The short version
Average GCSE results. At capacity. Rated Good by Ofsted (2020).
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 43.2 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Good by Ofsted in 2020
- The school is at capacity (102% full)
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
43.2
0.6 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
33%
8.6pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
37%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C+
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.17
Band 3Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Post-GCSE Destinations
These figures track pupils 6 months after leaving. Source: DfE destination measures.
Sustained destination
In education, employment or training
90%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
87%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
2%
Employment
Directly into work
1%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
6%
Based on 208 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 13 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
18% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
2% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 16 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 12 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 109 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 1,271
- Capacity
- 100%
- FSM
- 58.8%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Birmingham
- Trust
- CENTRAL REGION SCHOOLS TRUST
- Head
- Mr David Knox (Principal)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
7 official reports linked on this page, including 6 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Full inspection: Good
February 2020 | Full Inspection
Monitoring visit
December 2017 | Monitoring Visit
Monitoring visit
April 2015 | Monitoring Visit
Full inspection: Outstanding
December 2013 | Full Inspection
Academy conversion letter
February 2012 | Academy Conversion Letter
Interim assessment
January 2012 | Interim assessment Interim assessment
Location
Milestone Lane, Handsworth, Birmingham, West Midlands, B21 0HN
Town setting
Questions parents ask
Is Holyhead School a selective school?
No. Holyhead School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Holyhead School's Ofsted rating?
Holyhead School was rated Good at its most recent inspection in May 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Holyhead School?
Holyhead School currently has 1,271 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Holyhead School take?
Holyhead School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Holyhead School?
Holyhead School is in Birmingham, B21 0HN, in the Birmingham local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Holyhead School have a sixth form?
Yes, Holyhead School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
Premium school profiles
Researching a selective school?
We hold deep admissions intelligence on the UK's top selective schools — exam breakdowns, interview formats, and parent strategy briefs.