King Edward VI Balaam Wood Academy
76%
Capacity
414
Pupils
3.8x
Demand
About King Edward VI Balaam Wood Academy
King Edward VI Balaam Wood Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Birmingham community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 414 pupils on roll, operating at 76% capacity.
Ofsted has rated King Edward VI Balaam Wood Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Damian McGarvey, it falls under Birmingham local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.48 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 35.8. Additionally, ranked 2577th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 73rd out of 83 in Birmingham.
King Edward VI Balaam Wood Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 331 applications for 87 places, making it 3.8x oversubscribed. Of these, 120 were first-preference applications.
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 8 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 5 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at King Edward VI Balaam Wood Academy include Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, Gymnasium, Sixth Form Centre, ICT Suite, Playing Fields, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Hockey, Rounders, Swimming, Football and 6 more, as well as clubs including Orchestra, Young Enterprise, Eco Club, Art Club and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 66.7%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Birmingham, King Edward VI Balaam Wood 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 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | New Street, Birmingham, Birmingham, B45 0EU |
| Headteacher | Damian McGarvey |
| Local Authority | Birmingham |
| Number of Pupils | 414 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 66.7% |
| School Capacity | 414 / 546 (76% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
31 Jan 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Source: Ofsted, 14 Mar 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.48)
2577th of 3,141
Nationally
299th of 371
In West Midlands
73rd of 83
In Birmingham
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make less 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.
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
16Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed87
331
High Demand
Competitive - many more applications than places available
120 families put this school as their 1st choice (36% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About King Edward VI Balaam Wood 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
New Street, Birmingham
Birmingham, B45 0EU
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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