Smestow Academy
Wolverhampton, WV3 8HU · Wolverhampton · secondary school
Check the area around this school
11th of 20 secondary schools in Wolverhampton we can score. 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 — 8.4/10 against 182 of them, against 6.4/10 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 | 21 | 35% | 0.74 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 47.8 · 58 | 30% | 1.72 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.31 · 73 | 25% | 1.83 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 48.6 · 63 | 10% | 0.63 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Smestow Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 31.1% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 42.6, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.31 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally starting from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.2 out of 10 against all schools). The November 2025 inspection used the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Combined Cadet Force, Duke of Edinburgh, and KayScience Reward. The school stages High School Musical and organises a Stockholm Turing trip. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 589 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,010. 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 Attainment 8 and the national median? What specific support is available for students aiming for the Duke of Edinburgh award? How does the after-school club structure help with homework and revision?
What Ofsted said about Smestow Academy
Overview
Smestow Academy has undergone "significant improvements" since joining the Matrix Academy Trust in 2023, with leaders demonstrating an "absolute focus on getting things right for all groups of pupils." The report highlights rapid progress in attendance, behaviour, and academic outcomes, describing the school as a "happy place to learn, work and thrive together" where pupils feel safe and valued.
Strengths
- Attendance and behaviour are at a "strong standard," with a "significant reduction in the number of suspensions" and attendance rates now in line with national averages.
- Pupils "flourish" through a "thoughtfully designed personal development programme" that fosters respect, resilience, and a deep understanding of modern British society.
- Leadership and governance are effective, with "robust challenge and meaningful support" ensuring leaders are held to account and staff well-being is prioritised.
- The school is described as a "telling school" where pupils feel safe, are "impressively open" about mental health, and actively contribute to the community through leadership roles.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure staff understand the specific barriers disadvantaged pupils face in lessons to support them effectively.
- All pupils need to secure "foundational writing and speaking skills" to successfully apply and deepen their learning across the curriculum.
- Staff should consistently make adaptations to planned learning "in the moment" in response to pupils’ understanding.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are actively identified and managed.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 44.3 |
| 2024/25 | 42.6 |
| 2025/26 | 48.6 |
| 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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