Ark Boulton Academy
97%
Capacity
870
Pupils
3.5x
Demand
About Ark Boulton Academy
Ark Boulton Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Birmingham community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 870 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (97% of 900 places).
Ofsted has rated Ark Boulton Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Laurence Cole, it falls under Birmingham local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.49 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 38.2. Additionally, ranked 2595th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 74th out of 83 in Birmingham.
Ark Boulton Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 717 applications for 207 places, making it 3.5x oversubscribed. Of these, 132 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Ark Boulton Academy include Library, Science Labs, Playing Fields, Music Rooms, Theatre, Sixth Form Centre, Gymnasium, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Badminton, Football, Basketball, Gymnastics and 2 more, as well as clubs including Newspaper, Model UN, Science Club, DofE and 4 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 55.5%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Birmingham, Ark Boulton 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 | Does not apply |
| Address | Golden Hillock Road, Birmingham, Birmingham, B11 2QG |
| Headteacher | Laurence Cole |
| Local Authority | Birmingham |
| Number of Pupils | 870 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 55.5% |
| School Capacity | 870 / 900 (97% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
25 Jun 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 15 Jul 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.49)
2595th of 3,141
Nationally
303rd of 371
In West Midlands
74th 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.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
14Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed207
717
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
132 families put this school as their 1st choice (18% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ark Boulton 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
Golden Hillock Road, Birmingham
Birmingham, B11 2QG
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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