On 3 November 1955, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh visited King Edward’s School and King Edward VI High School for Girls in Edgbaston, Birmingham, as part of their royal tour of the United Kingdom. The visit was a proud moment for both schools, coming just three years into the Queen’s reign.
Seventy years later, the royal visit remains a celebrated chapter in the shared history of King Edward’s School and King Edward VI High School for Girls.
The young Queen and her consort had begun an extensive tour of the UK, visiting key sites across Scotland, Wales, and England. One of their stops was Birmingham, where the royal party was greeted by pupils and staff with great enthusiasm.
The day began with a stately procession down the school driveway, cheered on by the boys and girls of each school. The royal visitors were welcomed by a guard of honour from the Combined Cadet Force, alongside several governors and Reverend Lunt, Chief Master of KES. A service in Big School followed, after which the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh enjoyed exhibitions showcasing the schools’ achievements.
Despite the rain, the royal party also visited the Chapel to admire its stunning Charles Barry interior and the Bruce Hurn mural – a highlight that pupils and staff recall vividly even today.
The visit remains a cherished moment in the schools’ long and distinguished history.
Read more about the visit and hear the memories of those who were there at Jubilee Memories | King Edward VI Foundation
You can also watch a short film to relive the Queen’s visit to the school in 1955.
