The short version
Below-average GCSE results. 87% capacity. Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted (2022).
- GCSE results are below the national average (Attainment 8: 35.0 vs national 43.8)
- Rated Requires Improvement by Ofsted in 2022
- 40% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, above the national average
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
35.0
8.8 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
26%
16.0pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
3%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
C
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.44
Band 4Source: 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
86%
Continuing education
Sixth form, FE college, or school
80%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
2%
Employment
Directly into work
5%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
8%
Based on 241 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 28 days per year on average — over a month of school.
40% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
10% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 18 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
- 1,297
- Capacity
- 87%
- FSM
- 39.8%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Walsall
- Trust
- THE MERCIAN TRUST
- Head
- Mr Matthew Everett (Principal)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
8 official reports linked on this page, including 7 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Monitoring visit
November 2023 | Monitoring Visit
School inspection: Requires Improvement
April 2022 | School Inspection
Full inspection: Requires Improvement
June 2018 | Full Inspection
Full inspection: Good
November 2014 | Full Inspection
Interim assessment
January 2013 | Interim assessment Interim assessment
Academy conversion letter
February 2012 | Academy Conversion Letter
Curriculum and development visit
November 2011 | Curriculum and development visit Curriculum and development visit
Location
Lichfield Road, Walsall Wood, Walsall, West Midlands, WS9 9PA
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmShire Oak School (A Science College)
Secondary · Very close
Walsall Wood School
Primary · 488m away
Oakwood School
Academy · 815m away
Castlefort Academy
Primary · 923m away
Millfield Primary School
Primary · 956m away
St John's Church of England Primary School
Primary · 1.0km away
Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School
Primary · 1.4km away
Ogley Hay Nursery School
Nursery · 1.4km away
Questions parents ask
Is Shire Oak Academy a selective school?
No. Shire Oak Academy is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
What is Shire Oak Academy's Ofsted rating?
Shire Oak Academy was rated Requires Improvement at its most recent inspection in January 2025. Full reports are linked on this page.
How many pupils attend Shire Oak Academy?
Shire Oak Academy currently has 1,297 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Shire Oak Academy take?
Shire Oak Academy caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Shire Oak Academy?
Shire Oak Academy is in Walsall, WS9 9PA, in the Walsall local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Shire Oak Academy have a sixth form?
Yes, Shire Oak Academy has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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