Sir Graham Balfour High School
96%
Capacity
998
Pupils
1.7x
Demand
About Sir Graham Balfour High School
Sir Graham Balfour High School is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Stafford community, welcoming children from age 11 to 18. The school has 998 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (96% of 1,042 places).
Ofsted has rated Sir Graham Balfour High School "Good", the school is led by headteacher Matthew Mason, it falls under Staffordshire local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.17 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 44.7. Additionally, sixth form students achieve an average A-Level grade of C+. Additionally, ranked 1942nd out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 4th out of 7 in Stafford.
Sir Graham Balfour High School is a popular choice with families — it received 335 applications for 194 places, making it 1.7x oversubscribed. Of these, 212 were first-preference applications.
Sir Graham Balfour High School parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 73% recommending the school (184 responses).
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 Sir Graham Balfour High School include ICT Suite, Swimming Pool, Dining Hall, Astro Turf, Sixth Form Centre, Library, Art Studios, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Athletics, Swimming, Gymnastics, Martial Arts and 4 more, as well as clubs including Art Club, Model UN, Newspaper, Gardening and 2 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 19.4%, which is below the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Stafford, Sir Graham Balfour High School 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 | North Avenue, Stafford, Stafford, ST16 1NR |
| Headteacher | Matthew Mason |
| Local Authority | Staffordshire |
| Number of Pupils | 998 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 19.4% |
| School Capacity | 998 / 1,042 (96% full) |
| Sixth Form | Yes |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
9 Oct 2024Overall Effectiveness
Good
Latest inspection (9 Oct 2024): Standards maintained
Source: Ofsted, 6 Jun 2014. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.17)
1942nd of 3,141
Nationally
200th of 371
In West Midlands
4th of 7
In Stafford
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.
A-Level Results
2023/24Average Points per Entry
Value Added Score
Best 3 A-Levels (Average)
'21/22
38.2
'22/23
33.1
'23/24
33.8
Source: Department for Education 16-18 Performance Tables, 2023/24. Value Added measures progress compared to students with similar GCSE results.
Ofsted Parent View
184 responsesWould Recommend This School
Source: Ofsted Parent View (GOV.UK statistical data), Sep – Sep 2025
SEND Support
Source: Department for Education, 2024/25. Support availability based on current student population.
Facilities
8Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
14Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed194
335
Good Demand
Popular school with more applications than places
212 families put this school as their 1st choice (63% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sir Graham Balfour High School
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
North Avenue, Stafford
Stafford, ST16 1NR
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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