Is Birches Head Academy a good school?

Whether Birches Head Academy is a "good" school depends on the child, but the evidence is: Ofsted rated it "Inadequate" in 2023. Compare its Ofsted rating, exam results and student score on y.school before deciding.

What do students think of Birches Head Academy?

Birches Head Academy is collecting anonymous student ratings across teaching, culture, support, fairness, environment, and opportunity on y.school.

What is Birches Head Academy's student score?

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What is Birches Head Academy's Ofsted rating?

Birches Head Academy was rated "Inadequate" by Ofsted (inspected 2023).

Where is Birches Head Academy located?

Birches Head Academy is located in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, West Midlands, ST2 8DD.

What age range does Birches Head Academy serve?

Birches Head Academy serves students aged 11 to 16.

How can I rate Birches Head Academy?

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Birches Head Academy — Ofsted Rating, Results & School Data

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Overall Score

2.4/10Poor

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About Birches Head Academy

Birches Head Academy is a secondary academy in Stoke-on-Trent, West Midlands. It has not yet been rated by students on y.school. Be the first to rate this academy and help other students and parents understand what the school experience is really like.

In terms of academic performance, Birches Head Academy has a Progress 8 score of -0.95 (below the national average), an Attainment 8 score of 30.2, 32% of students achieving grade 4+ in English and Maths.

The school has 451 pupils on roll, a teacher turnover rate of 38.3%, 23% of pupils eligible for free school meals, an overall absence rate of 15.2%.

All student scores on y.school are calculated from anonymous ratings using a transparent, deterministic methodology. Scores are freshness-weighted (18-month half-life) and include confidence tiers based on sample size, diversity, and consistency. For full details, see the y.school methodology.

OfstedInadequate · 2023Progress 8-0.95Attendance84.8%

Profile completeness: 5 of 8 data domains · Good coverage

Exam & assessment results

Data Explorer

2.4

Poor

/ 10

Data Score

Computed from 19 government data points. Not based on student reviews.

Solid56% data coverage

Source: DfE / Ofsted · context only

Latest government data shown is for the 2024/25 academic year; some figures cover earlier years.

Is it a fit?

What kind of school is Birches Head Academy?

The practical facts that decide whether a school suits your family — at a glance.

Ages: 11–16
Intake: Co-ed
Admissions: Non-selective (state)
Character: Non-faith
Sixth form: No (to 16)
Size: 451 pupils
SEN support: 15% of pupils

Likely a good fit for

Families wanting a smaller school — 451 pupils on roll.

Based on the latest government data. Every child is different — use this as a starting point, not a verdict.

The area around this school

Environment score: 47/100

Average surroundings

Air quality42/100

Transport access13/100

Results, finance & Ofsted — in depth

GCSE Results at Birches Head Academy

Birches Head Academy has a Progress 8 score of -0.95, which is below the national average of 0. Progress 8 measures how much progress students make between the end of Key Stage 2 and their GCSE results, compared to students with similar starting points nationally.

The school's Attainment 8 score is 30.2. Attainment 8 measures the average achievement of students across 8 qualifications including English, Maths, three EBacc subjects, and three open group qualifications.

32% of students at Birches Head Academy achieved grade 4 or above in both English and Maths GCSEs.

Attendance at Birches Head Academy

Birches Head Academy has an overall absence rate of 15.2%. The national average for secondary schools was approximately 8.5% (DfE, 2023/24).

Staff and Finance at Birches Head Academy

The teacher turnover rate at Birches Head Academy is 38.3%. This measures the percentage of teachers who left the school in the past year.

Demographics at Birches Head Academy

Birches Head Academy has 451 pupils on roll.

23% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, which is used as a proxy for socioeconomic disadvantage.

15% of pupils receive SEN (Special Educational Needs) support or have an Education, Health and Care plan.

Birches Head Academy Ofsted Rating: Inadequate

Birches Head Academy was rated "Inadequate" by Ofsted following an inspection in October 2023 (2 years ago). Based on Ofsted's inspection cycle, Birches Head Academy is overdue for reinspection.

An "Inadequate" rating is the lowest Ofsted judgement, indicating serious concerns about the quality of education or safeguarding. The school will receive intensive monitoring and may be placed in special measures.

Birches Head Academy