SchoolScoresSwanshurst School
Academy · Secondary, ages 11 to 19 · Girls only · Sixth form
Part of WEST MIDLANDS ACADEMY TRUST
Brook Lane, Billesley, Birmingham, B13 0TW
0121 464 2400 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted rated this school Outstanding at the inspection that started on 1 November 2017. This inspection was of the school before it changed to its current form (for example, before becoming an academy).
This inspection used Ofsted's older format with four grades: Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement and Inadequate. Newer inspections use report cards. What changed.
| Area | Grade |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Outstanding |
| Outcomes for pupils | Outstanding |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
| Sixth form | Good |
| Safeguarding | Effective |
Since then, a shorter ungraded inspection on 15 May 2024: Ofsted found the school was still Outstanding.
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
41 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 1 January 2024 and 6 January 2025.
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 10th highest of 49 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Birmingham. Higher than 75% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 90% | 80% | 88% |
| My child feels safe at this school Joint 9th highest of 49 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Birmingham. Higher than 80% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 93% | 82% | 90% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved Joint 13th highest of 49 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Birmingham. Higher than 67% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 85% | 74% | 84% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 19 parents whose child had been bullied Joint 9th highest of 40 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Birmingham. Higher than 74% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 58% | 47% | 50% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 32 parents who had raised a concern 8th highest of 45 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Birmingham. Higher than 79% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 81% | 65% | 76% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent Joint 14th highest of 49 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Birmingham. Higher than 64% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 85%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
327 pupils in this year group.
These results were published under the school's previous registration (URN 103514), before it changed to its current form.
51% — 5 points above the Birmingham average, and 5 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Birmingham | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 51% | 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. | 50.2 | 46.6 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 4.7 | 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.
298 pupils in this year group.
These results were published under the school's previous registration (URN 103514), before it changed to its current form.
94% — 4 points above the Birmingham average, and 2 points above 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. | 94% | 90% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 49% | 33% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 18% | 13% | 13% |
| Further education college | 25% | 39% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 2% | 1% | 3% |
| Work | 0% | 1% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 95% | 94% |
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
115 A level students in this year group.
These results were published under the school's previous registration (URN 103514), before it changed to its current form.
| Measure | This school | Birmingham | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | C+ | C+ | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 17% | 30% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 45% | 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. | 33.4 | 34.9 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
26 subjects, 315 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | 46 | 4% | 20% | 27% |
| Chemistry | 45 | 4% | 11% | 30% |
| Mathematics | 34 | 6% | 18% | 40% |
| Psychology | 33 | 3% | 12% | 19% |
| Sociology | 29 | 0% | 21% | 20% |
| English Literature | 21 | 5% | 24% | 23% |
| Business Studies:Single | 20 | 10% | 10% | 16% |
| Law | 10 | 0% | 0% | 17% |
| Government and Politics | 8 | 13% | 13% | 26% |
| History | 8 | 0% | 0% | 23% |
| Physics | 7 | 14% | 14% | 31% |
| Economics | 6 | 0% | 33% | 26% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Art and Design (Fine Art), Computer Studies / Computing, Geography, Media/Film/Tv Studies, Religious Studies, Design and Technology (Product Design), French, Mathematics (Further), Drama and Theatre Studies, Design and Technology (Textiles Technology), Spanish, Urdu, Arabic, German.
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.
139 students in this year group.
These results were published under the school's previous registration (URN 103514), before it changed to its current form.
81% — 6 points above the Birmingham average, and 2 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. | 81% | 75% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 3% | 4% | 7% |
| Work | 9% | 17% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 83% | 81% |
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.
126 students in this year group.
These results were published under the school's previous registration (URN 103514), before it changed to its current form.
82% — 13 points above the Birmingham average, and 22 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Birmingham | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 82% | 69% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 36% | 28% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 83% | 82% |
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 about one first-choice application for every place.
| Places offered | 329 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 312 |
| Of those, offered a place | 269 (86%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 1,012 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 0.9 · 2025: 0.9 · 2026: 0.9
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.
Pupils, staff and SEND
| Pupils | This school | Birmingham | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 66th highest of 94 state secondary schools in Birmingham. Higher than 86% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 47.0% | 48.1%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 71st highest of 94 state secondary schools in Birmingham. Higher than 6% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 0.8% | 1.5%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 29th highest of 94 state secondary schools in Birmingham. Higher than 77% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 17.7% | 15.2%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 48th highest of 94 state secondary schools in Birmingham. Higher than 80% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 30.8% | 37.1%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) Joint 24th lowest of 93 state secondary schools in Birmingham. Lower than 74% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 6.9% | 8.0%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 21st lowest of 93 state secondary schools in Birmingham. Lower than 75% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 18.1% | 24.1%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 30th lowest of 94 state secondary schools in Birmingham. Lower than 68% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 8.8 | 15.1 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 27th lowest of 94 state secondary schools in Birmingham. Lower than 62% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 5.4% | 7.7% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded3 pupils | 0.16% | 0.24% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher Joint 57th highest of 94 state secondary schools in Birmingham. Higher than 24% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 15.5 | 16.1 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) Joint 27th highest of 95 state secondary schools in Birmingham. Higher than 64% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 12.4 | 11.7 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year Joint 46th highest of 94 state secondary schools in Birmingham. Higher than 55% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 14.2% | 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
- Wheelers Lane Technology College 0.5 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2025) · 57% grade 5+ English and maths
- Kings Heath Secondary School 0.5 miles · Ofsted: Good (2023) · 40% grade 5+ English and maths
- Bishop Challoner Catholic College 0.6 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 3 strong, 4 expected · 53% grade 5+ English and maths
- Moseley School and Sixth Form 0.9 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2025: 1 expected, 4 needs attention, 2 urgent improvement · 26% grade 5+ English and maths
- Queensbridge School 1.0 miles · Ofsted: Good (2023) · 46% grade 5+ English and maths
- King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls 1.1 miles · Ofsted: Outstanding (2021) · 98% grade 5+ English and maths
- King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys 1.1 miles · Ofsted: Outstanding (2023) · 97% grade 5+ English and maths
- Hall Green School 1.2 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2025) · 32% grade 5+ English and maths
- Christ Church, CofE Secondary Academy 1.3 miles · Ofsted: Requires improvement (2024)
- Aspire Ap School 1.4 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Good (2025)
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is Swanshurst School's Ofsted rating?
Swanshurst School was rated Outstanding by Ofsted at its inspection in 1 November 2017. At a shorter ungraded inspection in 15 May 2024, Ofsted found the school was still Outstanding.
How did Swanshurst School do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 51% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 5 points above the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend Swanshurst School?
85% of the 41 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 1 January 2024 and 6 January 2025 said they would recommend Swanshurst School to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is Swanshurst School oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 312 families put Swanshurst School as their first choice for 329 places: about one first-choice application for every place. 269 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 151403.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Parent views: Ofsted Parent View, 1 January 2024 to 6 January 2025.
- 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.