Ark St Alban's Academy
Birmingham, B12 0YH · Birmingham · secondary school
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28th of 88 secondary schools in Birmingham we can score, 89 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 8.8/10 against 168 of them, against 7.2/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 55.8 · 75 | 30% | 2.24 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.26 · 70 | 25% | 1.74 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 50.4 · 71 | 10% | 0.71 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Ark St Alban's Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 52.6% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 46.9, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.26 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally starting from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.0 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.8 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Future Leaders, Sports Leaders, Practical, Creative Arts, Historical Detectives, World Korean, and Gardening clubs. Sports include NFL Flag Football, Football, Cricket, Trampolining, Netball, Basketball, Badminton, and Table Tennis. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 797 pupils against a stated capacity of 800. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the school support pupils to maintain the progress seen in the 2023/24 data? What specific support is available for pupils aiming to improve their Attainment 8 scores? How are the 3 remaining places allocated for the next entry year?
What Ofsted said about Ark St Alban's Academy
Overview
Ark St Alban's Academy is a secondary school where pupils are proud of the community and work hard to meet high aspirations. The report describes a "calm and orderly environment" supported by a 'homeroom' model, with pupils achieving strong outcomes, often exceeding national averages. The school has improved significantly since its previous inspection, offering a "broad and ambitious curriculum" and effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from a "well-sequenced" curriculum that ensures learning builds in steps, with a rapidly rising number following the English Baccalaureate.
- Staff possess "strong subject knowledge" and provide clear explanations, while assessment data at unit endpoints is used effectively to inform future teaching.
- There are "noticeable improvements" in support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, who achieve well due to carefully identified needs and appropriate adaptations.
- Reading skills are prioritised across all year groups, with personalised support helping many pupils become "confident, fluent readers" and make rapid progress.
- Pupils are well prepared for the future through high-quality career guidance, study skills, and a 'character' curriculum that promotes respect and community contribution.
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure an effective strategy to support pupils in developing "oracy skills" through sustained and meaningful discussion to deepen understanding.
- Staff need to share best practice for checking pupils’ understanding "at the point of learning" to ensure consistency and address misconceptions immediately.
- Effective processes are required for pupils to share experiences of disrespectful language, ensuring appropriate action is taken to maintain a sense of warmth and community.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 46.4 |
| 2024/25 | 46.9 |
| 2025/26 | 50.4 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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