Plantsbrook School
About Plantsbrook School
Plantsbrook School is a mixed secondary and sixth form in Birmingham that is noticeably oversubscribed, with 1,735 applications for 237 places in the 2025/26 admissions round — a ratio of more than seven applicants per place. Of those, 259 families put it as their first preference, and 196 received offers. The school currently holds 1,570 pupils against a capacity of 1,498, so it is running slightly above its official number. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 15.6%, which is higher than the national average for secondary schools (around 14%) and reflects the school’s role in serving a diverse local community. The headteacher is Kerensa Neal, and the school has no religious character. It is a state-funded, non-selective school, and its popularity suggests it has built a strong reputation among Birmingham families looking for a large, inclusive secondary.
Key Details
The full report on this school
What 190 parents told Ofsted, the inspection in plain English, and how this school compares to nearby alternatives — all in one full school report.
- Ofsted inspection in plain EnglishStrengths, concerns and what inspectors flagged
- Parent View survey resultsWhat parents told Ofsted — when the school has 10+ responses
- Where Ofsted and parents disagreeGaps to probe + questions to ask at the open day
- Admissions & catchmentAdmission criteria, distance cutoffs (where the LA publishes them)
- Nearby schools comparedBackup options with Ofsted, demand and distance
- Attendance & behaviour dataPersistent absentees, suspensions and exclusions vs national
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
26 Feb 2025Latest monitoring visit (26 Feb 2025): Standards maintained
Source: Ofsted, 3 Jul 2019. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
15Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
School day
Teaching hours
08:35 – 15:05
Source: plantsbrookschool.co.uk. Extracted automatically — confirm with the school before relying on these times.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Plantsbrook School
Helpful Guides for Parents
Ofsted Ratings Explained
Understand the 4 Ofsted ratings and what they mean
Understanding Progress 8
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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