Shire Oak Academy
87%
Capacity
1,297
Pupils
1.1x
Demand
About Shire Oak Academy
Shire Oak Academy is a state-funded None secondary school serving the Walsall community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 1,297 pupils on roll and is well-filled (87% of 1,491 places).
Ofsted has rated Shire Oak Academy "Inadequate", the school is led by headteacher Matthew Everett, it falls under Walsall local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -1.01 is well below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 35.3. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C-. Additionally, ranked 3024th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 17th out of 18 in Walsall.
Shire Oak Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 241 applications for 218 places, making it 1.1x oversubscribed. Of these, 96 were first-preference applications.
Shire Oak Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is below average, with 27% recommending the school (116 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 9 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 6 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at Shire Oak Academy include Swimming Pool, Music Rooms, Sports Hall, Library, Dining Hall, Science Labs, Tennis Courts, Theatre, Sixth Form Centre.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Rounders, Rowing, Football, Cross Country and 5 more, as well as clubs including Drama, Newspaper, Gardening, Debate and 5 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 39.8%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Walsall, Shire Oak 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 | None |
| Address | Lichfield Road, Walsall, Walsall, WS9 9PA |
| Headteacher | Matthew Everett |
| Local Authority | Walsall |
| Number of Pupils | 1,297 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 39.8% |
| School Capacity | 1,297 / 1,491 (87% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
21 Jan 2025Quality of Education
Inadequate
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Additional Provisions
Source: Ofsted, 11 May 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-1.01)
3024th of 3,141
Nationally
355th of 371
In West Midlands
17th of 18
In Walsall
Source: Classpot analysis of DfE Progress 8 data
GCSE Results
2023/24Progress 8 Score
Students make significantly 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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
30.0
'22/23
27.9
'23/24
25.6
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
116 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Resourced ProvisionSource: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
9Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
18Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed218
241
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
96 families put this school as their 1st choice (40% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shire Oak 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
Lichfield Road, Walsall
Walsall, WS9 9PA
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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