The Birley Academy
95%
Capacity
1,108
Pupils
1.3x
Demand
About The Birley Academy
The Birley Academy is a state-funded Does not apply secondary school serving the Sheffield community, welcoming children from age 11 to 16. The school has 1,108 pupils on roll and is near full capacity (95% of 1,163 places).
Ofsted has rated The Birley Academy "Good", the school is led by headteacher Victoria Hall, it falls under Sheffield local authority.
In terms of academic performance, its Progress 8 score of -0.28 is below the national average. Additionally, Attainment 8 is developing at 38.6. Additionally, ranked 2198th out of 3,141 schools in England. Additionally, 12th out of 29 in Sheffield.
The Birley Academy is a popular choice with families — it received 302 applications for 231 places, making it 1.3x oversubscribed. Of these, 183 were first-preference applications.
The Birley Academy parent feedback on Ofsted Parent View is positive, with 72% recommending the school (116 responses).
For children with special educational needs, the school offers support across 10 areas, including Specific Learning Difficulty (Dyslexia), Moderate Learning Difficulty, Social, Emotional & Mental Health and 7 more. Parents should contact the school's SENCO for specific details about provision.
On-site facilities at The Birley Academy include Swimming Pool, Sports Hall, Music Rooms, Science Labs, Astro Turf, Playing Fields, Tennis Courts, Sixth Form Centre, Theatre, ICT Suite, Chapel.
Beyond the classroom, pupils can take part in sports such as Tennis, Netball, Athletics, Basketball and 3 more, as well as clubs including Gardening, Drama, Choir, Debate and 6 more.
The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals is 36.4%, which is well above the national average for secondary schools in England.
For families exploring secondary schools in Sheffield, The Birley Academy is one of the options available in the Yorkshire and the Humber 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 16 years |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Religious Character | Does not apply |
| Address | Birley Lane, Sheffield, Sheffield, S12 3BP |
| Headteacher | Victoria Hall |
| Local Authority | Sheffield |
| Number of Pupils | 1,108 |
| Free School Meals (FSM) | 36.4% |
| School Capacity | 1,108 / 1,163 (95% full) |
Ofsted Inspection Breakdown
13 May 2025Quality of Education
Good
Since Sep 2024, Ofsted no longer assigns a single overall grade
Source: Ofsted, 1 Jul 2025. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.
League Table Position
Based on Progress 8 (-0.28)
2198th of 3,141
Nationally
203rd of 306
In Yorkshire and the Humber
12th of 29
In Sheffield
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.
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
11Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.
Extracurriculars
17Sports
Clubs & Activities
Activities may vary by term. Contact the school for current offerings.
Admissions
2025/26Oversubscribed231
302
Balanced
Applications roughly match available places
183 families put this school as their 1st choice (61% of all applications)
Source: Department for Education, 2025/26. Data reflects national offer day applications and offers.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Birley 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
Birley Lane, Sheffield
Sheffield, S12 3BP
Journey to School
Journey times are estimates based on current conditions. Actual times may vary.
Opening Hours
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