Priestley Smith School
Perry Beeches Campus, Beeches Road, Great Barr, Birmingham, B42 2PYOpen in maps (opens in a new tab)
Priestley Smith School is a special school in Birmingham for ages 2 to 19. It is one of the 501 schools in Birmingham. Its latest Ofsted rating is Outstanding, from an inspection in January 2015.
Ofsted inspection
Inspected 28 January 2015, report published 25 February 2015
- Overall effectiveness
- Outstanding
- Leadership and management
- Outstanding
- Early years provision
- Outstanding
- Sixth form provision
- Outstanding
What Ofsted said
From the inspection on 8 October 2024
The Priestley Smith School is a wonderful place to learn. All pupils have a visual impairment. Through the school's work, all pupils flourish. Staff, parents, carers and pupils are proud to be part of the school. The school has high expectations for all pupils. Staff spend time getting to know each pupil. The quality of care and education is exceptional. Innovative adaptations help pupils access learning. A reprographics team create resources that engage and excite pupils. Pupils use assistive technology to access the curriculum. For example, when visiting the local supermarket, pupils use apps to scan and identify different products. As a result of this, pupils venture into the community with determination and confidence. Pupils access a range of enrichment activities. This includes swimming, individual Braille support, speech and language therapy, and instrumental lessons. Pupils take part in adventurous activities such as rock climbing, den building, abseiling and cave crawling. This impressive work helps develop pupils' resilience and strength of character. Pupil and staff relationships are a strength. Pupils enjoy working together and playing together. Pupils feel safe and understood. The environment is purposeful and pupils are well supported in all areas of the school.
Exam results
SATs results (key stage 2), 2024/25
10 pupils took the tests
Pupil numbers and mix
94 pupils on roll, with places for 90
Schools near Priestley Smith School
| School | Distance | Ofsted | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Bridge School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | 0% met the expected standard |
| Wilson Stuart School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Outstanding | Attainment 8: 1.5 |
| The Pines Special School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Good | Attainment 8: 4.4 |
| Mayfield School | 2 miles | Ofsted: Requires improvement | 0% met the expected standard |
| Hamilton School | 3 miles | Ofsted judgements: Requires improvement to good | 0% met the expected standard |
School details
- School type
- Community special school
- Sector
- Local authority maintained
- Age range
- 2 to 19
- Gender
- Mixed
- Headteacher
- Mrs Joanna Garvey
- Phone
- 01213253900
- Address
- Perry Beeches Campus, Beeches Road, Great Barr, Birmingham, B42 2PY
- Local authority
- Birmingham
- URN
- 103614
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.