Ark Victoria Academy
80%
Capacity
1,544
Pupils
6.1x
Demand
About Ark Victoria Academy
Ark Victoria Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Birmingham community, welcoming children from age 3 to 18. The school has 1,544 pupils on roll and is well-filled (80% of 1,920 places). Nursery provision is also available on site.
Ofsted has rated Ark Victoria Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Ela McSorley, it falls under Birmingham local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.11 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 40.0. Additionally, ranked 1790th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 56th out of 83 in Birmingham.
Ark Victoria Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 430 applications for 71 places, making it 6.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 73 were first-preference applications.
Ark Victoria Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is mixed, with 68% recommending the school (25 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health, Speech, Language & Communication and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Ark Victoria Academy include Art Studios, ICT Suite, Theatre, Music Rooms, Playing Fields, Gymnasium, Sixth Form Centre, Swimming Pool, Sports Hall, Science Labs, Dining Hall, Astro Turf.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Dance, Martial Arts, Netball, Badminton and 4 more, as well as clubs including Art Club, Gardening, Science Club, Chess and 1 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 63.9%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Birmingham, Ark Victoria 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 | 3 to 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Talbot Way, Birmingham, Birmingham, B10 0HJ |
| Headteacher | Ela McSorley |
| Local Authority | Birmingham |
| Number of Pupils | 1,544 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 63.9% |
| School Capacity | 1,544 / 1,920 (80% full) |
| Nursery Classes | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
23 Oct 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (23 Oct 2024): Improved significantly
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 22 May 2019. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.11)
1790th of 3,141
Nationally
180th of 371
In West Midlands
56th of 83
In Birmingham
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
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
25 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
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
13Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed71
430
Extremely High Demand
Very competitive - significantly more applications than places
73 families put this school as their 1st choice (17% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ark Victoria 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
Talbot Way, Birmingham
Birmingham, B10 0HJ
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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