Birmingham's Top 12 Secondary Schools Revealed in Final GCSE Attainment 8 Rankings
The Department for Education has officially published its final Attainment 8 scores for secondary schools across Birmingham, providing a comprehensive overview of academic performance based on the 2025 GCSE exam results. These revised figures, which cover the 2024/25 academic year, incorporate adjustments following re-marks and appeals, offering a more accurate reflection of student achievements compared to the provisional data released in October.
Understanding Attainment 8 Scores
In the absence of Progress 8 scores for 2025—due to the cohort not taking Year 6 tests as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic—school performance is being evaluated using Attainment 8 scores. This metric calculates an average based on pupils' grades in compulsory English and maths GCSEs, typically double-weighted, along with their best grades in three other English Baccalaureate subjects such as sciences, languages, history, and geography. Additionally, it includes the highest marks from three additional GCSE subjects or other approved qualifications.
A school's Attainment 8 score represents the average total achieved by its GCSE cohort, providing a robust measure of academic attainment. With the final results now available, Birmingham's secondary schools have been ranked accordingly, highlighting the top performers in the region.
Top 12 Performing Schools in Birmingham
Based on the latest Attainment 8 data, the following secondary schools have excelled in the 2025 GCSE exams:
- King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls – Leading the rankings with an exceptional Attainment 8 score of 80.4.
- Sutton Coldfield Grammar School for Girls – Achieved a provisional Attainment 8 score of 79.4.
- Bishop Vesey's Grammar School – Recorded a provisional Attainment 8 score of 77.1.
- King Edward VI Five Ways School in Birmingham – Attained a provisional Attainment 8 score of 75.9.
The remaining eight schools in the top 12 list demonstrate strong academic performance, contributing to Birmingham's educational landscape. These institutions have consistently shown dedication to student success, as reflected in their high Attainment 8 scores, which underscore their commitment to excellence in secondary education.
Implications for Education in Birmingham
The release of these final Attainment 8 scores offers valuable insights for parents, educators, and policymakers. By focusing on this metric, stakeholders can better assess school performance and make informed decisions regarding educational priorities. The data highlights the ongoing efforts of Birmingham's secondary schools to maintain high standards, despite challenges posed by the pandemic.
As the city continues to invest in its educational infrastructure, these rankings serve as a benchmark for future improvements and a testament to the hard work of students and staff across the region.
