Park Hall Academy

  • Secondary
  • Academy
  • Ages 11 to 18
Ofsted: Good

Water Orton Road, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, B36 9HFOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)

Park Hall Academy is a secondary school in Birmingham for ages 11 to 18. It is one of the 89 schools in Solihull. It ranks 39th of 87 secondary schools in Birmingham. Its latest Ofsted rating is Good, from an inspection in November 2017.

Ofsted inspection

Inspected 16 November 2017, report published 6 December 2017

Overall effectiveness
Good
Leadership and management
Good
Sixth form provision
Good
Safeguarding
Met

What Ofsted said

From the inspection on 17 May 2023

Pupils are proud to be a part of this vibrant and inclusive school. Staff have high expectations for pupils, and put their interests at the heart of all that they do. Pupils are friendly and respectful. They feel safe in school and know who to speak to if they have any worries. Leaders have created a purposeful start to the school day which is based on the 'learning pride' behaviours of participation, respect, independence, determination and energy. Leaders 'meet and greet' pupils in the morning, check their uniform and equipment, and offer them a bagel. All of this sets pupils up well for the start to their day. There is a range of extra-curricular activities for pupils to take part in, such as choir, dance and drumming. The interests of all pupils are taken into account. For example, clubs such as role playing games and chess are particularly well attended by all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). Sixth-form students benefit from an enrichment programme and leadership opportunities. They are role models for their younger peers and organise events with them. This includes cultural events and fundraising for charities.

What the school should improve

  • At times, teachers do not routinely check that all pupils have a secure understanding of what they are learning before moving on. This means that errors and misconceptions are not picked up quickly and can persist. Leaders should ensure that teachers systematically check pupils' understanding so that they can spot potential gaps in knowledge and address them immediately.
  • Leaders are still in the process of developing their approach to helping pupils read more widely and for pleasure. At present, not enough pupils are reading for enjoyment. Leaders should ensure that pupils have opportunities to read more widely in order to expand their horizons.

Exam results

GCSE results (key stage 4), 2024/25

199 pupils in the year group

Attainment 8 score45.6

45.6, 0.5 below the England average of 46.1.

Grade 5 or above in English and maths41.2%

41.2%, 4.2 percentage points below the England average of 45.4%.

Grade 4 or above in English and maths63.3%

63.3%, 1.5 percentage points below the England average of 64.8%.

Pupils entering the EBacc24.6%

24.6%, 15.9 percentage points below the England average of 40.5%.

EBacc average point score3.74

3.74, 0.35 below the England average of 4.09.

A level results (key stage 5), 2024/25

49 students

Average point score per A level entry33.47

33.47, 1.53 below the England average of 35.00.

Average A level grade C+, England average B-

Pupil numbers and mix

1,269 pupils on roll, with places for 1,450

Eligible for free school meals33.4%

33.4%, 6.9 percentage points above the England average of 26.5%.

English as an additional language5.8%

5.8%, 15.8 percentage points below the England average of 21.6%.

Special educational needs support16.5%

16.5%, 1.7 percentage points above the England average of 14.8%.

Education, health and care plan2.1%

2.1%, 3.9 percentage points below the England average of 6%.

Schools near Park Hall Academy

SchoolDistanceOfstedResults
Lift Greenwood1 mileReport card: Needs attention to expected standardAttainment 8: 31.8
Smith's Wood Academy1 mileReport card: Needs attention to expected standardAttainment 8: 32.2
Tudor Grange Academy Kingshurst2 milesOfsted judgements: Requires improvement to goodAttainment 8: 31.9
John Henry Newman Catholic College2 milesReport card: Needs attention to expected standardAttainment 8: 43.6
Tile Cross Academy2 milesOfsted: GoodAttainment 8: 35.6

School details

School type
Academy sponsor led
Sector
Academy
Trust
ARDEN MULTI ACADEMY TRUST
Age range
11 to 18
Gender
Mixed
Sixth form
Yes
Headteacher
Dr Toby Close
Address
Water Orton Road, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, B36 9HF
Local authority
Solihull
URN
135971

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.