Barr Beacon School
101%
Capacity
1,501
Pupils
4.5x
Demand
About Barr Beacon School
Barr Beacon School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Walsall community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,501 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (101% of 1,487 places).
Ofsted has rated Barr Beacon School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Kate Hibbs, it falls under Walsall local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.19 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 50.4. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 1102nd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 3rd out of 18 in Walsall.
Barr Beacon School is a popular choice with families — it received 1,143 applications for 255 places, making it 4.5x oversubscribed. Of these, 319 were first-preference applications.
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 Barr Beacon School include Theatre, Music Rooms, Art Studios, Tennis Courts, Playing Fields, Sixth Form Centre, Swimming Pool, Sports Hall, ICT Suite, Library.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Dance, Netball, Football, Gymnastics and 3 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Chess, Book Club, Art Club and 8 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 21.9%, which is close to the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Walsall, Barr Beacon School 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 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Old Hall Lane, Walsall, Walsall, WS9 0RF |
| Headteacher | Kate Hibbs |
| Local Authority | Walsall |
| Number of Pupils | 1,501 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 21.9% |
| School Capacity | 1,501 / 1,487 (101% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
22 Nov 2022Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 15 Jan 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.19)
1102nd of 3,141
Nationally
107th of 371
In West Midlands
3rd of 18
In Walsall
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make more 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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
36.6
'22/23
28.7
'23/24
30.3
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
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
19Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed255
1,143
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
319 families put this school as their 1st choice (28% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Barr Beacon School
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
Old Hall Lane, Walsall
Walsall, WS9 0RF
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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