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01284 761393 Book a School Visit

Schola Buriensis, Founded 1550

The School of Bury St Edmunds.

A Church of England school for 11 to 16 year olds, where high expectations and real care help every child flourish.

Book a School Visit 01284 761393
  • Ofsted Good, Confirmed 2024
  • 103 Grade 9s at GCSE, 2026
  • Teaching Since 1550
King Edward VI students in school uniform smiling together at the school’s 475th anniversary
Students at our 475th celebration, June 2025.

Our Values

Four Values, Lived Every Day.

The four words beneath our crest, and what they look like in a school week.

Three Year 11 students holding their GCSE results envelopes on results day
GCSE results day, August 2026.

GCSE Results 2026

Results That Open Doors.

Years of hard work, and it showed: high grades across the whole year group, not just a few.

  • 103Grade 9s across GCSE subjects
  • 31Students with at least one grade 9
  • 15Students with eight or more grades at 7 to 9
  • 100%Of Physics entries at grade 4 or above

“We love the ethos of King Edwards. It has given our girls a brilliant combination of being encouraged to aspire, while remaining inclusive of everyone and teaching students about the value of community.”

Parent of a Year 11 student, GCSE results 2026

Our Story

Schola Buriensis Since 1550.

Founded by King Edward VI, we have taught the young people of Bury St Edmunds for more than 475 years.

  1. 1550

    The school opens on 3 August in Eastgate Street, founded by King Edward VI as the second school to carry his name.

  2. 1972

    We move to our current site on Grove Road, merge with the Silver Jubilee Schools and become, simply, King Edward VI School: proudly comprehensive.

  3. 2025

    Students, former students, governors and the town celebrate 475 years together on 27 June.

  4. Today

    A Church of England school for 11 to 16 year olds, guided by the four values beneath our crest.

“They shall teach a little at a time, with plenty of examples.”

From the school’s rules for teachers, 1550. Some things have not changed.

Pastoral Care and SEND

Support That Knows Your Child.

Ofsted found a culture of kindness and support, where pupils feel safe and know who to talk to.

  • A Year Team for Every Year

    A Head of Year and a Pastoral Support Manager for each year group, from Year 7 to Year 11.

  • A Specialist SEND Team

    Led by our Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion, with leads for learning, communication, wellbeing and sensory needs.

  • Our Deaf Resource Base

    A Suffolk specialist provision where deaf students learn alongside hearing friends, with Teachers of the Deaf and signing staff.

A member of staff handing out food to students at the 475th anniversary barbecue
Students from our partner school in Shanghai with their 2025 exchange banner, on the lawn below St Edmundsbury Cathedral

Clubs, Trips and Partnerships

A World Beyond the Classroom.

Clubs run from 3.35 to 5pm every day, and our partnership with a school in Shanghai has thrived since 2007.

  • A student playing electric guitar with the school band at an outdoor concert

    Music and Performance

    The Band, the King’s Sinfonia orchestra and drama clubs, with concerts and a school production.

  • A student playing tennis on the school courts

    Sport for Everyone

    A sports hall, gym and courts, plus access to a floodlit athletics arena.

  • King Edward VI students with their partner school in Shanghai during the 2026 exchange

    A Global School

    A Gold Global School Award in 2026 and exchanges with Shanghai Yangjing Juyuan Experimental School.

Admissions

Joining Us, Step by Step.

Whether your child is starting Year 7 or moving mid-year, here is how it works.

  1. 01

    Visit Us

    Look round the school and meet the people who will know your child. Book below or call reception.

  2. 02

    Apply

    Year 7 applications go through Suffolk County Council. For other year groups, use the in-year form on our admissions page.

  3. 03

    Get Ready

    Our Year 7 team and Transition Booklet help your child feel at home long before their first day.

  4. 04

    Start Strong

    Every day begins with tutor time at 8.50am, with a tutor who knows your child by name.

Book a School VisitAdmissions Information (opens in a new tab)

In the Inspectors’ Words

Ofsted Report, October 2024 (PDF, opens in a new tab)

  • “Pupils enjoy coming to this school.”

  • “There is a culture of kindness and support.”

  • “Behaviour is calm and orderly. Pupils feel safe.”

  • “Teachers have a high level of subject knowledge.”

Before You Visit

Questions Parents Ask Us.

Something else on your mind? Call us on 01284 761393.

What age range does the school teach?

Students aged 11 to 16, in Years 7 to 11. We are a mixed comprehensive and a Church of England voluntary controlled school, and we work closely with Abbeygate Sixth Form and West Suffolk College on what comes next.

How do I apply for a Year 7 place?

Year 7 applications are made through Suffolk County Council. If more families apply than there are places, the council’s published criteria decide offers, including catchment and distance. For a place in another year group, use the in-year form on our admissions page.

Do we need to be churchgoers to apply?

No. Places are allocated using Suffolk County Council’s admissions criteria. Our Church of England character shapes our values, our assemblies and how we care for one another, and families of every faith and none are welcome.

Can we look around before we apply?

Yes, and we would love to show you around. Book a visit with the form below or call 01284 761393, and you can also ask to meet the Headteacher.

How do you support students with SEND or hearing loss?

Our SEND team plans support with families and teachers. The Deaf Resource Base is a Suffolk specialist provision for deaf students; places are agreed by the local authority through an Education, Health and Care plan.

What does the school day look like?

Students arrive for tutor time at 8.50am, then four sessions with a break and lunch. Lessons end at 3.35pm, when clubs and activities begin.

Book a Visit

Come and See Us.

The best way to know if we are right for your child is to walk our corridors. Tell us a little about your family and we will arrange a time.

Three students in school uniform enjoying ice creams on a sunny day at school

Book a School Visit

Days that suit you, your child’s interests or any support needs.

Used only to arrange your visit. We will reply to confirm a time.