A parent’s guide to choosing the best secondary schools in Birmingham: 3 things to look for

Choosing the right secondary school in Birmingham for your daughter

Finding the right senior school for your daughter in the Birmingham or West Midlands conurbation can be complex. The school you choose won’t just frame the kind of person she is for the next five or six years; it will impact her approach to the rest of her life.

It’s easy to base decisions around exam results and league tables – but will that help your daughter become fearless and confident in her approach to new experiences or the way she interacts with others?

Look beyond results and focus on value added education

Every student starts their secondary education at a different point; some are early bloomers, while others need a little more time to find their stride. At Edgbaston High School for Girls, we look at potential from all sides. We will take any student, and during their time with us, we will guide them above and beyond what might have been expected by initial exam scores alone.

Find a school that’s more than just school league tables

When you are selecting a senior school for your daughter, consider her education beyond the academic results. Ask whether your child will have a range of experiences and opportunities beyond the curriculum, and what the school will do to lift your child’s underlying ability to reach new heights.

At Edgbaston High School for Girls, we measure our pupils’ progress by assessing their Value Added Score. This score provides a baseline for their underlying ability and compares that to their actual achievements. The difference between the two is their value-added improvement. This provides parents and children with a clear indication of success that works for every pupil, regardless of whether they are already high achievers or still waiting to blossom.

Find a school that helps all girls reach their full potential

Creating a shortlist of the right schools in Birmingham for your child can feel overwhelming. Especially if the only information you have for entry is based on their current exam results. You need more information about the long-term approach, maintaining or finding excellence with your child and helping them realise their potential.

Schools that value the individual, rather than just exam numbers, are essential to delivering the best education for your child. The Edgbaston High School for Girls' approach starts with a prediction using data from the University of Durham. This helps us create a goal for what the student is likely to achieve based on their current results.   We then use this data to help your daughter set aspirational goals.

Our progress monitoring is a living document that becomes part of your child’s education. It’s regularly reviewed and updated as your child’s potential increases, and they achieve results greater than their initial prediction.

This method means every child has their own unique education plan, crafted with their individuality in mind. If you’re interested in finding out more, please visit our contact us page here.

Choose a school that celebrates the individual as well as the exam results

Many schools across Birmingham place the highest priority on current exam results.  This means that only the top scholars might benefit from their education or receive the focus they need to reach their full potential.

When you are choosing a secondary school for your daughter, choose a school like Edgbaston High School for Girls that predicts performance based on data. We find the untapped potential in your child across the full curriculum and beyond, which often results in pupils surprising themselves after smashing their own high expectations.

Choose a school that prioritises pastoral care and wellbeing

The school environment is the second most important place for your daughter after her home. When you are selecting the right senior school, you need to know that she is always cared for in a safe and supportive culture. Girls who feel understood and seen are far more likely to thrive at school. So pastoral care should be one of your top priorities when creating a shortlist of secondary schools.

At Edgbaston High School, your daughter will always be able to benefit from support, care and advice.

The importance of pastoral care

A strong culture of pastoral care ensures that girls are never left to feel like they are alone. There are always trusted adults available to provide guidance and support, whatever challenges your daughter may face during their time at school. Pastoral care should not be an optional extra or an afterthought. It should be a core fundamental element in your daughter’s education.

Find out more about our pastoral care here

Developing girls in a supportive and caring environment

At Edgbaston High School, pastoral care is woven into daily school life. We work hard to create an atmosphere where girls feel comfortable asking for help or expressing concerns, whether that is about school, life or the wider world. We provide proactive support, as well as responsive support, so that small issues don’t escalate into large challenges later.

When choosing your daughter’s secondary school, ask them where pupils can turn when they’re struggling, how does the school provide comprehensive support alongside education, and how does the school create a safe environment where girls feel valued.

Physical and mental wellbeing is key

Schools need to take a holistic approach to a pupil’s wellbeing. Physical wellbeing is easier to spot, easier to treat and is well supported in most schools. Mental wellbeing however, should be something you investigate in depth before selecting your daughter’s senior school.

At Edgbaston High School, we understand the importance of both mental and physical wellbeing in a pupil’s daily school life. Our staff build strong relationships with students, and we balance emotional and physical support through healthy routines, positive relationships and creating a sense of belonging. We ensure pupils have the confidence to tackle challenges and embrace opportunities and the stability they need to excel personally and academically.