Birches Head Academy
Academy converter11-16Faith priority
Birches Head Road, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST2 8DD
Headteacher: Mr Paul MasherSchool website ↗Pupils: 199 (capacity: 1040)Part of FRANK FIELD EDUCATION TRUST
Ofsted Rating Inspected 3 October 2023Full report ↗
Inadequate
From September 2024, Ofsted no longer makes an overall effectiveness judgement in inspections.
Quality of Teaching
Requires Improvement
Behaviour in School
Inadequate
Pupils' Wider Development
Requires Improvement
School Leadership
Requires Improvement
GCSE Results (2024/25)
GCSE results for Year 11 pupils. National averages shown for comparison.
Progress 8 scores for 2024/25 are not used for accountability purposes following the KS2 assessment disruption. Treat with caution.
Attainment 8ⓘAttainment 8Average grade across a pupil's best 8 GCSEs, including English and MathsEach GCSE grade is converted to a points score (grade 9 = 9 points, grade 1 = 1 point). The national average is around 46.
31.3
English & Maths Grade 4+ⓘEnglish & Maths — Grade 4+ (Standard Pass)% of pupils achieving at least a grade 4 in both English and MathsGrade 4 is the minimum "standard pass". Employers and colleges often require grade 4 in English and Maths.
39.2%
English & Maths Grade 5+ⓘEnglish & Maths — Grade 5+ (Strong Pass)% of pupils achieving at least a grade 5 in both English and MathsGrade 5 is a "strong pass". Many sixth forms and universities expect grade 5 in English and Maths.
17.1%
English Baccalaureate (EBacc)ⓘEBacc Entry% of pupils who entered the English Baccalaureate — a set of GCSE subjects covering English, Maths, Sciences, a Language, and HumanitiesEBacc entry keeps academic options open post-16. It is not a separate qualification.
Pupils entered for EBacc25.6%
EBacc Grade 4+10.1%
EBacc Grade 5+4.0%
EBacc average point score2.62
Results Over Time
Admissions
Faith priority — This school has a faith-based admissions priority (None).
Year 7 places per year (PAN)
189
Total applications
215
1st preference applications
86
Families who got their first choice
0.5%
✓ Places were available last year
Historical distance cut-off data is not available for this school. Contact the admissions authority for oversubscription criteria details.
Wellbeing & Context
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Pupils receiving SEN supportⓘSEN Support% of pupils receiving SEN (Special Educational Needs) support without a formal planThese pupils need extra help but do not yet have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
15.6%
SEN support without an EHCP
Pupils with an EHCPⓘEducation, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)% of pupils with a formal EHCP — a legal plan for pupils with significant additional needs
2.0%
Education, Health and Care Plan
Total pupils
199
Capacity: 1040
Location
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Historical Results
| Year | Attainment 8 | Progress 8 | Eng & Maths 4+ | EBacc entry % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023/24 | - | - | - | - |
| 2024/25 | 31.3 | - | 39.2% | 25.6% |