Ofsted inspectors have awarded King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls in Birmingham an extraordinary five ‘exceptional’ ratings, a remarkable achievement that highlights the school’s outstanding standards. This marks the first time a school in the West Midlands has received such a distinction under Ofsted’s revamped inspection framework, which replaces the previous ‘outstanding’ grade with the more rigorous ‘exceptional’ grade.
The school was evaluated during a recent inspection in March, which culminated in the publication of a highly positive report. King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls received the top grade in five key areas: achievement, inclusion, leadership and governance, personal development and wellbeing, and post-16 provision. Additionally, the school was awarded ‘strong standard’ ratings for attendance and behaviour, and curriculum and teaching.
The Ofsted report praised the school for its remarkable pupil achievement, noting that students across all year groups make rapid progress from their starting points. This progress is evident among all pupils, including those who are disadvantaged or who have special educational needs and/or disabilities. Inspectors highlighted the depth of knowledge pupils develop and their ability to apply this understanding effectively across the curriculum. The report states that attainment at the end of Year 11 consistently exceeds national averages.
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Leaders at the school were commended for cultivating a culture of excellence, underpinned by a clear strategic vision and a strong moral purpose. The commitment to equity and maintaining the highest standards was emphasised as a vital factor in the success of the pupils. The school’s leadership ensures that students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, are exceptionally well-prepared to succeed beyond their education.
Personal development and wellbeing were recognised as central to the school’s ethos. Ofsted noted that the personal development programme has an inspirational impact on students’ lives, helping to nurture their character, aspirations, and experiences to equip them for life after school.
King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls, a highly selective grammar school located in Kings Heath, Birmingham, has cemented its reputation as one of the best schools in the country. It was recently ranked among the top 50 schools in England in a national league table, further reflecting its academic excellence and commitment to providing a first-class education.