Short Heath Junior School
Willenhall, WV12 4DS · Walsall · primary school
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55th 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 — 0.5/10 against 1,084 of them, against 0.7/10 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 | 33.0 · 4 | 40% | 0.17 |
| 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.
Short Heath Junior School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 33.0% 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 (0.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.7 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in January 2023.
Getting in
The published school roll is 305 pupils against a stated capacity of 330. 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 have not yet reached the expected standard in core subjects? What specific strategies are used to help children progress towards the higher standard? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating while addressing the current attainment gap?
What Ofsted said about Short Heath Junior School
Overview
Short Heath Junior School continues to be a good school, where leaders and staff maintain high expectations that help pupils gain confidence and achieve well. The curriculum is described as “motivating and ambitious,” with strong teaching in reading and mathematics ensuring pupils are well prepared for secondary school. Pupils feel safe and valued, benefiting from a supportive environment that fosters leadership skills and positive behaviour.
Strengths
- Leaders have planned a curriculum focused on securing academic success, with precise knowledge sequencing in most subjects.
- There is a consistent approach to teaching reading, ensuring pupils develop comprehension skills and read confidently.
- Strong leadership in mathematics drives improvements, with teachers using effective strategies like “warm-up” questions to reinforce learning.
- Staff quickly identify the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), successfully adjusting lesson delivery so they learn the same curriculum as their peers.
- Pupils feel safe, knowing adults deal with concerns quickly, and they learn to be “positive, respectful and to treat others equally.”
Areas to improve
- A few subjects lack precise identification of subject-specific knowledge, leading to gaps in pupils’ understanding; leaders should develop the curriculum in these areas further.
- Occasionally, a few pupils do not adhere to rules at lunchtime, resulting in boisterous play; leaders should ensure the lunchtime experience caters for all behavioural and emotional needs.
- Some pupils take too much time off school, missing learning; leaders should continue working with families to ensure regular attendance.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with senior leaders and staff being vigilant to changes in pupils’ manner and reporting concerns quickly.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 74% |
| 2023/24 | 52% |
| 2024/25 | 33% |
| 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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