Cromwell Junior and Infant School

About Cromwell Junior and Infant School

Cromwell Junior and Infant School in Birmingham is a state primary that is running very close to its full capacity, with 228 pupils on roll against a school capacity of 236. The school serves a community with a high level of disadvantage: 79.8% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, which is significantly above the national average and reflects the local demographic it draws from. Demand for places is strong — for the 2025/26 intake, the school received 83 applications for just 31 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 2.68. Of those, 32 were first-preference applications, and all 31 places went to first-preference families, indicating that the school is a popular first choice among local parents. The school is non-denominational, with no religious character, and offers nursery provision for children from age three. Headteacher Rubina Darr leads a mixed-gender school that covers the full primary age range from 3 to 11.

Academically, Cromwell is a standout performer in Birmingham. In its most recent Ofsted inspection in January 2025, the school was judged Outstanding across the board, with the quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, leadership and management, and early years provision all rated Outstanding, and personal development rated Good. At Key Stage 2 in the 2023/24 academic year, 93% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths combined — far above the Birmingham local authority average of 63%. The school ranked 3rd out of 254 primary schools in the LA, placing it in the top 1.2% nationally. Results were particularly strong in reading, where 70% of pupils achieved a higher standard, and in maths, where the average scaled score was 108. Writing also performed well, with 30% reaching the higher standard. The school has held an Outstanding rating since at least its previous inspection in 2014, and the current inspection confirms that standard has been maintained.

The school offers a broad range of facilities including an ICT suite, music rooms, art studios, a library, a sensory room, a forest school area, a gymnasium, and even a chapel. Sports provision includes dance, athletics, swimming and netball, and there is a healthy selection of clubs such as science, art, chess, coding, eco club and gardening. For pupils with additional needs, the school supports moderate learning difficulties, speech, language and communication needs, autistic spectrum disorder, and other difficulties or disabilities. Given its strong academic outcomes, high demand for places, and comprehensive SEND support, Cromwell is well suited to families who want a high-performing, inclusive primary that reflects the local community and offers a wide range of enrichment opportunities. The school is oversubscribed, so parents should be prepared to apply early and list it as a first preference.

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