Erasmus Darwin Academy
104%
Capacity
1,128
Pupils
2.5x
Demand
About Erasmus Darwin Academy
Erasmus Darwin Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Lichfield community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,128 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (104% of 1,084 places).
Ofsted has rated Erasmus Darwin Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Phil Walklate, it falls under Staffordshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of +0.27 is above the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 50.3. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C-. Additionally, ranked 917th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 3rd out of 7 in Lichfield.
Erasmus Darwin Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 441 applications for 180 places, making it 2.5x oversubscribed. Of these, 206 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 6 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 3 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Erasmus Darwin Academy include Music Rooms, Gymnasium, Library, Tennis Courts, ICT Suite, Swimming Pool, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Badminton, Tennis, Netball, Martial Arts and 3 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Choir, Gardening, Science Club and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 17.8%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Lichfield, Erasmus Darwin 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 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | None |
| Address | Pool Road, Burntwood, Lichfield, WS7 3QW |
| Headteacher | Phil Walklate |
| Local Authority | Staffordshire |
| Number of Pupils | 1,128 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 17.8% |
| School Capacity | 1,128 / 1,084 (104% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
17 May 2023Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (17 May 2023): School remains Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 3 Oct 2014. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (+0.27)
917th of 3,141
Nationally
89th of 371
In West Midlands
3rd of 7
In Lichfield
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
34.1
'22/23
27.4
'23/24
27.4
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
7Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed180
441
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
206 families put this school as their 1st choice (47% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Erasmus Darwin 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
Pool Road, Burntwood
Lichfield, WS7 3QW
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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