King Edwards Camp Hill for Boys (KECB)

[vvarre]

Hello There,
We are looking to explore top grammar schools for our boys in Birmingham area and based on the BBC league tables this school seems to be on the top of the list and I would like to hear from you all about your experiences on how good is this school and what are the pros/cons for this school compared to the rest in the birmingham area.

Can you plesae share your views on the following:
1. How difficult it is to get into this school? Is there any catchment area criteria for admissions or Is it purely based on merit in the 11 plus exams?
2. Which areas is this school specialised in?
3. How is the crowd mix?
4. Is it highly academic or average?
5. How good is this school compared to the gramar schools in Reading, Surrey, London areas?

[quasimodo]

Hello There,
We are looking to explore top grammar schools for our boys in Birmingham area and based on the BBC league tables this school seems to be on the top of the list and I would like to hear from you all about your experiences on how good is this school and what are the pros/cons for this school compared to the rest in the birmingham area.

Can you plesae share your views on the following:
1. How difficult it is to get into this school? Is there any catchment area criteria for admissions or Is it purely based on merit in the 11 plus exams?
2. Which areas is this school specialised in?
3. How is the crowd mix?
4. Is it highly academic or average?
5. How good is this school compared to the gramar schools in Reading, Surrey, London areas?

Hi Vvarre,

1.In which area in the South East do you live ?
2.If you live somewhere in the South East why would you even think of a school in Birmingham when there are many excellent schools in your general area ?

[kenyancowgirl]

+1 with quasi...it would be daft to try and compare GS in such vast areas as no-one would really consider them as realistic options.

Also, could I suggest that you search through the Birmingham Section first - there are vast numbers of threads about Camp Hill and also other B'ham GS - all of which answer the questions you have posed.

[ToadMum]

Camp Hill is, I am sure (from having hung out on the Birmingham section of the forum enough out of sheer idle curiosity ), an excellent school and I believe that it is generally regarded by those in the area as being the top of the pile, KE Foundation boys' grammar school-wise.

However, if you are so influenced by league tables, surely the only grammar school for your DSs would be QE?

[vvarre]

Thanks Quasi & Toad for you replies. We are from north east and planning to relocate for the kids secondary school and exploring....So, do you reckon KECH Boys is the top school from all others in Birmingham grammar?

Can you suggest any other areas in the south where grammar schools are better than in Birmingham area and houses are affordable?

We are on the relocation plan and looking for advise...Schools are our top priority, hence asking...

[scary mum]

The only advice you will get on here is to choose the school that suits your child, rather than choosing the school & trying to get your child in there. I would choose an area that you like, with grammar schools if that is important to you, but also with good non grammar schools in case your child doesn't get in. The differences between top schools in miniscule, so your child is much better off on a school that you and they feel they would be happy at. The "top" school will be no good for a child who is unhappy there.

[um]

If your child is highly academic and can work very independently, then they may be very happy at CHB.

I have two boys at the school (nearing the end of it now) and what has made the school great for them would be the friendships they have made, and the general attitude of most of the boys to their studies, which is excellent.

There are also a few super teachers, too.

They've certainly had some pretty poor (or barely existent) teaching at times.
For some subjects, they've been very well supported and for others, they've had to support themselves.
Leadership seem affable but don't respond much to queries or concerns. Cannot comment on whether teachers/marking/pupil work is monitored appropriately or not as haven't seen any evidence myself. Ofsted last visited a very long time ago.
I'd have moved ds2 to KES if they did A levels, but he does not want to do IEB.

I live right next to the school and have two younger boys - you'd think I'd really want them to get in, but tbh I'm not that hassled at all.
I do hope they get into a grammar somewhere, but don't see any massive advantage to being at CHB unless a boy is incredibly bright, and would be happier with incredibly bright friends, and is independent enough to do some of the teaching work himself.

[hermanmunster]

Thanks Quasi & Toad for you replies. We are from north east and planning to relocate for the kids secondary school and exploring....So, do you reckon KECH Boys is the top school from all others in Birmingham grammar?

Can you suggest any other areas in the south where grammar schools are better than in Birmingham area and houses are affordable?

We are on the relocation plan and looking for advise...Schools are our top priority, hence asking...

there is more to moving the whole family for schools, there are plenty of schools with good results (inc grammar schools) elsewhere in the country.

Need to consider

-whether you want to live in a city or town or countryside,
-where you will work
-transport to other places eg relatives
-what other schools are available for a child who may not get into the grammar school (while some GS are very good the nearby non selectives may not be)

there are GS in devon, gloucestershire, north yorkshire, lancashire, lincolnshire (amongst others)

[mike1880]

While the grammar schools are excellent in Birmingham and there are a few very good girls comprehensives, the boys comprehensives tend to be mediocre so if you aren't successful in getting a grammar place (and most people aren't) then your options can be quite poor in some areas. I'd suggest you prioritise areas with good non-selective provision, if you can find one that happens to offer you access to grammar schools as well I'd view that as a bonus.