Oldbury Academy
Oldbury, B68 8NE · Sandwell · secondary school
Check the area around this school
12th of 20 secondary schools in Sandwell we can score, 22 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 — 5.2/10 against 263 of them, against 2.6/10 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 | 33% | 1.72 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 30.1 · 16 | 31% | 0.49 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.09 · 43 | 26% | 1.11 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 39.5 · 17 | 10% | 0.18 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Oldbury Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 31.2% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 37.4, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.09 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than nationally matched peers. Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,193 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,550. 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 close the gap between the current Attainment 8 score and the national median? What specific steps are being taken to improve Progress 8 scores following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Oldbury Academy
Overview
Pupils at Oldbury Academy receive a "good education" within an "orderly environment" that fosters concentration and safety. The school is "well led" by committed leaders who, alongside experienced governors and a new multi-academy trust, are focused on continuous improvement. Inspectors noted that pupils feel safe, value staff support, and are well-prepared for their future study or employment.
Strengths
- Behaviour is "Good," creating a "calm atmosphere" where bullying is "not tolerated" and staff deal with misbehaviour "quickly."
- Teachers plan lessons carefully, using strategies like "‘do now’ activities" to check prior learning, and maintain "high expectations of written work."
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are "well supported" and follow an "ambitious curriculum" alongside their peers.
- Leaders responded "effectively" to remote learning challenges, ensuring pupils had access to technology and did not "fall behind."
- The school offers an "ambitious curriculum" with both academic and vocational pathways, preparing pupils well for their "next steps."
Areas to improve
- In a "small number of subjects," the curriculum is "not as well planned," hindering pupils' ability to recall previous learning.
- "Too many pupils do not see the value of reading," and leaders must promote reading for pleasure and across the curriculum.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with staff receiving regular training and pupils understanding how to stay safe and who to approach for help.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 40.8 |
| 2024/25 | 37.4 |
| 2025/26 | 39.5 |
| 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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