King Edward VI: Educating for Generations

King Edward VI college was granted a charter in 1552 making it a high standard grammar school and later a successful sixth from college in 1975. As a third-generation student, I have interviewed my Grandad, Steve Webster who was enrolled from 1965 to 1971. He explained how his time at the school was “an incredible opportunity” and gave insight into what his school life was like 60 years ago. 

Unlike today, the opportunity to study at King Edward VI was granted based on passing the 11 plus exam. Steve describes passing as “a big achievement for a working-class youngster at the time” and being able to go to the grammar school was something to be celebrated by not only family and friends, as he remembers “being gifted a satchel to take” by a neighbour. Growing up in an underprivileged area, passing this exam was not common and Steve explains “all my old mates from school didn’t pass and went to secondary modern but at least they had girls to mix with there.”  

The school was boys only and consisted of around 400-500 pupils aged 11 to 18. Every morning there was an assembly in the school hall described as “including prayers, hymns and very importantly the reports of school sports teams.”  

Latin was compulsory in year 1 as well as the other typical subjects. Sports was also compulsory, and Steve says “I was particularly suited to rugby and athletics as well as being captain of the under 13’s and under 15’s.” This captainship involved lots of away games to Birmingham, Coventry and other Midland towns. Steve also remembers “boxing tournaments in PE that turned out a bit too physical for some”  

Uniform was compulsory and extremely strict with a green and red jacket, long black trousers in the winter and shorts for the summer as well as the school tie. Wearing of the school cap was also expected for journeys to and from school. In the lower sixth (year 12) the uniform became a black jacket and long trousers. 

The masters and mistresses of the school wore mortar boards and gowns and had to always be addressed formally. Steve commented, “Discipline was a very big thing at school and punishment was often the cane, in fact, I never caused much trouble, but many did.”  

Steve finished King Edwards with eight O levels which was the qualification at the time then moved into lower sixth to study for Maths and Geography A Levels. His time at the school meant opportunities became open for a better career after leaving. 

Now made up of only sixth form students, King Edward VI college has changed and evolved with the times into a modern school while still encompassing its core values of educating young minds. 

Matilda Hodgkin