King Edward VI Five Ways School takes its name from its original home at Five Ways Island on Hagley Road, one of Birmingham’s most prominent junctions. For many years the school occupied buildings close to this busy crossroads, firmly embedded in the expanding civic and commercial heart of the city. As Birmingham grew and educational needs changed, it became clear that a larger, purpose-built site was required.
In the early 1950s, the decision was taken to relocate the school to a more spacious setting. The new campus at Bartley Green, close to the reservoir and open countryside, was completed and opened in 1958, marking a significant new chapter in the school’s history.
Origins and early development
The school was founded in the late nineteenth century as part of the King Edward VI Foundation, an organisation established to provide high-quality education to academically able pupils, regardless of social background. From the outset, Five Ways developed a reputation for academic rigour, discipline and opportunity, reflecting Birmingham’s strong civic commitment to education.
While the original Hagley Road site served the school well for many decades, increasing pupil numbers and modern educational requirements made relocation inevitable. The move to Bartley Green allowed for modern facilities, expanded teaching space and room for future development.
The Bartley Green site
The present school occupies a prominent position on Scotland Lane, overlooking Bartley Green Reservoir and the surrounding green space. The setting offers a marked contrast to the school’s former inner-city location, providing a calmer and more open environment while remaining firmly within Birmingham.
This relocation mirrored a wider mid-twentieth-century trend, as schools and public institutions moved away from congested urban centres in search of healthier, purpose-designed campuses. Over time, the Bartley Green site has become inseparable from Five Ways’ identity.
Academic focus and reputation
King Edward VI Five Ways School is a selective grammar school, admitting pupils through academic assessment. It has consistently been recognised for strong GCSE and A-level results and for its emphasis on intellectual curiosity, independence and progression to higher education.
The school places high expectations on its pupils, encouraging resilience, ambition and a strong work ethic. These values have remained central to the school’s ethos across generations.
Life beyond the classroom
Alongside academic achievement, Five Ways has always encouraged participation in a broad range of activities. Sport, music, debating, clubs and societies form an important part of school life and help to develop confidence, teamwork and leadership.
The school also benefits from a strong alumni tradition. Former pupils, often known as the Five Ways Edwardians, maintain close links with the school and contribute to its continuing sense of community and continuity.
Notable former pupils
Over its long history, King Edward VI Five Ways School has educated many individuals who have gone on to prominence in public life, culture, business and sport. Notable former pupils include:
- Joe Lycett, comedian and television personality
- Oscar Deutsch, founder of the Odeon cinema chain
- Michael Checkland, former Director-General of the BBC
- Kate Ashfield, actor
- Megan Richter, Paralympic triathlon gold medallist
- John Kenneally VC, recipient of the Victoria Cross
These former pupils reflect the wide range of paths taken by Five Ways students, from creative industries and media to business, public service and elite sport.
The school today
Today, King Edward VI Five Ways School continues to serve pupils from across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands. As part of the King Edward VI Foundation, it remains committed to academic excellence, personal development and public responsibility.
Although the school has moved from its original Hagley Road home, its name preserves that early connection with Five Ways Island. At Bartley Green, it continues to combine tradition with modern education, maintaining its reputation as one of Birmingham’s leading grammar schools.
Address
King Edward VI Five Ways School
Scotland Lane
Bartley Green
Birmingham
B32 4BT
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