Handsworth Grammar School

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Handsworth Grammar School
Established	1862
Type	Grammar voluntary aided school
Religious affiliation	Secular
Headteacher	Mr RJ Shephard
Specialism	Maths and Computing College
Location	Grove Lane Handsworth Birmingham West Midlands B21 9ET England
LEA	Birmingham
Ofsted number	103549
Students	780
Gender	Boys Co-educational (16+)
Ages	11 to 18
Website	http://www.handsworthgs.co.uk
Coordinates: 52°30′17″N 1°56′00″W / 52.5046, -1.9334

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.

[edit] 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.