Holyhead School
102%
Capacity
1,271
Pupils
3.5x
Demand
About Holyhead School
Holyhead School is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Birmingham community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,271 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (102% of 1,250 places).
Ofsted has rated Holyhead School "Good", the school is led by headteacher David Knox, it falls under Birmingham local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.04 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 41.4. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C. Additionally, ranked 1623rd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 52nd out of 83 in Birmingham.
Holyhead School is a popular choice with families — it received 741 applications for 211 places, making it 3.5x oversubscribed. Of these, 193 were first-preference applications.
Holyhead School has average reviews on SchoolParrot (3.2/5 from 1 parents), and parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is very positive, with 87% recommending the school (30 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Severe Learning Difficulty and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Holyhead School include Music Rooms, Library, Tennis Courts, Gymnasium, Astro Turf, Playing Fields, Science Labs, Dining Hall, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Tennis, Basketball, Cricket, Hockey and 6 more, as well as clubs including Science Club, Debate, Gardening, Young Enterprise and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 58.8%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Birmingham, Holyhead School 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 | Milestone Lane, Birmingham, Birmingham, B21 0HN |
| Headteacher | David Knox |
| Local Authority | Birmingham |
| Number of Pupils | 1,271 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 58.8% |
| School Capacity | 1,271 / 1,250 (102% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
21 May 2025Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (21 May 2025): Standards maintained
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 18 Mar 2020. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.04)
1623rd of 3,141
Nationally
161st of 371
In West Midlands
52nd of 83
In Birmingham
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make similar progress to students nationally with the same starting point
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
34.5
'22/23
32.3
'23/24
30.7
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
30 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
20Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed211
741
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
193 families put this school as their 1st choice (26% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holyhead School
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
Milestone Lane, Birmingham
Birmingham, B21 0HN
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Reviews on Other Platforms
External reviews are provided by third-party platforms and are not verified by Classpot.
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