King Edward VI Grammar School is more than just another above-average secondary school. As well as achieving exceptional examination results and enjoying outstanding OFSTED reports, it possesses a sense of community that, augmented by the pastoral system, the many extra-curricular activities, and the House system, is perhaps unique.

For while academic excellence is a strong part of the school's identity, it is not the sole end to which it aspires. Rather, it endeavours to challenge pupils in all aspects of life, to value learning outside of the classroom, and prepare students for the realities of the outside world.