Birches Head Academy
92%
Capacity
953
Pupils
1.1x
Demand
About Birches Head Academy
Birches Head Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Stoke-on-Trent community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 953 pupils on roll and is well-filled (92% of 1,040 places).
Ofsted has rated Birches Head Academy "Inadequate", the school is led by headteacher Paul Masher, it falls under Stoke-on-Trent local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.95 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 30.2. Additionally, ranked 2994th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 11th out of 13 in Stoke-on-Trent.
Birches Head Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 215 applications for 189 places, making it 1.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 86 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Birches Head Academy include Music Rooms, Swimming Pool, Sports Hall, Sixth Form Centre, Science Labs, Theatre, Playing Fields, Tennis Courts, Dining Hall, Astro Turf, Library, Gymnasium.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Dance, Rugby, Football, Martial Arts and 4 more, as well as clubs including Coding, Drama, Choir, Book Club and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 36.6%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Stoke-on-Trent, Birches Head 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 | Birches Head Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 8DD |
| Headteacher | Paul Masher |
| Local Authority | Stoke-on-Trent |
| Number of Pupils | 953 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 36.6% |
| School Capacity | 953 / 1,040 (92% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
3 Oct 2023Overall Effectiveness
Inadequate
Source: Ofsted, 10 Apr 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.95)
2994th of 3,141
Nationally
351st of 371
In West Midlands
11th of 13
In Stoke-on-Trent
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly 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
12Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed189
215
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
86 families put this school as their 1st choice (40% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Birches Head 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
Birches Head Road, Stoke-on-Trent
Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 8DD
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
Parent Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience at Birches Head Academy!
Write a Review