New exam league tables have revealed the best performing secondary schools across the West Midlands, highlighting both expected high-flyers and state schools delivering outstanding results against the odds.
State Schools Defying Expectations
While private and grammar schools naturally dominate the upper tiers of the performance lists, a closer look uncovers numerous state schools that are punching well above their weight. These institutions often operate in inner-city and town locations, confronting challenges that their selective and private counterparts typically do not face. This context makes their academic achievements particularly impressive.
The rankings were compiled based on the percentage of pupils achieving a Grade 5 or above in both English and Maths GCSEs.
Top Performers Across the Region
In Birmingham, the list is led by the King Edward VI foundation schools, alongside other prestigious names like Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls and Bishop Vesey's Grammar School. However, the top-performing mainstream schools in the city showcase remarkable success.
Bishop Walsh Catholic School in Sutton Coldfield leads this group with 63.4% of students achieving the benchmark. It is closely followed by Arthur Terry School, also in Sutton Coldfield, at 60.4%, and the Birmingham Ormiston Academy at 60.2%.
Other notable Birmingham state schools include:
- Plantsbrook School - 59.7%
- Nishkam High School - 53.7%
- Bishop Challoner Catholic College - 53.4%
- Fairfax Academy - 52.5%
- Ark St Alban's Academy - 51.9%
- Swanhurst School - 49.8%
- St Thomas Aquinas Catholic School - 48.9%
Excellence in the Black Country
The trend of exceptional state school performance continues throughout the Black Country. In Sandwell, Sandwell Academy achieved a strong result of 51.5%, with Q3 Academy Langley following at 49.6%.
Dudley's standout performer was Summerhill School, where 60.5% of pupils met the key standard. In Walsall, Barr Beacon School posted an excellent result of 62.1%, and St Francis of Assisi Catholic College recorded 57.5%.
Wolverhampton's results were led by Highfields School, which saw 58.7% of its students achieve Grade 5 or above in both core subjects.
A Celebration of Academic Achievement
These league tables not only confirm the consistent excellence of selective schools but also shine a deserved spotlight on the comprehensive and academy schools that are delivering transformative education. Their success in the face of broader challenges underscores the significant impact dedicated teaching and strong school leadership can have on student outcomes across the West Midlands.