Academic
Our teachers are passionate about their subjects and harness the best aspects of both traditional and innovative teaching methods to deliver a rigorous and engaging curriculum.
We offer a broad but balanced, first-class education, underpinned by a culture of scholarship and with a curriculum that enables all girls to make excellent progress and develop their individual strengths and passions.
“My teachers have always been supportive and willing to go the extra mile to provide additional resources to enhance my learning.”
Srilakshmi
Lower school
The first three years of senior school life are intended to convey a love of learning and to establish firm foundations for future study, which will underpin girls’ future learning at GCSE and A Level.
In Year 7, all students take Art, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design & Technology, Drama, English, Food Technology, French, Geography, History, Latin, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Physics and Religious Education.
In Year 8, pupils choose two modern foreign languages, choosing from French, German, Mandarin and Spanish.
In Year 9, pupils choose two creative subjects from the following: Art, Design & Technology, Drama and Music.
Pupils from Year 7 to Year 9 also have a timetabled PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education) lesson.
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21 GCSE subjects on offer
Core subjects in Years 10 and 11 are: English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, at least two Sciences from Biology, Chemistry and Physics, but students can take three, and Physical Education (non-GCSE).
Students then choose their other GCSE subjects from Art and Design, Computer Science, Design & Technology, Drama, French, Geography, German, History, Latin, Mandarin, Music, Physical Education (as a GCSE option), Religious Studies and Spanish. Students can choose to take an additional GCSE in Classical Greek. In Year 10, students have a rotation of enrichment subjects including Enterprise Education, Food Studies, PPE and Wellbeing.
Students in Years 10 and 11 also have a weekly PSHE lesson.
A Level
In the Sixth Form, students choose four A Levels from a wide range of subjects – Art, Biology, Chemistry, Classical Greek, Computer Science, Design & Technology, Economics, English Literature, French, Further Mathematics, Geography, German, History, Latin, Mandarin, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Spanish and Theatre Studies.
Emphasis is placed on breadth at this level. The school also offers the Extended Project Qualification and Further Maths A Level. All Sixth Formers take a Friday afternoon enrichment option ranging from Life Saving to Art Appreciation, Current Affairs to Stage Crew, and all take Physical Education. Students in the Lower Sixth have additional enrichment sessions. Find out more about Sixth Form.
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Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
At King Edward VI High School for Girls, we endeavour to meet the needs of all pupils, including those who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
Athena Programme
The KEHS Athena Programme promotes exploration of students’ interests beyond academic specifications, encouraging interdisciplinary learning.
Our aim is to instil a love for learning, intellectual courage, and the resilience needed for academic success. Through this programme, students select a pursuit of enquiry in Arts, Humanities and Sciences, engaging in activities that connect different subjects and foster a deeper understanding.
These activities may include reading from curated lists, conducting research, taking online courses, and exploring recommended podcasts and videos. Students work independently, reflecting on and discussing their output, with Upper School (Years 10 & 11) students dedicating a year to their chosen activity and Lower School (Years 7 – 9) students given dedicated time throughout the year to pursue topics of personal interest.
“My teachers and classmates are really supportive. Everyone around you will support you and will not judge you which creates such a welcoming atmosphere and makes learning more enjoyable.”
Amelie – Year 9
