Walsall Academy
Walsall, WS3 3LX · Walsall · secondary school
Check the area around this school
12th of 19 secondary schools in Walsall 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 — 5.2/10 against 490 of them, against 3.3/10 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 | 34.1 · 23 | 30% | 0.68 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.09 · 43 | 25% | 1.08 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 43.5 · 36 | 10% | 0.36 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Walsall Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 37.7% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 43.9, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 in 2023/24 was -0.09, indicating pupils did 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 (6.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.8 out of 10 against all schools). The March 2026 inspection used the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join a fishing club, participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and attend an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,423 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,350. 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 specific support is available for pupils whose Progress 8 scores are below the national baseline? How does the new inspection framework’s separate grading affect current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about Walsall Academy
Overview
Walsall Academy is a school where leaders have driven significant improvements, resulting in a culture where pupils are known as individuals and barriers to learning are systematically reduced. The report highlights that pupils are happy, attend well, and achieve results generally in line with national averages, supported by a broad curriculum and extensive personal development opportunities.
Strengths
- Inclusion is rated at a "Strong standard," with leaders taking "considerable care to accurately identify pupils' individual needs" and providing systematic support.
- Personal development and wellbeing are also at a "Strong standard," featuring a "very well delivered" programme that helps pupils develop tolerance, healthy relationships, and character through mentoring and student-led conferences.
- Leadership and governance are effective, with governors providing "helpful support and challenge" and staff benefiting from a "highly effective professional learning programme."
- Attendance has improved significantly due to a "strategic approach" that rapidly identifies barriers and maintains regular contact with parents.
- The sixth form is a "source of pride," offering wide pathways where students achieve well, with "impressive numbers" accessing competitive university courses.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should continue to develop the quality of teaching, specifically improving the "consistency of checking for pupils' understanding."
- Further work is required to improve pupils' achievement, with a "particular focus on English and mathematics."
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 43.7 |
| 2024/25 | 43.9 |
| 2025/26 | 43.5 |
| 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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