Arena Academy
115%
Capacity
1,039
Pupils
2.8x
Demand
About Arena Academy
Arena Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Birmingham community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,039 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (115% of 900 places).
Ofsted has rated Arena Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Raj Mann, it falls under Birmingham local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.36 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 41.7. Additionally, ranked 2359th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 70th out of 83 in Birmingham.
Arena Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 467 applications for 170 places, making it 2.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 119 were first-preference applications.
Arena Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is mixed, with 64% recommending the school (59 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Arena Academy include Dining Hall, Sixth Form Centre, Sports Hall, Music Rooms, Library, Theatre, Playing Fields, Astro Turf, Gymnasium, ICT Suite.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Cross Country, Cricket, Rugby, Netball and 5 more, as well as clubs including Orchestra, Film Club, Coding, Young Enterprise and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 37.6%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Birmingham, Arena Academy is one of the options available in the West Midlands region. Use Classpot to compare it side-by-side with nearby alternatives and find the best fit for your child.
Key Details
| School Type | Secondary (State) |
| Age Range | 11 to 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Beeches Road, Birmingham, Birmingham, B42 2PY |
| Headteacher | Raj Mann |
| Local Authority | Birmingham |
| Number of Pupils | 1,039 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 37.6% |
| School Capacity | 1,039 / 900 (115% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
12 Nov 2024Quality of Education
Good
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Source: Ofsted, 4 Dec 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.36)
2359th of 3,141
Nationally
259th of 371
In West Midlands
70th of 83
In Birmingham
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make less progress than similar students nationally
Attainment 8 (vs national avg)
Students achieve significantly higher grades than the national average
Source: Department for Education, 2023/24. Progress 8 compares to students with similar Key Stage 2 results.
Ofsted Parent View
59 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
10Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
14Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed170
467
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
119 families put this school as their 1st choice (25% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Arena Academy
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
Learn how Progress 8 measures pupil progress from primary to GCSE
SEN & EHCP: A Parent's Guide
Understanding SEN support, EHC Plans and your legal rights
Understanding School Catchment Areas
How admission distances work and tips for maximising your choices
Contact Information
Beeches Road, Birmingham
Birmingham, B42 2PY
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
