Classpot

The University of Birmingham School

Birmingham, B29 6QUSecondaryAges 11–19MixedState
Ofsted Rating
Good
May 2023
Progress 8
-0.09
Below average
−20+2
Competition
1.7×
Oversubscribed
253 1st-choice / 148 places
Ranking
#1,760
of 3,141 nationally

About The University of Birmingham School

The University of Birmingham School is a mixed state secondary in Birmingham that is significantly oversubscribed, reflecting strong local demand. With 1,672 applications for 148 places in the 2025/26 admissions round, the school received 253 first-preference applications and made 109 offers to first-preference families, giving an oversubscription ratio of 11.3 applicants per place. The school currently has 1,177 pupils against a capacity of 1,150, meaning it is operating slightly above its official number. Its free school meals rate of 38.2% is notably higher than the national average, indicating a diverse intake with a substantial proportion of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. The school has no religious character and is non-selective, which fits with its role as a comprehensive serving a broad cross-section of the local community.

Key Details

School TypeSecondary (State)
Age Range11 to 19 years
GenderMixed
Religious CharacterNone
AddressWeoley Park Road, Birmingham, Birmingham, B29 6QU
HeadteacherColin Townsend
Local AuthorityBirmingham
Number of Pupils1,177
Free School Meals (FSM)38.2%
School Capacity1,177 / 1,150 (102% 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

17 May 2023
View Report
Overall Effectiveness
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Sixth Form Provision
Good

Latest monitoring visit (17 May 2023): School remains Good

Source: Ofsted, 5 Jun 2018. Ratings: 1=Outstanding, 2=Good, 3=Requires Improvement, 4=Inadequate.

Facilities

10
Art StudiosSports HallLibraryPlaying FieldsDining HallAstro TurfSixth Form CentreGymnasiumMusic RoomsTheatre

Facilities may vary. Contact the school for current availability.

Extracurriculars

17

Sports

NetballFootballCross CountryRugbyMartial ArtsTennisAthleticsDanceGymnastics

Clubs & Activities

DramaArt ClubChoirNewspaperEco ClubOrchestraBook ClubDebate

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

SEND Support

AutismDyslexiaMental HealthSpeech & LanguageHearingPhysicalLearning DifficultyOther

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About The University of Birmingham School

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