King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys
| Handsworth Grammar School | |
|---|---|
| Address | |
 | |
Grove Lane Handsworth , Birmingham West Midlands , B21 9ET England | |
| Information | |
| Type | Grammar voluntary aided school |
| Religious affiliation(s) | Secular |
| Established | 1862 |
| Local authority | Birmingham |
| Specialist | Maths and Computing College |
| Ofsted | Reports |
| Head teacher | Mr RJ Shephard |
| Gender | Boys Co-educational (16+) |
| Age | 11 to 18 |
| Enrollment | 780 |
| Website | http://www.handsworthgs.co.uk |
Handsworth Grammar School is a school for boys, founded in 1862 and located in Handsworth, Birmingham, England. It is claimed to be the oldest surviving selective school in Birmingham. It is a non-denominational school and selects pupils at the age of 11 on the basis of performance in a series of exams based on their intelligence.
Unusually, the computing department at the school uses only open source or free software including Linux, and a Wiki is used for online communication of information between staff and pupils.
The school's badge features a representation of the Zig Zag bridge of 1711, which spans the River Tame at nearby Perry Barr. The badge also includes a depiction of the Staffordshire knot, reflecting the fact that Handsworth was in Staffordshire until 1911. The badge comprises a black background with the illustrations in yellow, however sixth formers can attain 'full colours' through various achievements.
Latin was removed from the curriculum in 2003, as well as Drama in 2005. Also, in the early 21st century the house system was removed and replaced by inter-form competitions.
Overall, the school has a good education system, and notably is able to provide and communicate with the local community, through various local events such as classroom in the park, and working with local primary schools. It is also a key member in the young people's parliament organisation.
Alumni
The school has an active Old Boy's society that has football, cricket and water polo teams.
Notable alumni include:
- Denis Howell (1923 – 1998) Labour MP
- Roy Fisher (born 1930) poet and jazz musician
- Siôn Simon (born 1968) Labour MP
The HGSOB water polo club (Handsworth Grammar School Old Boys) is a water polo team taking part in Midland championships. They have Under 16, Under 18, B and A teams. Unusually the club has little to do with the school, except the name of it, and the schools headmaster being president. It was founded in 1919.
External links
- Handsworth Grammar School website
- Official HGS Website
- HGS Careers Website
- HGS History & Sixth Form Website
- Handsworth Grammar School inspection report conducted February 2002
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