Classpot

Gospel Oak School

Sandwell, DY4 0BZSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Inadequate
Oct 2022
Progress 8
-0.97
Well below average
−20+2
Competition
0.8×
Not oversubscribed
115 1st-choice / 150 places
Ranking
#3,004
of 3,141 nationally

About Gospel Oak School

Gospel Oak School is a popular choice among Sandwell families, with 220 applications for 150 places in the 2025/26 admissions round, giving an oversubscription ratio of 1.47. However, that popularity sits alongside a challenging Ofsted picture. In its most recent graded inspection in October 2022, the school was rated Inadequate overall, with behaviour and attitudes, and leadership and management also judged Inadequate. The previous inspection in 2016 had rated the school Good, so this represents a significant drop. The school’s headteacher is Stephen Brownlow, and it is a mixed, non-denominational secondary with a sixth form, serving 1,210 pupils against a capacity of 1,400. With 44.6% of pupils eligible for free school meals, the school serves a community with above-average disadvantage.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
AddressBilston Road, Tipton, Sandwell, DY4 0BZ
HeadteacherStephen Brownlow
Local AuthoritySandwell
Number of Pupils1,210
Free School Meals (FSM)44.6%
School Capacity1,210 / 1,400 (86% 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

11 Oct 2022
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Inadequate
Quality of Education
Requires improvement
Behaviour & Attitudes
Inadequate
Personal Development
Requires improvement
Leadership & Management
Inadequate
Sixth Form Provision
Requires improvement

Source: Ofsted, 6 Dec 2022. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

13
Dining HallSixth Form CentreArt StudiosMusic RoomsSwimming PoolTennis CourtsICT SuiteSports HallAstro TurfTheatreScience LabsGymnasiumChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

13

Sports

SwimmingCross CountryDanceRowingBadmintonRoundersMartial Arts

Clubs & Activities

Model United NationsDramaChoirYoung EnterpriseOrchestraDebate

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

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultyOther

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Gospel Oak School

Gospel Oak School has been rated "Inadequate" by Ofsted. This means the school has been identified as needing significant improvement. Ofsted will monitor the school closely.