New rankings of GCSE performance across England place Birmingham as the highest-ranked West Midlands area, with 74.6% of pupils achieving grade 5 or above in English and maths. The city secured 26th place in a national table of 70 towns and cities, while Wolverhampton ranked 57th with 69.9%.
The analysis, conducted by Chapel and Tuck, is based on 2023/24 results and provides a detailed comparison of academic achievement across England. Chelmsford topped the national list with 82.5% of pupils reaching the benchmark, a figure that experts said makes the city "stand out for its academic results".
West Midlands performance breakdown
Beyond Birmingham, the region's other major urban areas recorded similar outcomes. Dudley achieved 70.1% of pupils gaining grade 5 or above, while Walsall followed closely at 70%. Both areas were placed in the lower half of the national table.
Wolverhampton's 69.9% placed it 57th out of the 70 ranked cities, putting the city near the bottom of the list. All three Black Country areas – Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton – featured towards the lower end of the rankings, according to the data.
What the rankings mean for families
The findings offer families guidance when choosing where to live, as access to strong schools remains one of the most significant factors in residential decisions. The Chapel and Tuck analysis provides insight for parents evaluating areas for their children's education.
Birmingham's higher position was likely supported by its prestigious grammar and private schools, which contributed to the city's overall performance. The city's 74.6% pass rate placed it comfortably ahead of other West Midlands locations in the national comparison.
The rankings cover towns and cities across England, using grade 5 and above passes in English and maths as the key measure of success. The data reflects the 2023/24 academic year, offering a recent snapshot of school performance in each area.
For parents considering relocation within the West Midlands, the table highlights notable differences between neighbouring areas. Birmingham leads the region, while the Black Country towns of Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton cluster together at the lower end of the scale.
The full national breakdown, published by the analysis firm, allows families to compare all 70 locations and assess which areas align with their educational priorities. The rankings underscore the importance of school performance in regional property and family planning decisions.
