A newly published league table for 2025 has identified 34 secondary schools in and around Birmingham that are among the lowest performers in England based on GCSE results.
New 40-Point System Replaces Ofsted Ratings
With Ofsted no longer publishing its single-word ratings, The Telegraph has created a unique 40-point scoring system to rank state secondaries across the country. This new framework is built on ten key indicators, including GCSE results, class sizes, and pupil progress. Out of nearly 3,500 schools assessed nationally, only five achieved the top score of 40 points.
The league table is designed to help parents in Birmingham compare local schools against national standards, enabling them to make more informed choices about their children's education.
Birmingham's Educational Challenges Highlighted
The analysis brings the city's educational challenges into sharp focus, listing the local institutions rated as 'well below average' or 'below average'. Secondary school is a critical phase that shapes a child's GCSE performance and future opportunities, making these findings particularly significant for the community.
The following schools were highlighted as some of the worst local performers in no particular order:
- South and City College Birmingham, Digbeth - Rated 'Well below average' with a score of 11/40 and an Attainment 8 score of 11.5.
- Waverley Studio College, Bordesley Green - Rated 'Well below average' with a score of 12/40 and an Attainment 8 score of 26.5.
- Smith's Wood Academy, Solihull - Rated 'Well below average' with a score of 14/40 and an Attainment 8 score of 30.
- Bournville School, Bournville - Rated 'Well below average' with a score of 14/40 and an Attainment 8 score of 31.7.
A common factor among these schools is a lower percentage of pupils achieving a grade 5 or higher in the English Baccalaureate subjects.
What This Means for Parents and the Community
The revelation of these 34 underperforming schools provides crucial data for parents and policymakers. It underscores the need for focused support and resources to address the educational disparities within the Birmingham area. The full national league table offers a broader context for these local results.
