SchoolScoresArchbishop Ilsley Catholic School
Academy · Secondary, ages 11 to 18 · Mixed · Roman Catholic · Sixth form
Part of ST TERESA OF CALCUTTA MULTI ACADEMY COMPANY
Victoria Road, Acocks Green, Birmingham, B27 7XY
0121 706 4200 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted report card from the inspection that started on 12 May 2026 , published 14 July 2026.
In short: 1 expected, 3 needs attention, 3 urgent improvement, and safeguarding met.
Since November 2025 Ofsted grades each area on a five-point scale instead of giving one overall grade. How report cards work.
Category of concern: Special measures. Ofsted will monitor the school closely until it improves.
| Area | Grade |
|---|---|
| SafeguardingWhether pupils are kept safe. Met or not met. | Met |
| InclusionHow well the school supports disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs. | Urgent improvement The lowest of five grades. Ofsted found serious weaknesses that need fixing quickly. |
| Curriculum and teachingWhat pupils are taught and how well they are taught it. | Needs attention Fourth of five grades. Below the expected standard; the school needs to improve this. |
| AchievementHow well pupils learn and the results they get. | Needs attention Fourth of five grades. Below the expected standard; the school needs to improve this. |
| Attendance and behaviourWhether pupils come to school and how they behave. | Urgent improvement The lowest of five grades. Ofsted found serious weaknesses that need fixing quickly. |
| Personal development and wellbeingPupils' wider development, character and wellbeing. | Needs attention Fourth of five grades. Below the expected standard; the school needs to improve this. |
| Post-16 provisionSixth form or other study after 16. | Expected standard Middle of five grades. Meets the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Leadership and governanceHow well leaders and governors run the school. | Urgent improvement The lowest of five grades. Ofsted found serious weaknesses that need fixing quickly. |
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
52 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 4 September 2023 and 2 September 2024.
Birmingham comparisons use the 49 of its 95 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other 46 have no published Parent View results (Ofsted only publishes a survey once at least 10 parents answer) or used Ofsted's newer questions, which we don't compare with the older ones.
| Statement | This school | Birmingham | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school Joint 17th highest of 49 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Birmingham. Higher than 63% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 87% | 80% | 88% |
| My child feels safe at this school 32nd highest of 49 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Birmingham. Higher than 30% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 79% | 82% | 90% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved Joint 30th highest of 49 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Birmingham. Higher than 34% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 71% | 74% | 84% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 27 parents whose child had been bullied Joint 15th highest of 40 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Birmingham. Higher than 56% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 52% | 47% | 49% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 42 parents who had raised a concern Joint 22nd highest of 45 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Birmingham. Higher than 40% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 67% | 65% | 75% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent 27th highest of 49 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Birmingham. Higher than 35% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 73%said yes | 75% | 84% |
Parents choose whether to take part, so these answers may not represent all families. Figures are the share who agree or strongly agree. England figures are all parents answering the same questions over the same period, for state-funded schools. Birmingham figures pool parents at the Birmingham schools compared, from each school's latest survey, so survey dates differ between schools. The scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) agreement, and the dot marks this school among state schools of the same phase that used the same survey questions. The third it falls in is coloured: green for the top third, amber the middle, red the bottom. This survey used Ofsted's previous Parent View questions, which changed in November 2025. Source: Ofsted Parent View management information.
Results
GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25
206 pupils in this year group.
34% — 12 points below the Birmingham average, and 12 points below the England average.
| Measure | This school | Birmingham | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 34% | 45% | 45% |
| Attainment 8 scoreAverage of each pupil's grades across 8 GCSE-level subjects, with English and maths counted twice. Around 50 means grade 5s on average. | 41.7 | 46.6 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 3.5 | 4.2 | 4.1 |
Progress 8 isn't shown. DfE didn't publish it for 2024/25 because this year group's key stage 2 tests in 2020 were cancelled, and older progress scores aren't comparable.
Source: DfE key stage 4 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After Year 11
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
207 pupils in this year group.
85% — 5 points below the Birmingham average, and 7 points below the England average.
| Measure | This school | Birmingham | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 85% | 90% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 37% | 33% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 9% | 13% | 13% |
| Further education college | 35% | 39% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 2% | 1% | 3% |
| Work | 2% | 1% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 89% | 85% |
Source: DfE key stage 4 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
A levels (16 to 18), 2024/25
70 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Birmingham | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | D+ | C+ | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 6% | 30% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 25% | 55% | 53% |
| Average points per A level entryAn A* is 60 points, an A is 50, a B is 40, and so on down to 10 for an E. | 23.3 | 34.9 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
14 subjects, 159 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology | 19 | 0% | 5% | 19% |
| Sociology | 18 | 0% | 6% | 20% |
| Design and Technology (Product Design) | 17 | 0% | 6% | 15% |
| History | 15 | 0% | 13% | 23% |
| Physics | 14 | 0% | 0% | 31% |
| Biology | 12 | 0% | 0% | 27% |
| Mathematics | 11 | 0% | 9% | 40% |
| Religious Studies | 10 | 0% | 20% | 22% |
| Media/Film/Tv Studies | 9 | 0% | 0% | 14% |
| English Literature | 8 | 0% | 13% | 23% |
| Government and Politics | 8 | 0% | 0% | 26% |
| Chemistry | 7 | 0% | 0% | 30% |
| Geography | 6 | 0% | 17% | 23% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Business Studies:Single.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 qualification and subject data, 2024/25.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After sixth form
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
57 students in this year group.
89% — 14 points above the Birmingham average, and 10 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Birmingham | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 89% | 75% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 9% | 4% | 7% |
| Work | 18% | 17% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 96% | 89% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Going on to university
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
53 students in this year group.
74% — 5 points above the Birmingham average, and 14 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Birmingham | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 74% | 69% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 34% | 28% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 71% | 74% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 progression to higher education or training, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Admissions
Apply through the council where you live, even if the school is in a different council area. This school is in Birmingham. The national closing date for secondary applications is 31 October, and offers are sent on 1 March.
How hard is it to get in?
For the September 2026 intake there were fewer first-choice applications than places.
| Places offered | 206 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 174 |
| Of those, offered a place | 173 (99%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 645 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 0.9 · 2025: 0.9 · 2026: 0.8
This isn't your chance of getting a place. That depends on the school's admissions rules (for example siblings, distance or faith) and where you live. Source: DfE applications and offers, September 2026 intake.
This is a Roman Catholic school. When it has more applicants than places it can give priority to families of the faith, for example those who can show regular worship. Check the school's admissions policy to see how places are allocated.
Pupils, staff and SEND
| Pupils | This school | Birmingham | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 57th highest of 94 state secondary schools in Birmingham. Higher than 90% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 51.1% | 48.1%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 67th highest of 94 state secondary schools in Birmingham. Higher than 7% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 0.9% | 1.5%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 42nd highest of 94 state secondary schools in Birmingham. Higher than 62% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 15.5% | 15.2%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 53rd highest of 94 state secondary schools in Birmingham. Higher than 76% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 26.9% | 37.1%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 82nd lowest of 93 state secondary schools in Birmingham. Lower than 12% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 11.3% | 8.0%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 76th lowest of 93 state secondary schools in Birmingham. Lower than 9% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 34.8% | 24.1%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 79th lowest of 94 state secondary schools in Birmingham. Lower than 21% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 33.2 | 15.1 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 71st lowest of 94 state secondary schools in Birmingham. Lower than 20% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 11.6% | 7.7% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded2 pupils | 0.17% | 0.24% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher Joint 76th highest of 94 state secondary schools in Birmingham. Higher than 10% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 14.4 | 16.1 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) Joint 48th highest of 95 state secondary schools in Birmingham. Higher than 40% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 11.4 | 11.7 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year Joint 43rd highest of 94 state secondary schools in Birmingham. Higher than 57% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 14.6% | 14.7%* | 14.2%* |
Comparisons are with secondary schools. Scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) figures. For absence and suspensions lower is better, so their scales run green to red; blue scales describe the school's pupils and staff and aren't good or bad. * Calculated by SchoolScores from the council's or England's schools, weighted by pupils (or teachers, for turnover); other figures are published by DfE. Sources: DfE school census 2024/25; DfE pupil absence 2024/25; DfE suspensions and permanent exclusions 2024/25; DfE school workforce census 2025/26; DfE teacher turnover 2024/25.
Nearby secondary schools
- Al-Burhan Grammar School 0.5 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Outstanding (2025)
- Ninestiles, an Academy 0.6 miles · Ofsted: Good (2019), confirmed 2024 · 40% grade 5+ English and maths
- Kimichi School 0.6 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Good (2024) · 0% A*/A at A level
- Yardleys School 1.0 miles · Ofsted: Good (2023) · 46% grade 5+ English and maths
- Langley School 1.2 miles · Ofsted: Good (2023) · 46% grade 5+ English and maths
- Aspire Ap School 1.2 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Good (2025)
- Lyndon School 1.3 miles · Ofsted: Good (2022) · 48% grade 5+ English and maths
- Hall Green School 1.4 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2025) · 32% grade 5+ English and maths
- Ark Victoria Academy 1.6 miles · Ofsted: Good (2019), improved significantly 2024 · 45% grade 5+ English and maths
- Moseley School and Sixth Form 1.8 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2025: 1 expected, 4 needs attention, 2 urgent improvement · 26% grade 5+ English and maths
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is Archbishop Ilsley Catholic School's Ofsted rating?
Archbishop Ilsley Catholic School was inspected under Ofsted's report card format in 12 May 2026. Report cards grade each area on a five-point scale instead of giving one overall grade. Its grades were 1 expected, 3 needs attention, 3 urgent improvement, and safeguarding was met.
How did Archbishop Ilsley Catholic School do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 34% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 12 points below the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend Archbishop Ilsley Catholic School?
73% of the 52 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 4 September 2023 and 2 September 2024 said they would recommend Archbishop Ilsley Catholic School to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is Archbishop Ilsley Catholic School oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 174 families put Archbishop Ilsley Catholic School as their first choice for 206 places: fewer first-choice applications than places. 173 of those families were offered a place. Whether you get a place depends on the school's admissions rules and where you live.
Sources
- School details: Get Information about Schools (DfE), 26 September 2026. URN 146124.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Parent views: Ofsted Parent View, 4 September 2023 to 2 September 2024.
- Results: DfE school performance tables, GCSEs 2024/25, After Year 11 2024/25, A levels 2024/25, After sixth form 2024/25, Going on to university 2024/25.
Spotted a mistake? Report it and we'll check it against the source.
Page updated 26 September 2026.