Birchills Church of England Community Academy
Walsall, WS2 8NF · Walsall · primary school
Check the area around this school
56th of 60 primary schools in Walsall we can score, 85 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 0.6/10 against 1,561 of them, against 0.8/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 37.0 · 6 | 40% | 0.24 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 0.0 · 10 | 25% | 0.26 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Birchills Church of England Community Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 37.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 0.0%, against a national median of 7%. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (0.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.8 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2024.
Getting in
The published school roll is 442 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. 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
What specific support is available for pupils who have not reached the expected standard in maths? How does the curriculum prepare students for the transition to secondary school?
What Ofsted said about Birchills Church of England Community Academy
Overview
The report describes a “caring school” where “warm relationships between staff and pupils” are central to the experience. Leaders have successfully redesigned the curriculum to raise expectations, resulting in a “calm and orderly” environment where pupils are polite and engaged. While published outcomes remain low, inspectors note that pupils can “articulately recall their learning” and that the school is making positive progress in improving attendance and supporting those with special educational needs.
Strengths
- “Warm relationships” and strong community links promote “tolerance and respect for all.”
- In established subjects like science and history, learning is “logically sequenced” and staff effectively check for misconceptions.
- Pupils with SEND receive “appropriate support” and access the same curriculum through adaptations.
- Early years provision offers a “strong start” with well-trained staff and quickly established routines.
- High staff morale and effective leadership provide “high-quality pastoral support” for families.
Areas to improve
- Embed the agreed curriculum in a few subjects where it is not yet fully established, so pupils build knowledge equally well across all areas.
- Ensure all staff are sufficiently trained to deliver learning sequences consistently, particularly in subjects where understanding is not yet deep enough.
- Implement agreed assessment procedures securely in all subjects to accurately identify gaps in pupils’ understanding.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 37% |
| 2023/24 | 30% |
| 2024/25 | 37% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 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
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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