Sandwell Academy
West Bromwich, B71 4LG · Sandwell · secondary school
Check the area around this school
4th 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 — 6.8/10 against 728 of them, against 5.2/10 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 | 48.2 · 59 | 30% | 1.76 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.13 · 40 | 25% | 1.00 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 49.0 · 65 | 10% | 0.65 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Sandwell Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 52.0% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 49.1, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.13 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Ofsted rated the school Good in June 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the PT Quiz, play football, participate in the Sandwell Run, and attend the arts group 1978:The Ultimate Goal. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,463 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,250. 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
Since Progress 8 is below 0, what specific support is provided to pupils who are falling behind in maths? How does the after-school club integrate with the main curriculum for students needing extra help?
What Ofsted said about Sandwell Academy
Overview
Sandwell Academy is a well-led school where staff and pupils share high aspirations, fostering a purposeful and respectful atmosphere. The report highlights a "highly ambitious and well-sequenced curriculum" that supports all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, leading to improving outcomes. Sixth-form provision is described as "exceptional," with students benefiting from challenging learning and significant leadership opportunities.
Strengths
- Relationships are "courteous and respectful," with pupils feeling safe and supported by staff who "go above and beyond."
- The curriculum is "highly ambitious and well-sequenced," ensuring all pupils, including those with SEND, follow the same high standards.
- Sixth-form students engage in "ambitious, challenging and independent learning" and contribute significantly as mentors to younger pupils.
- Staff workload is "carefully considered," and there is a "well-thought-out professional development programme" in place.
- The school has "robust systems" to support absent pupils and quickly addresses weaknesses in reading through specialist teachers.
Areas to improve
- Some teachers do not consistently check that pupils understand and remember previous learning, causing some to struggle with new concepts.
- In some subjects, work and activities, including opportunities for debate and oracy, are not always well matched to curriculum content, slowing learning.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective," noting a robust focus on protecting pupils and creating an open culture that puts their interests first.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 47.7 |
| 2024/25 | 49.1 |
| 2025/26 | 49.0 |
| 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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