We are delighted to announce that King Edward’s School has been commended in the Independent School of the Year 2026 Awards “Independent Boys’ School of the Year” category.
All 13 commended schools will now proceed to the next stage of the awards, with the list of finalists published on 10 September and the winners announced at an awards ceremony on 14 October.
The Independent Schools of the Year Awards are designed to give independent schools an opportunity to celebrate and showcase their extraordinary achievements.
Dr Helen Wright, chair of the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2026, said: “Well done to all the schools who have entered this year’s Independent Schools of the Year Awards! Already, it is clear that the independent sector remains strong in spirit and outcomes, and as the judging process moves into its next phase, the judges look forward enormously to selecting and celebrating extraordinary practice.”
There has been significant success at King Edward’s over the last year. School highlights have included: achieving the strongest GCSE results of any day school for boys, independent or state, in the West Midlands; receiving the rare distinction of a Significant Strength in its Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) report for pupils’ strong sense of belonging and community; and supporting pupils to secure places at leading universities including Oxford, Imperial College London, UCL, Durham, King’s College London and UCLA.
Kirsty von Malaisé, Chief Master & Principal of KES and KEHS, said:
“We are delighted to receive this recognition of our standing as one of the country’s leading schools, committed to the excellent education of boys. King Edward’s is a very special place: our boys are curious, ambitious and keen to contribute. Whether in the classroom, on the stage, on the sports field or in service to others, they embrace opportunity and leave us ready to lead lives of purpose and impact.”
The commendation comes as KES prepares to celebrate its 475th anniversary in 2027, marking nearly five centuries of educating boys from Birmingham and beyond. Looking ahead, the school remains focused on academic excellence, building character, cultivating a thriving community and sustaining excellence for future generations.
