Classpot

Bristnall Hall Academy

Sandwell, B68 9PASecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Outstanding
Nov 2023
Progress 8
+0.59
Well above average
−20+2
Competition
1.1×
Oversubscribed
222 1st-choice / 201 places
Ranking
🏆Top 25%
#388 of 3,141 nationally

About Bristnall Hall Academy

Bristnall Hall Academy is a mixed secondary school in Sandwell that is currently significantly oversubscribed, a clear signal of its standing among local families. For the 2025/26 intake, the school received 659 applications for 201 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 3.28. Of those, 222 families put it as their first preference, and 172 first-preference offers were made. The school is operating above its official capacity of 1,010, with 1,098 pupils on roll. Its pupil premium eligibility stands at 38.7 per cent, well above the national average for secondary schools, reflecting a diverse intake with a higher-than-average proportion of disadvantaged students. The school has no religious character and is non-selective, drawing from across the local authority. It is the only school in Sandwell rated Outstanding by Ofsted, which helps explain the high demand. A sixth form is on site, so pupils can continue through to 18 without needing to move schools.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterNone
AddressBristnall Hall Lane, Oldbury, Sandwell, B68 9PA
HeadteacherLouisa Simcock
Local AuthoritySandwell
Number of Pupils1,098
Free School Meals (FSM)38.7%
School Capacity1,098 / 1,010 (109% full)
Sixth FormYes

The full report on this school

The inspection in plain English, admissions context, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.

  • Ofsted inspection in plain English
    Strengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
  • Parent View survey results
    What parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
  • Where Ofsted and parents disagree
    Gaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
  • Admissions & catchment
    Admission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
  • Nearby schools compared
    Backup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
  • Attendance & behaviour data
    Persistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
See an example
One-off paymentNo subscriptionStripe checkout

Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

7 Nov 2023
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Outstanding
Quality of Education
Outstanding
Behaviour & Attitudes
Outstanding
Personal Development
Outstanding
Leadership & Management
Outstanding

Source: Ofsted, 10 Dec 2023. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

9
Tennis CourtsICT SuiteGymnasiumSwimming PoolMusic RoomsTheatreSixth Form CentreArt StudiosSports Hall

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

17

Sports

GymnasticsBadmintonFootballRoundersRugbyBasketballTennisCricketRowingCross Country

Clubs & Activities

ChessOrchestraNewspaperDramaEco ClubCodingDuke of Edinburgh

Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.

SEND Support

Resourced Provision
AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingPhysicalLearning DifficultyResourced Provision

Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.

Was this page helpful?

Frequently Asked Questions About Bristnall Hall Academy

Bristnall Hall Academy has been rated "Outstanding" by Ofsted. This means the school provides an exceptional quality of education, and pupils thrive both academically and personally.