Ormiston Forge Academy
Wrights Lane, Cradley Heath, B64 6QUOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Ormiston Forge Academy is a secondary school in Cradley Heath for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 133 schools in Sandwell. It ranks 13th of 19 secondary schools in Sandwell. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in March 2016.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 22 March 2016, report published 21 April 2016
- Overall effectiveness
- Good
- Leadership and management
- Good
- Sixth form provision
- Good
- Safeguarding
- Met
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 29 April 2025
Ormiston Forge Academy is a place where everyone is valued and included. Pupils understand and follow the school values of resilience, aspiration and respect. Relationships between pupils and staff are warm and respectful. Pupils focus on their learning well. Staff and pupils share the same high aspirations. In the past, in a small number of subjects, some pupils have not achieved well. However, the school's work in addressing this has been effective. All pupils who spoke to inspectors say this is a positive environment to learn in. There is a purposeful atmosphere around the school. Pupils' attitudes to learning are positive. The majority of pupils show respectful behaviour during structured lesson times. During unstructured times, such as breaktimes and lunchtime, they behave sensibly. If pupils struggle with their behaviour, staff work effectively with them and help them to improve. This maintains the positive behaviours around school. Pupils are safe. They know who to talk to about any concerns they have. The school places a strong emphasis on pupils' personal development. This includes mental health and well-being. Pupils can clearly explain their understanding of diversity and equality in society. Leadership opportunities include sixth-form student 'peer readers' and 'numeracy mentors' supporting younger pupils. Pupils regularly take part in activities such as darts, gardening and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
What the school should improve
- Some pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND, do not attend school as well as they should. This affects their learning and achievement. The school should further build on its current work with parents and external agencies to ensure the barriers that stop pupils attending school are removed.
- The school has not fully embedded its support for pupils who struggle to read and has not fully developed a wider culture of reading among pupils. This means that some pupils still find reading difficult and not everyone sees the richness that reading for pleasure can bring. The school should ensure that all pupils who struggle to read benefit from the support in place and that reading for pleasure continues to be developed across the school.
Exam results
GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25
294 pupils in the year group
A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25
55 students
Average A level grade C-, England average B-
Pupil numbers and mix
1,643 pupils on roll, with places for 1,950
Schools near Ormiston Forge Academy
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impact Independent School | 0.2 miles | Report card: Needs attention to expected standard | Attainment 8: 3.7 |
| St Michael's Church of England High School | 0.8 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 48.9 |
| The Link Academy | 2 miles | Report card: Expected standard to strong standard | Attainment 8: 40.4 |
| The Earls High School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 48.2 |
| Windsor High School and Sixth Form | 2 miles | Ofsted judgements: Outstanding | Attainment 8: 46.5 |
School details
- School type
- Academy sponsor led
- Sector
- Academy
- Trust
- ORMISTON ACADEMIES TRUST
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Gender
- Mixed
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Headteacher
- Dr Lisa Mason
- Phone
- 01384566598
- Address
- Wrights Lane, Cradley Heath, B64 6QU
- Local authority
- Sandwell
- URN
- 137673
School details from Get Information about Schools, 17 September 2026. Ofsted outcomes published to 31 August 2026. Exam results for 2024/25 from the Department for Education. Pupil mix from the school census, 2025/26.