Sandwell Academy
117%
Capacity
1,461
Pupils
5.6x
Demand
About Sandwell Academy
Sandwell Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Sandwell community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,461 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (117% of 1,250 places).
Ofsted has rated Sandwell Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher James Saunders, it falls under Sandwell local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.13 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is solid at 47.7. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C+. Additionally, ranked 1845th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 10th out of 19 in Sandwell.
Sandwell Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 1,106 applications for 196 places, making it 5.6x oversubscribed. Of these, 390 were first-preference applications.
Sandwell Academy has average reviews on SchoolParrot (3.0/5 from 3 parents).
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 Sandwell Academy include Swimming Pool, Playing Fields, Gymnasium, ICT Suite, Sixth Form Centre, Sports Hall, Science Labs, Library, Theatre, Music Rooms, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Football, Martial Arts, Hockey, Rugby and 2 more, as well as clubs including Debate, Young Enterprise, Science Club, Drama and 8 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 29.8%, which is above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Sandwell, Sandwell 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 18 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Halfords Lane, West Bromwich, Sandwell, B71 4LG |
| Headteacher | James Saunders |
| Local Authority | Sandwell |
| Number of Pupils | 1,461 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 29.8% |
| School Capacity | 1,461 / 1,250 (117% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
14 May 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 24 Jun 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.13)
1845th of 3,141
Nationally
188th of 371
In West Midlands
10th of 19
In Sandwell
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
31.2
'22/23
33.6
'23/24
34.8
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed196
1,106
Extremely High Demand
Very competitive - significantly more applications than places
390 families put this school as their 1st choice (35% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sandwell 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
Halfords Lane, West Bromwich
Sandwell, B71 4LG
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.
Opening Hours
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