Chilcote Primary School Review 2026: An Elite Haven for Academic Achievement

Consistently ranking among the highest-performing schools in England, Chilcote Primary School occupies a leafy, residential site in Hall Green, Birmingham. With an intake of 60 pupils per year, it operates as a two-form entry school that manages to feel significantly smaller than its 446-pupil capacity suggests. Academic performance is nothing short of elite, with Key Stage 2 results regularly placing the school in the top tier of primaries in England.

Mrs Debbie Doherty has led the school as Head Teacher since 2013, providing over a decade of stability that has seen the school maintain its reputation for both rigour and care. The campus features distinct areas for different age groups, including a dedicated nursery building and expansive green play spaces that allow for outdoor learning throughout the year. For families seeking a state education that rivals the outcomes of the independent sector, Chilcote is a premier choice in the West Midlands.

The atmosphere at Chilcote is purposeful and calm, characterized by an environment where high expectations are matched by strong pastoral support. As a mainstream community school with no religious character, it serves a diverse local population, fostering a culture of mutual respect and shared ambition. The physical environment is well-maintained, featuring bright classrooms and specialized areas for music and computing that reflect a commitment to a broad curriculum.

The school motto, Working Together for Success, is more than a slogan; it defines the collaborative relationship between staff, pupils, and parents. Leadership is visible and approachable, with a long-standing senior team that ensures consistency in behaviour and teaching standards. This stability creates a secure environment where pupils feel confident to take risks in their learning. Recent inspections highlight that pupils develop a deep understanding of respect, inclusion, and togetherness.

The 2024 Key Stage 2 results tell a story of exceptional achievement. Chilcote Primary School ranks 154th in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and holds the 2nd position among over 300 schools in Birmingham. This places the school in the elite tier, placing it in the top 2% of schools in England.

Data from 2024 shows that 91% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined. This is significantly higher than the England average of 62%. Performance at the higher standard is even more striking; 47% of pupils achieved the higher standard in all three subjects, compared to the England average of just 8%.

Scaled scores further confirm this academic depth. The average scaled score in reading was 111, and in mathematics, it was 110, both comfortably exceeding the England average of 105 and 104 respectively.

Teaching at Chilcote is characterized by expert subject knowledge and a structured approach to the core curriculum. Reading is prioritized from the earliest years, with a highly effective phonics programme that ensures pupils become fluent readers quickly. The school uses a mastery approach to mathematics, which encourages deep understanding rather than rote learning, evidenced by the 58% of pupils achieving a high score in the subject.

The curriculum is enriched by specialist input in areas such as music and physical education. External assessments highlight that the school has designed a broad and rich curriculum where staff deliver lessons skilfully and revisit key knowledge. Pupils engage in a wide range of subjects, and the school makes excellent use of its ICT suite to integrate digital literacy into daily lessons. Progress is tracked meticulously, allowing teachers to provide targeted support to those who need it while ensuring the most able pupils are sufficiently challenged.

Nursery Provision

The nursery at Chilcote is a key strength, providing a seamless transition into the main school. Located in its own purpose-built facility on the school grounds, the nursery environment is designed to stimulate curiosity and develop early communication skills. Staff in the nursery are highly experienced practitioners who focus on the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework through a blend of structured play and teacher-led activities.

While the nursery is integrated into the school’s leadership structure, it maintains its own distinct feel, with age-appropriate outdoor equipment and sensory play areas. For nursery fee details, parents should visit the school website directly. Government-funded hours are available for eligible families; see our guide to nursery funding for further information on eligibility.

Extracurricular life is vibrant, with a range of clubs that cater to diverse interests. The school has a strong reputation for sport, utilizing its large playing fields for football, athletics, and netball fixtures. Specialized clubs such as the Chilcote Choir and various instrumental ensembles allow pupils to develop their musical talents, with regular performances for parents and the local community.

STEM excellence is a growing area of focus. The school hosts an annual Science Week and offers a popular Coding Club where pupils use platforms to develop early programming skills. These activities are designed to build confidence and teamwork, ensuring that pupils leave Chilcote with a broad range of interests beyond their academic achievements.

Securing a place at Chilcote is a significant challenge. For the most recent intake, the school received 165 applications for just 60 places, making it heavily oversubscribed. Admissions are coordinated by Birmingham City Council, and after looked-after children and siblings are prioritized, places are allocated based on distance from the school.

The subscription proportion of 2.75 applications per place indicates that nearly two-thirds of applicants are unsuccessful. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to previous intake patterns. In 2024, the school was significantly oversubscribed. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Wellbeing is central to the school's mission. Each class is supported by a teaching assistant, ensuring a high adult-to-pupil ratio that allows for individualized attention. The school's behaviour policy is based on positive reinforcement, and pupils are encouraged to take on leadership roles, such as serving on the School Council or acting as Peer Mediators.

The school identifies and supports pupils with special educational needs (SEN) early, with a dedicated SENCO who works closely with families and external agencies to ensure every child has access to the full curriculum. Personal development was rated as Outstanding in the 2025 inspection, reflecting the school's commitment to nurturing the whole child.

The school day typically runs from 8:45am to 3:15pm. Chilcote offers comprehensive wraparound care, including a Breakfast Club starting at 7:45am and an After School Club that runs until 5:45pm, both of which are located on-site and managed by school staff. Transport is primarily local, with the school situated at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac; parents are encouraged to walk where possible to alleviate traffic congestion on Chilcote Close.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded community school, Chilcote Primary School does not charge tuition fees. Education is funded by the local authority, ensuring that all pupils have access to its high-quality provision regardless of their financial background.

Associated costs are kept to a minimum. Families may need to budget for the school uniform, optional music lessons, and voluntary contributions for school trips. For families eligible for Free School Meals, the school provides additional support through the Pupil Premium grant, which can help cover the costs of uniform and enrichment activities.

• Intense competition for places. With nearly three applicants for every Reception place, living within the immediate vicinity is generally essential. Distance criteria vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.
• High academic pace. The school's elite ranking reflects a fast-moving curriculum. While support is excellent, the environment is best suited to pupils who respond well to a challenging and structured learning pace.
• Limited parking. The school is located in a narrow residential close, which makes drop-off and pick-up times congested. Families living further away should factor in extra time for parking in the surrounding streets.

Chilcote Primary School is an academic powerhouse that manages to maintain a warm and inclusive community feel. Its ranking in the top 2% of schools in England is a testament to stable leadership and high-quality teaching. This school is best suited to local families who value academic excellence and a traditional, well-ordered environment. For those who secure a place, the educational foundation provided is among the strongest available in the state sector.