Ormiston Forge Academy
Cradley Heath, B64 6QU · Sandwell · secondary school
Check the area around this school
15th 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 — 3.3/10 against 459 of them, against 2.0/10 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 | 29.3 · 14 | 30% | 0.43 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.32 · 26 | 25% | 0.64 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 40.1 · 20 | 10% | 0.20 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Ormiston Forge Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 30.6% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 39.7, against a national median of 44.6. Progress 8 for 2023/24 was -0.32, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Ofsted rated the school Good in May 2025. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (3.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Young Enterprise, Duke of Edinburgh, Lego, Doctor Who, Arts and crafts, Reading, Hair and Beauty, and STEM clubs. Sports include football, netball, badminton, trampolining, fitness, rugby, tennis, and cricket. Arts and music options cover pantomime, musical theatre, dance, band, orchestra, drums, elite vocalists, guitar, and keyboard. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,643 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,950. 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 their current attainment and the national median? What specific steps are
What Ofsted said about Ormiston Forge Academy
Overview
Ormiston Forge Academy has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at its previous inspection. The school is described as a place where everyone is valued, with warm and respectful relationships between pupils and staff. Inspectors found a purposeful atmosphere where pupils focus well on their learning and demonstrate positive attitudes.
Strengths
- The school offers a "highly-ambitious and well-sequenced curriculum" for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Sixth-form provision is strong, with students achieving well and moving into a "wide range of high-quality destinations."
- Teachers use assessments effectively to check understanding and address gaps in knowledge, helping pupils "recall and build on their learning."
- Personal development is a strength, with a well-designed curriculum covering mental health, diversity, and careers guidance.
- Safeguarding arrangements are effective, and the trust holds the school to account well for all aspects of provision.
Areas to improve
- Attendance remains an issue, as "too many pupils miss school unnecessarily," particularly disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND, which affects their learning.
- Support for reading is not yet fully embedded in the school culture; the school must ensure all struggling readers benefit from support and develop a wider "culture of reading."
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 | 40.0 |
| 2024/25 | 39.7 |
| 2025/26 | 40.1 |
| 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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