Classpot

Fairfax

Birmingham, B75 7JTSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
May 2024
Progress 8
-0.13
Below average
−20+2
Competition
1.0×
Oversubscribed
264 1st-choice / 260 places
Ranking
#1,846
of 3,141 nationally

About Fairfax

Fairfax is a large, mixed state secondary school in Birmingham that is currently running at near-full capacity, with 1,571 pupils against a capacity of 1,584. The school serves a community where 21.6% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, a figure that sits above the national average and reflects the diverse intake of the local area. Demand for places is exceptionally high: for entry in 2025/26, the school received 1,461 applications for 260 places, giving an oversubscription ratio of 5.62. Of those applications, 264 were first-preference choices, and 222 first-preference offers were made, meaning that even families who put Fairfax as their top choice faced significant competition. This level of demand suggests that the school is a popular option among Birmingham parents, despite not being among the highest-ranked schools in the local authority.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterNone
AddressFairfax Road, Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, B75 7JT
HeadteacherSean Castle
Local AuthorityBirmingham
Number of Pupils1,571
Free School Meals (FSM)21.6%
School Capacity1,571 / 1,584 (99% 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
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Ofsted Inspection Breakdown

21 May 2024
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Outstanding
Leadership & Management
Outstanding
Sixth Form Provision
Good

Source: Ofsted, 16 Jun 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

12
ICT SuiteSwimming PoolAstro TurfSports HallLibraryMusic RoomsArt StudiosSixth Form CentreTheatreGymnasiumDining HallTennis Courts

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

14

Sports

TennisSwimmingCross CountryAthleticsCricketBasketballNetballHockey

Clubs & Activities

DramaModel United NationsArt ClubCodingScience ClubChoir

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

SEND Support

Resourced Provision
AutismDyslexiaMental HealthHearingVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultyResourced ProvisionOther

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

School day

Verified

Teaching hours

08:30 – 15:00

Source: fairfax.bham.sch.uk. Extracted automatically — confirm with the school before relying on these times.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Fairfax

Fairfax has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.