjoy matinée performance of Pucinni’s Turandot.
Set in Peking, China, the opera describes the tale of an unnamed Prince (later we learn his name is Calaf) who desires to win the hand of Turandot in marriage. To do this, he is required to correctly answer three riddles. Failing to guess correctly leads to death! The opera includes the very famous song Nessun Dorma. Those of a certain age will remember it was used by the BBC during the 1990 World Cup. The whole performance was amazing; fabulous singing, amazing dancing and incredible sets.
Following the performance, we walked down to the river for some pictures then went to the Seven Dials Market for food where some of us ordered the biggest pizza I’ve seen!
This trip was only possible because of a grant we were awarded which covered most of the cost of the day (including travel). The individual price for a ticket in our seats for an evening performance was £322.00 so we were thankful to receive this grant.
A huge ‘thank you to Mrs Ward’ who applied for and the grant and arranged the trip.
On Thursday 9 January, 30 Year 9 Computer Science students visited the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Institute of Technology (GBSIoT) as part of a CyberFirst enrichment visit. The experience gave us valuable insight into cyber security and artificial intelligence, and into the future digital careers pathways available in these rapidly developing fields. It helped us understand how the skills we learn in Computer Science can lead to real-world opportunities.
During the visit, we learned how cyber security protects systems, data, and people, while artificial intelligence is used to analyse information, automate processes, and solve complex problems. An interactive AI Kahoot quiz encouraged us to apply our knowledge and think critically about how these technologies are shaping society and the workplace.
We took part in a range of hands-on workshops. In an AI ethics discussion, we considered the responsibilities involved in designing and using intelligent systems. We also participated in an AI prompt-engineering challenge, exploring how humans and AI can work together effectively. In another session, we became Digital Detectives, using data analysis and open-source intelligence to investigate digital clues and understand how cyber professionals identify and respond to threats.
One of the highlights of the day was programming Sphero robots using block coding, which demonstrated how logical thinking and precision underpin both AI development and cyber security.
Overall, the visit was informative and inspiring, and it helped us see how studying Computer Science can lead to exciting opportunities in cyber security, artificial intelligence, and the wider technology sector.
Secondary School Offer Day is approaching fast—and there’s no better time to explore a school that opens doors, raises aspirations, and inspires ambition.
King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys (HGS) is delighted to invite prospective families to our Year 7 Open Morning on Monday 23 March 2026, 9:30–11:30am.
This is a chance to see HGS in action during a normal school day—an authentic window into our culture of academic excellence, character development, and opportunity.
🔍 What to Expect
Student‑led tours showcasing our facilities, classrooms, and vibrant learning environment
A talk from Headteacher Mr. T. Johnson, sharing our vision, values, and commitment to excellence
Opportunities to meet staff and ask questions about curriculum, pastoral care, and admissions
A warm welcome into a school with a proud history and a track record of exceptional outcomes
🎓 Why KEVI HGS?
KEVI HGS is more than a school—it’s a launchpad.
Our students thrive academically, socially, and personally, supported by a community that believes in stretching potential and nurturing confidence. From outstanding teaching to rich extracurricular opportunities, HGS equips young people with the skills and mindset to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
📍 Event Details
📅 Monday 23 March 2026
⏰ 9:30am–11:30am
📍 King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys, Grove Lane, Birmingham B21 9ET
🚗 Please note: No on‑site parking due to limited capacity.
🔗 Reserve Your Place
Spaces are limited—secure your ticket here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kevi-hgs-open-morning-year-7-tickets-1981926739229?aff=oddtdtcreator
On Wednesday 14 January, 60 of our Sixth Form students enjoyed a well‑earned rewards trip to Teamworks in Digbeth. Students took part in an exciting day of go-karting and laser tag celebrating their continued hard work and excellent conduct so far this year.
The trip recognised students who have consistently demonstrated commitment, positive behaviour and strong effort in their studies. Well done to all who earned their place – your attitude and dedication have been impressive!
Special congratulations go to Jovan Singh Man (12PJO), Haythem Siddiqi (12AAH) and Cameron Lai (13DGR) for achieving the fastest lap times on the track.
We look forward to celebrating many more student successes throughout the year.
Mrs Yates
