MPW Birmingham
Key Information
MPW Birmingham is one of the UK’s leading independent Sixth Form colleges. Located in leafy Edgbaston, our college offers a wide range of A level and GCSE courses to give students unrivalled flexibility in their subject choices and combinations.
History of the School
In September 1973, three graduates from the University of Cambridge – Sir Nicholas Mander, Rodney Portman and Robert Woodward – realised a shared ambition. That ambition was to bring the fundamentals that shaped their own educational experience, delivered by their prestigious alma mater, to school age students.
Pre-16 qualifications
MPW Birmingham offers a broad range of subjects at GCSE. Students can choose to study over one year, 18-months or two years, depending on their circumstances. There is an average of just six students per class, and a guaranteed maximum of nine. Each student receives regular 1:1 support from their Personal Tutor, who provide comprehensive academic and pastoral support.
Post 16 qualifications
MPW offers the most comprehensive choice of A level options of any academic institution in the UK. They can be taken over one year, 18-months or two years and subjects are offered with no restrictions on combination or course length. Students normally take three subjects at A level, with the option of also taking an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Like at GCSE, classes are limited to nine students, with regular 1:1 support through the Person Tutor system. The popular NCUK International Foundation Year, is also offered.
Academic performance
Boarding accommodation
A number of attractive accommodation options are offered by KSS, a wholly owned subsidiary of MPW. Greenfield Crescent sits next door to the college and offers smart and convenient accommodation for students. With comfortable rooms, large communal kitchens and lounges, it is a popular residence, one to which many students return for their second year. An ideal option for students aged 17 plus is 54 George Road, which offers stylish, purpose-built student accommodation in a great location. It features bright, spacious rooms with views over the city, outstanding facilities, and a location convenient for both MPW Birmingham and the city centre.
Pastoral care
The college has a mature, socially relaxed atmosphere. Students are on first name terms with their tutors and there is no school uniform. With 70% UK domestic and 30% international students, it offers a diverse and welcoming community. The Personal Tutor system gives students access to 1:1 pastoral support with a trusted mentor.
Extra-curricular activities
MPW Birmingham students enjoy access to the sports facilities at a local university, with options including badminton, basketball, football, cricket, netball, and general fitness training. Popular clubs and activities include a debating society, Model UN, Duke of Edinburgh Award, plus charity work. The college takes advantage of its location with excursions to the Magistrates’ Courts, Botanical Gardens, Planetarium, art galleries and museums. There are also trips further afield with overseas study tours, theatre outings to London and Stratford-upon-Avon, and subject field trips.
General school facilities
A Day in the Life of