Classpot

Sandwell Academy

Sandwell, B71 4LGSecondaryAges 11–18MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
May 2024
Progress 8
-0.13
Below average
−20+2
Competition
2.0×
Oversubscribed
390 1st-choice / 196 places
Ranking
#1,845
of 3,141 nationally

About Sandwell Academy

Sandwell Academy is a state secondary school in Sandwell, West Midlands, that is significantly oversubscribed, a clear signal of its local standing. With 1,461 pupils on roll against a capacity of 1,250, the school is operating well above its intended size. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 29.8%, which is notably higher than the national average and reflects the school’s role in serving a diverse and economically mixed community. For entry in 2025/26, the school received 1,106 applications for 196 places, with 390 of those coming as first preferences, resulting in an oversubscription ratio of 5.64 applicants per place. This level of demand suggests that families in the area see the academy as a strong option, despite the pressures of a large and growing intake.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 18 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterDoes not apply
AddressHalfords Lane, West Bromwich, Sandwell, B71 4LG
HeadteacherJames Saunders
Local AuthoritySandwell
Number of Pupils1,461
Free School Meals (FSM)29.8%
School Capacity1,461 / 1,250 (117% 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

14 May 2024
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Sixth Form Provision
Outstanding

Source: Ofsted, 24 Jun 2024. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

11
Swimming PoolPlaying FieldsGymnasiumICT SuiteSixth Form CentreSports HallScience LabsLibraryTheatreMusic RoomsChapel

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

18

Sports

FootballMartial ArtsHockeyRugbyGymnasticsCross Country

Clubs & Activities

DebateYoung EnterpriseScience ClubDramaArt ClubCodingNewspaperChoirBook ClubFilm ClubDuke of EdinburghModel United Nations

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

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingVisionPhysicalLearning DifficultySevere LearningOther

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Sandwell Academy

Sandwell Academy has been rated "Good" by Ofsted. This means the school provides a good standard of education and effectively supports all pupils to succeed.