The University of Birmingham School
Birmingham, B29 6QU · Birmingham · secondary school
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46th of 88 secondary schools in Birmingham we can score, 89 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 — 7.2/10 against 479 of them, against 5.0/10 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 | 45.9 · 52 | 30% | 1.57 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.09 · 43 | 25% | 1.08 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 47.8 · 59 | 10% | 0.59 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The University of Birmingham School overview
How it's doing
The school was rated Good by Ofsted in July 2023. In 2024/25, 41.1% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 45.5, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.09 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did slightly worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join clubs such as Knitting, Spin Cycle Class, Mixed Crafts, Ethical usage of Generative AI, St Johns Ambulance Street First Aid Class, Slam Poetry, and Politics. Sports include Fitness for Life and Self defence, while arts and music cover Philosophy and Film and Photography. Trips have included visits to Winterbourne Gardens, Selly Manor, and Lapworth Museum.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,188 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,150. 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
What support is available for pupils whose Progress 8 score is below 0?
What Ofsted said about The University of Birmingham School
Overview
The University of Birmingham School continues to be a good school, offering a "vibrant and diverse environment" where pupils feel valued and safe. Leaders maintain "very high aspirations" for all students, prioritising both character development and academic achievement to prepare them for successful futures.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from an "ambitious and interesting curriculum" that is "very well planned and sequenced," ensuring a strong foundation of knowledge.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are "well supported," with staff adapting learning effectively so they can study the same curriculum.
- Teachers generally "model and explain new knowledge and concepts clearly," helping to address misconceptions quickly.
- There is a "rigorous approach to improving reading," supported by a well-resourced library and targeted help for early readers.
- Pupils’ wider development is supported "exceedingly well" through a wide range of extra-curricular activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure assessment strategies are used to full effect, as "on a small number of occasions, teachers do not check pupils’ understanding before moving them on to new learning," leaving some misconceptions unaddressed.
- Some parents feel that the school’s communication with them could be better.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with "robust processes in place to keep pupils safe" and staff receiving regular training.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 47.1 |
| 2024/25 | 45.5 |
| 2025/26 | 47.8 |
| 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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