Academic Progression
Our Core Curriculum and Academic Support
Our pupils benefit from small classes with a high level of individualised attention throughout their studies at King Edward’s with a broad and balanced curriculum. They typically take 9 GCSEs; most progress to A levels, alternatively taking BTEC/level 3 programmes in Food Technology, Music and Sport. We offer academic scholarships, and specialist scholarships in Sport, Drama, Music, Art and Design Technology, to pupils identified during our admissions process. In 2024, 7 in 10 of our pupils achieved A* – B grades in A levels, and half of all grades at GCSE were at 7 or above (A*/A).
Our dedicated Head of SEND and Inclusive learning welcomes discussions during our admissions process with parents and pupils to explore how we may support additional needs as identified.
Each of our pupils receives extensive academic support, and has weekly meetings with their tutor, who provides frequent feedback to pupils and parents. Parents use the parent portal Firefly to access regular progress grades and written reports, and are always able to arrange additional meetings with teachers and house staff, in addition to our parent/staff conference programme, if desired.
Academic Scholarship
We seek to promote a scholarly mindset amongst all our pupils and encourage them to take advantage of the extensive array of supra-curricular enrichment opportunities available to them, whether or not they are an Academic Scholar. This scholarly mindset, drive and passion for learning stands our pupils in good stead as they embark on a life-long journey developing knowledge, skills and conceptual understanding, combined with a strong set of values, to become confident, independent and proactive learners who are able to make a positive contribution to society.
As well as Academic Scholars who take part in our Bridewell Scholarship Programme, we have subject specific scholars who follow focused scholarship programmes within their scholarship subject.
1st and 2nd Form Curriculum
In 1st and 2nd Form we are committed to providing our pupils with every opportunity to experience a wide range of subjects to enable them to explore their interests and begin to discover their passions.
Although lessons are structured around the National Curriculum, our programme extends well beyond. The core subjects of Maths, English and Science contribute a significant proportion of our teaching, to ensure pupils have the foundation required for their route to their GCSEs, the Sixth Form and beyond.
Pupils have the chance to experience three humanities (History, Geography, Religious Education), two to three modern languages (French, German and/or Spanish) and Latin or Classical Civilisation. Subjects including Art, Computing, Design Technology, Drama Food Science, Music, Sport and Textiles complete our youngest pupils’ learning.
3rd Form and GCSE Curriculum
Our pupils access a continued breadth of academic study and co-curricular activities in their 3rd form to help ensure all pupils are well placed to choose a varied, balanced programme of studies when making decisions about their GCSE courses.
Our GCSE programme includes core subjects – Maths, English (Language and Literature),and double Science, with our keenest scientists taking triple Science. Our pupils take an additional four GCSEs from the options below:
Art, Classical Civilisation, Computing, Drama, a Modern Foreign Language, Geography, History, Latin, Music, Physical Education, Religious Studies or Technology (Design Technology or Food Technology).
GCSE option blocks are created to meet the choices of individuals, within balanced programmes designed to lead to the broadest future career and further study options as possible. Pupils select GCSE subjects in consultation with teachers, House staff and their parents and guardians.
All of our 1st to 5th Form pupils also follow a non-examined course in Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) which complies with statutory guidance on the delivery of sex, health, financial and citizenship education.
