New government data has identified the top-performing primary schools in Birmingham as the city looks ahead to the 2026 academic year. The Department for Education (DfE) has published its latest primary school performance tables, ranking institutions based on Key Stage 2 assessment results from the summer of 2025.
How Schools Are Measured and Ranked
The rankings are determined by the proportion of Year 6 pupils who met the government's 'expected standard'. To reach this benchmark, children must achieve a scaled score of 100 or more in both their reading and maths SATs tests. Additionally, their teacher must assess them as 'working at the expected standard' or better in writing.
A higher tier of achievement, known as the 'higher standard', is awarded to pupils who score 110 or more in reading and maths and are judged by their teacher to be 'working at a greater depth within the expected standard' in writing. Each school in the league table receives an overall score out of 120.
Birmingham's Leading Primary Schools
The data highlights 27 schools that are setting the educational pace in the region. Topping the list is Cromwell Junior and Infants School in Nechells, where an impressive 97% of pupils met the expected standards. Of these, 20% were assessed as reaching the higher standard.
Close behind is The Olive School in Small Heath, which also saw 97% of its students reach the expected standard. Notably, this school reported a significantly higher proportion of pupils excelling, with 33% achieving the higher standard.
Other high performers include:
- Four Oaks Primary School: 93% met expected standards, 23% higher standard.
- St James' Catholic Primary School in Rednal: 93% met expected standards, 17% higher standard.
The full list of 27 schools provides a crucial snapshot for parents and educators of where pupils are achieving the strongest academic outcomes at the end of their primary education.
What This Means for Birmingham's Education Landscape
This annual data release offers a vital benchmark for school performance. For families, it provides evidence-based insight when considering educational options. For schools and local authorities, it highlights areas of excellence and potential focus for improvement.
The results, based on assessments taken in the summer of 2025 and published in December 2025, will inform decisions and planning as Birmingham's primary schools prepare for the 2026 school year. The sustained high performance across multiple institutions suggests a robust primary education sector within the city, with several schools enabling a substantial cohort of pupils to perform beyond national expectations.
