Devonshire Junior Academy
Smethwick, B67 7AT · Sandwell · primary school
Check the area around this school
23rd of 84 primary schools in Sandwell we can score, 93 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 — 8.1/10 against 1,807 of them, against 6.7/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 71.0 · 68 | 40% | 2.73 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 10.0 · 66 | 25% | 1.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Devonshire Junior Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 71.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 10.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.7 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in October 2022.
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club for wraparound care.
Getting in
The published school roll is 349 pupils against a stated capacity of 360. 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 who are not yet meeting the expected standard in maths? What specific activities are available in the after-school club? How does the school maintain its Good rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Devonshire Junior Academy
Overview
Devonshire Junior Academy continues to be a good school, described as a "happy place to be" where pupils are "welcomed" and behave "exceptionally well." Leaders set high expectations that pupils fulfil, fostering an environment where children "love learning" and develop strong self-belief through diverse activities and community engagement.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "fun, ambitious and well sequenced," with subject leaders acting as "passionate subject experts" who support teachers effectively.
- Pupils enjoy "positive relationships with teachers" and benefit from a "rich selection of high-quality literature" in focused reading lessons.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities receive "effective support," with teachers adapting the curriculum to address misconceptions.
- The school is "at the heart of the community," offering enriching experiences such as debating competitions, art displays, and visits to local landmarks.
- Staff workload is managed carefully, creating an "open culture of sharing good practice" and career development opportunities.
Areas to improve
- Teachers must create more opportunities for pupils to "respond at length to their questions," allowing time to "discuss and formulate high-quality verbal responses."
- Leaders should ensure teachers "match reading books more precisely to the correct phonics phase" for weaker readers to help them catch up.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff being "vigilant" and well-trained to spot risks, while leaders ensure necessary checks are carried out and policies reflect the latest government guidance.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 58% |
| 2023/24 | 66% |
| 2024/25 | 71% |
| 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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