The Orchards Primary Academy
Birmingham, B31 1TX · Birmingham · primary school
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64th of 258 primary schools in Birmingham we can score, 291 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 — 8.8/10 against 854 of them, against 7.2/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 71.0 · 68 | 40% | 2.73 |
| Ofsted | 52 | 35% | 1.82 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 13.0 · 78 | 25% | 1.94 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Orchards Primary Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 71.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 13.0% of pupils, against a national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2024. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.2 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 190 pupils against a stated capacity of 236. 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 are below the expected standard in maths? What specific trips or external visits are planned for the current academic year? How does the school manage class sizes given the current roll of 190?
What Ofsted said about The Orchards Primary Academy
Overview
The Orchards Primary Academy has taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection. Following a period of turbulence, the school has improved its curriculum and implementation, leading to rising standards in pupil achievement. The report confirms that the school remains a place where pupils feel safe, happy, and engaged in their learning.
Strengths
- Pupils demonstrate high standards of behaviour, being described as ‘very polite and respectful’ in a school where bullying is ‘not tolerated’.
- The early years curriculum is ‘well thought through and taught effectively’, ensuring children are ready for the next stage of their learning.
- Reading is a high priority with phonics taught well by staff with the ‘right expertise’, resulting in improving outcomes and increased fluency.
- The school promotes ‘wider opportunities’ through inclusive extra-curricular activities, benefiting the high number of disadvantaged pupils.
- Governors and trustees ‘hold leaders to account fully’ and take staff workload and well-being seriously.
Areas to improve
- The school must ensure staff ‘accurately assess pupils’ learning in all subjects’ to gain a precise overview of achievement across the whole curriculum.
- Staff need the necessary expertise to teach pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) effectively so they achieve ‘ambitious outcomes’.
- The school should do all it can to increase the attendance of disadvantaged pupils who are currently ‘absent from school too often’.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 63% |
| 2023/24 | 42% |
| 2024/25 | 71% |
| 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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