In the heart of Alum Rock, where the red-brick terraces of Birmingham East meet a thriving local community, Eden Boys' Leadership Academy has rapidly established itself as a beacon of academic ambition. Opened in 2018 as part of the Star Academies trust, the school serves 800 students with a curriculum that prioritises both secular achievement and Islamic values. The results tell a compelling story. Ranked 792nd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the academy sits comfortably within the top 25% of schools in England.
The atmosphere is one of disciplined calm. Students move through the Alum Rock Road site with purpose, reflecting the school's core mission to develop tomorrow's leaders. Since its inception, the academy has been oversubscribed, reflecting its status as a first-choice institution for families seeking a blend of rigorous academics and strong moral grounding.
The academy operates under the Star Academies framework, which is known for its high-performance culture and focus on social mobility. This is not a school that permits coasting. The environment is professional, mirroring the leadership aspirations it holds for its students.
The Principal, Mr Akhmed Hussain, has overseen the school since January 2020. Under his leadership, the academy received its first Ofsted inspection in January 2023 and was judged Outstanding in every category. The academy's identity is deeply rooted in its Islamic character, which is integrated through daily reflections and a commitment to service. However, the school remains inclusive, focusing on Star Values such as Service, Teamwork, Ambition, and Respect. These values are visible in the conduct of the students, who are expected to act as ambassadors for their community.
The physical setting on Alum Rock Road is compact but efficiently managed, with modern specialist classrooms and dedicated spaces for prayer and reflection. The transition from the bustling local streets to the quiet, focused corridors of the academy is striking, creating a sanctuary for learning.
Eden Boys' Leadership Academy delivers performance that sits well above the England average. In the most recent validated data, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 58.9, significantly outperforming the local and England benchmarks.
The school ranks 18th among all secondary schools in Birmingham for GCSE outcomes. This performance reflects a national strong standing, placing the school above the England average (top 25%). Even more impressive is the Progress 8 score of +0.97. This indicates that students at Eden Boys' make nearly a full grade more progress across their subjects than similar students in other schools in England.
For the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), the school maintains a rigorous academic core, with an EBacc Average Point Score (APS) of 5.39, well ahead of the England average of 4.08. This suggests a curriculum that does not shy away from challenging traditional subjects.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum is built around the Star Baccalaureate, which ensures students study a broad range of academic subjects including humanities and modern foreign languages. Science is a particular strength, with many students following triple science pathways that lead to high-level attainment.
Teaching is structured and data-driven. Teachers use frequent low-stakes testing to identify gaps in knowledge, ensuring no student is left behind. The academy also places a significant emphasis on literacy and oratory skills. The leadership aspect of the school's name is evidenced here; students are regularly challenged to present their ideas, engage in formal debate, and lead assemblies.
Support for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) is integrated into the main classroom experience. The school avoids unnecessary withdrawal from lessons, preferring to provide high-quality scaffolding within the standard curriculum to ensure all students can access the same ambitious material.
Quality of Education
Outstanding
Behaviour & Attitudes
Outstanding
Personal Development
Outstanding
Leadership & Management
Outstanding
As a relatively new school that has only recently expanded into post-16 provision, the destinations data is still maturing. However, the academy's strong GCSE foundation ensures a robust pipeline into prestigious local sixth forms and its own growing 16-18 offering.
Most students progress to A-level pathways with a focus on STEM subjects and medicine, reflecting the high academic aspirations of the student body. The school provides early careers guidance, including visits to the University of Birmingham and Aston University, to ensure students are aiming for Russell Group institutions.
Securing a place at Eden Boys' Leadership Academy is a significant challenge for local families. For the most recent intake, the school received 941 applications for just 124 places. This equates to over seven applications for every available seat, making it one of the most oversubscribed schools in Birmingham.
The proportion of first-preference applications versus offers is 3.36, meaning that even for those who put the school as their top choice, the odds are nearly three to one against securing a spot. Admissions are coordinated by Birmingham City Council. Priority is given to looked-after children and those with siblings already at the school, followed by those who live closest.
Parents are encouraged to use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates, though the intense demand means that only those living very close to the Alum Rock locality are typically successful.
Applications
941
Total received
Places Offered
124
Subscription Rate
7.6x
Apps per place
The academy's pastoral system is organised into Learning Communities. This structure ensures that every boy is known by a consistent team of staff who monitor both academic progress and emotional wellbeing.
The school's Islamic character provides a strong framework for pastoral care. Daily form time includes Faith Excellence sessions, which focus on character development and moral dilemmas. Students report feeling safe and supported within the school community. The academy also offers a range of wellbeing initiatives, including a Reflection Room for students who need a quiet space during the day.
The Star Leadership programme is the cornerstone of extracurricular life. This includes the Star Awards, where students earn credits for community service, physical activity, and developing new skills.
The academy excels in STEM enrichment. The Robotics Club is a popular choice, where students build and programme units for regional competitions. The school also participates in the Big Bang science fair and maintains strong links with local engineering firms in the West Midlands.
Beyond science, the school offers a variety of clubs including:
The school day begins at 8:00am and finishes at 3:00pm, though many students remain for Star Hour interventions or leadership clubs until 4:00pm. On Fridays, the school typically finishes earlier to allow for communal prayers.
The academy does not have the capacity to supervise students before 7:45am or after school hours unless they are in a scheduled intervention. Transport is well-served by local bus routes along Alum Rock Road.
Eden Boys' Leadership Academy is an academic powerhouse that has quickly become a cornerstone of the Birmingham East educational landscape. It offers a rare combination of exceptional progress scores, a disciplined environment, and a clear focus on character. Best suited to academically capable boys and families who value a structured, faith-aligned education and have the ambition to match the school's high targets. Admission remains the primary hurdle; for those who secure a place, the educational journey is transformative.
Yes, it is considered exceptional. The academy is currently rated Outstanding by Ofsted (January 2023) and its academic results place it in the top 25% of schools in England. With a Progress 8 score of +0.97, students make significantly more progress than the England average.
There is no formal catchment boundary, but admission is based largely on distance from the school. Because the school is so oversubscribed (receiving over 900 applications for 124 places), the last distance offered tends to be very short. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.
The academy has an Islamic ethos that informs its values and daily routines. This includes daily prayers, the study of Islamic values through the Faith Excellence programme, and a focus on community service. It is a school for boys that welcomes those of all faiths or none, provided they respect the Islamic character.
The results are very strong. The school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 58.9 in 2024, which is well above the England average. It is ranked 18th in Birmingham for secondary outcomes, reflecting its status as a high-performing academy.
Yes, the academy provides post-16 education, allowing students to continue their studies in a familiar environment. The sixth form focuses primarily on academic A-levels and preparing students for university entry.
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