The short version
Average GCSE results. At capacity.
- GCSE results are broadly in line with the national average (Attainment 8: 45.0 vs national 43.8)
- The school is at capacity (96% full)
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
45.0
1.2 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
38%
4.2pp vs nationalEBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
36%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
B-
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
-0.15
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
85%
Apprenticeships
Work combined with training
3%
Employment
Directly into work
2%
Not sustained
Not in education, employment or training
7%
Based on 166 leavers
Source: DfE Destination Measures 2024/25
Attendance
In practice: Pupils miss about 16 days per year on average — nearly a month of school.
22% of pupils miss 10% or more of school
4% of pupils miss half or more of school sessions
Source: DfE School Census
Staffing
On average, 17 pupils share each qualified teacher, but with teaching assistants there's 1 adult for every 12 pupils.
Staff breakdown
Plus 87 other support staff
Source: DfE School Workforce Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Academy converter
- Phase
- Secondary
- Ages
- 11–18
- Intake
- Mixed
Numbers
- Pupils
- 998
- Capacity
- 96%
- FSM
- 19.4%
- Admissions
- Non-selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Staffordshire
- Trust
- INSIGHT MULTI ACADEMY TRUST
- Head
- Mr Matthew Mason (Headteacher)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
Inspection record
Official linksSchool inspection
3 official reports linked on this page, including 2 earlier reports.
Previous reports
Location
North Avenue, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 1NR
Town setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmParkside Primary School
Primary · Very close
Tillington Manor Primary School
Primary · 816m away
Greenhall Nursery
Special school · 825m away
Greenhall
Academy · 825m away
Marshlands School
Special school · 831m away
Beaconfields Primary School
Primary · 989m away
Doxey Academy
Primary · 2.2km away
Burleyfields Primary School
Primary · 2.7km away
Questions parents ask
Is Sir Graham Balfour High School a selective school?
No. Sir Graham Balfour High School is non-selective, so admission does not depend on an entrance exam.
How many pupils attend Sir Graham Balfour High School?
Sir Graham Balfour High School currently has 998 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Sir Graham Balfour High School take?
Sir Graham Balfour High School caters for pupils aged 11 to 18. It is classified as a secondary school.
Where is Sir Graham Balfour High School?
Sir Graham Balfour High School is in Stafford, ST16 1NR, in the Staffordshire local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Sir Graham Balfour High School have a sixth form?
Yes, Sir Graham Balfour High School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
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