Highclare School has operated since 1932, when Mrs Pullen founded the original institution on Birmingham Road as a vision for educating young people with individual care and attention. Now spread across three sites in Sutton Coldfield and Erdington, the school serves approximately 500 pupils aged 2 to 18 within West Midlands. Its positioning as an all-through independent school allows continuity of learning from nursery through to sixth form without the disruption of transitions between separate schools.
The April 2023 ISI inspection awarded the school excellent judgements for both academic achievement and personal development, confirming what parents already observe: a place where academic rigour and pastoral warmth coexist. Results place Highclare in the solid middle tier nationally (FindMySchool ranking: 1,604th in England for GCSE, 1,104th for A-level), reflecting a school committed to progress from each pupil's starting point rather than raw academic selection. Three distinct sites mean class sizes remain intimate, typically fewer than 22 pupils per class, with strong staff-to-pupil ratios throughout.
The school's motto, Facta non Verba (Actions speak louder than words), underpins its approach. Over 60 clubs operate weekly, ranging from traditional sports to niche interests like astronomy and environmental activism. Fees for the 2025-26 academic year start at £2,952 per term for reception and rise to £6,840 per term for the senior school and sixth form, with bursaries available to families from lower-income backgrounds and scholarships recognising exceptional talent.
The three-site model creates what the school deliberately terms a family atmosphere. Unlike sprawling single-campus institutions, Highclare maintains smaller communities at Highclare St Paul's and Highclare Woodfield in Sutton Coldfield, with Highclare Senior School and Sixth Form in nearby Erdington. This distributed approach means staff genuinely know pupils, parents interact directly with leadership, and transition between years involves moving within a familiar educational community rather than to a wholly new institution.
Miss Francine Smith took over as head in January 2024, arriving from Fulneck School with a background in education leadership. Her arrival signalled continuity rather than wholesale change, and her public welcome emphasises the pastoral values that have long defined Highclare. The teaching staff are well-qualified specialists, with particularly strong provision in languages, music, and physical education beginning in the preparatory school. Staff turnover appears low, suggesting an environment where educators choose to remain. The inspection praised staff expertise and their commitment to pupils' wellbeing.
The house system, particularly prominent in the senior school, encourages friendly competition and belonging. Pupils are assigned to one of several houses upon entry to Year 7, and house points contribute to prizes and recognition throughout the year. Inter-house events and competitions are regular fixtures, creating informal leadership opportunities for older pupils who guide younger students through school traditions.
Behaviour expectations are high and consistently enforced. Classroom conduct is calm and purposeful, reflecting what the school describes as a focus on good manners and mutually respectful conduct. Pupils appear genuinely engaged; the inspection noted they express themselves confidently and exhibit positive attitudes. The pastoral structure includes personal tutors for each senior school pupil, who remain with them throughout their time in the school, providing continuity and individual knowledge of each student's academic progress and emotional wellbeing.
Highclare ranks 1,604th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking based on official data), placing it in the middle band of national performance. In 2024, 25% of GCSE grades were 9–7, reflecting solid performance at the higher end but below the England average of 54% at grades 9–7. The distribution of results indicates a school serving a broad intake rather than an academically selective one; pupils make progress relative to their starting point, which is the meaningful measure of educational effectiveness.
The ISI inspection confirmed that pupils achieve well in relation to their abilities. Progress 8 scores are not published by the school, but the inspection noted that pupils develop deep insights into their subjects and demonstrate strong engagement with the curriculum. Extended Project Qualifications are available alongside GCSEs for those seeking additional challenge, and the school emphasises breadth through a wide subject choice at GCSE and A-level.
At A-level, the school ranks 1,104th in England (FindMySchool ranking). In 2024, 63% of A-level grades were A*–B, with no A* grades and 13% at A-grade. This reflects solid progression to university, though with less elite-tier concentration than nationally top-ranked schools. The sixth form welcomes both internal progression and external entrants, broadening the cohort and maintaining a mixed-ability ethos. Over 20 A-level subjects are offered, providing genuine breadth and allowing pupils to follow their interests. A-level results consistently support university progression, with 59% of 2024 leavers moving to university, 6% to apprenticeships, and 12% to employment (from a cohort of 17).
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
62.5%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
25.06%
% of students achieving grades 9-7
Specialist teaching begins early. From the preparatory school upwards, pupils benefit from specialist instruction in languages, music, and physical education, alongside class teachers who manage core literacy and numeracy provision. This blend of specialist expertise and consistent pastoral oversight characterises the Highclare approach.
The curriculum follows the national framework but with evident enrichment. A super-curriculum is described as extending learning through debating clubs, additional languages, and extended mathematics programmes that allow pupils to delve beyond the standard specification. In languages, pupils study French from Year 1 and can progress to additional languages including Spanish and German at secondary level. Sciences are taught separately rather than as combined qualifications, providing greater depth in each discipline. History teaching explicitly develops critical thinking and makes use of local and distant fieldwork opportunities.
The learning environment is deliberately structured for autonomy. Pupils are encouraged to become independent learners from an early stage, and by the sixth form, the personalised tutor system combined with one-to-one subject teaching (where pupils have reached this stage) cultivates responsibility for their own progress. Class sizes enable teachers to give individual attention. The inspection commented positively on the quality of pupils' engagement with their learning and their ability to articulate understanding.
63% of sixth form leavers in the 2024 cohort progressed to university, with one student securing a Cambridge place in the measurement period. The university destinations reflect a mix of universities across the sector; the school does not publish a comprehensive list of destinations by institution, but the inspection noted that pupils develop the necessary qualifications and confidence to pursue higher education successfully.
For pupils exiting at Year 11, progression is predominantly to the school's own sixth form (maintaining the all-through principle), though some pupils move to state sixth forms or sixth-form colleges. The school supports sixth-form applications to external institutions where that is the pupil's preference, and maintains relationships with local state provision.
Of the 2024 leaver cohort, 6% progressed to apprenticeships and 12% to employment, reflecting a diverse range of pathways available to young people. Careers provision is embedded throughout the sixth form, with dedicated staff supporting university applications, apprenticeship exploration, and gap-year planning.
Total Offers
1
Offer Success Rate: 50%
Cambridge
1
Offers
Oxford
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Offers
Music occupies a distinctive position in school life. Specialist music teaching begins in the preparatory school, and peripatetic instrumental lessons are available across all phases. The school offers one-to-one tuition with experienced practitioners in a wide range of instruments, billed separately from main fees. Senior school pupils regularly participate in choirs, orchestras, and wind bands that perform at school concerts, the annual carol service, and dramatic productions. The inspection highlighted success in LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) performing arts examinations, where pupils regularly achieve distinctions and gold medals. LAMDA examinations are held twice yearly, and the drama and music departments regularly collaborate on polished productions.
Senior pupils engage in full dramatic productions delivered by the drama department and supported by the music ensemble. These are professional-standard affairs involving lighting, orchestral accompaniment, and sometimes venue hire at local theatres. LAMDA qualifications in speech and drama are encouraged and achieved at high distinction levels. The school also supports informal dramatic opportunities through form groups and year-group performances at assemblies.
A well-established debating club operates among senior pupils, with students choosing the topics to be debated. Debate competitions run at inter-house, inter-form, and inter-gender levels. Senior debaters have visited the House of Parliament as part of an enterprise scheme, and both the headmaster and the local Member of Parliament have judged in-house debates, lending credibility and external perspective to the programme.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme has run at Highclare Senior School since 2013 and has grown substantially. Bronze level starts in Year 9 (U4), with qualifying expeditions undertaken in September of the following year. Silver participants complete practice and qualifying expeditions of three days each over a minimum of 12 months. The Gold level remains rare and highly prestigious; recent cohorts have begun Gold-level work. Participants design their own awards by selecting activities across skill, physical, and community sections, often building on existing pursuits like piano lessons or football training while also trying new activities such as sign language or ukulele. Expedition assessors consistently note the high standard of teamwork and personal conduct from Highclare groups.
Sports provision extends across multiple disciplines with both competitive and recreational pathways. Football clubs operate at both preparatory and senior level with fixtures against other independent schools and local maintained schools. Hockey is particularly strong at both preparatory and senior school, with boys and girls teams developing tactical and technical skills through regular fixtures.
Athletics thrives, utilising the school's 9-acre sports field. Cross country is notably popular, and pupils represent Highclare at regional and national ISA (Independent Schools Association) events. Sports day, held at Wyndley Leisure Centre, is a highlight of the athletics calendar. Netball welcomes pupils at all levels and supports mental, physical, and social skill development. Swimming is offered at all abilities, from recreational to competitive level; senior pupils regularly compete at national events held at the Olympic pool in London.
Access to the 9-acre sports field enables a breadth unusual for independent schools, particularly in the Midlands. Tennis, cricket (seasonal), cross country, athletics, and outdoor education all benefit from dedicated space.
The school identifies STEM as a core strength. Science is taught separately rather than as combined qualifications, allowing greater depth in physics, chemistry, and biology. The preparatory school introduces STEM concepts through practical workshops; recent examples include collaboration with Rural Planning Services on engineering projects relating to London's infrastructure. At senior level, extended mathematics programmes are available alongside standard GCSE and A-level provision, and science students can pursue deeper exploration of concepts.
Computer science features in the curriculum, though the school does not publicly emphasise specialist robotics or engineering clubs to the extent of dedicated STEM-focused schools. Science labs are well-equipped and pupils work with contemporary apparatus.
Art provision is mentioned throughout the school prospectus as part of the enrichment landscape. LAMDA scholarships are available for art achievement, alongside music and sport, suggesting active visual arts engagement. The school does not highlight specific galleries, exhibitions, or artist residencies, but the broad mention across facilities suggests adequate provision for standard art education.
Beyond the major pillars, the school advertises over 60 clubs operating during lunch times and before and after school. Specific clubs named in recent years include Fashion Club, Quiz Club, 11+ Preparation, Cookery Club, Table Tennis, Dance, Spanish Club, Library Club, Gardening Club, Film Club, Chess, Drawing Club, Creative Knitting, and Gym Club. At senior level, the School Council meets regularly, overseen by the Head of Senior School and Head Prefect. A wide range of projects are undertaken for local and national charities, reflecting service beyond the school community.
For sixth formers, leadership opportunities extend through mentoring younger pupils and active participation in enrichment lectures and university visits. The Extended Project Qualification allows self-directed research on topics of personal interest.
Annual fees for 2025-26 are £6,840 per term for senior school (Years 7–13), payable termly in advance. This equates to approximately £20,520 per year before additional costs. Junior school fees range from £4,872 to £5,826 per term (approximately £14,616–£17,478 per year), and reception fees are £2,952–£4,530 per term depending on funding status.
Pre-preparatory (nursery) fees are £370 per week for full attendance, with discounted session rates available. This is inclusive of meals, snacks, and drinks. Government-funded early years entitlements (15 or 30 hours) are honoured, reducing parental contribution. Parents should visit the school website for complete early years fee information, as it is subject to regular adjustment.
Additional compulsory costs include lunches (£360 per term for junior pupils, £380 for senior), registration fees (£114), and a one-time deposit of £1,000 (of which £640 is refundable upon leaving). Transport costs vary by zone, ranging from £315–£705 per term for return fares. Music lessons, speech and drama tuition, and before/after-school care incur additional charges.
Highclare School offers needs-based bursaries to capable students from families with lower incomes. These are allocated on a scale related broadly to household income and typically cover up to 30% of fees. The flagship Highclare School Governors Prize is an annual means-tested award covering up to 100% of fees for one pupil of exceptional academic potential entering Year 7; this is awarded at the Head's discretion following successful entrance assessment and interview.
Academic scholarships are awarded at 11+ (Year 7 entry) to pupils performing particularly well in entrance assessments and demonstrating all-round commitment. Specialist scholarships in music, sport, and art are also available, with candidates required to attend auditions or demonstrate achievement through examination results or portfolio.
At sixth-form entry, any student achieving excellent GCSE results can earn scholar status, with associated benefits typically including up to 50% fee reduction depending on achievement.
Parents should contact the admissions office for complete details on scholarship applications and bursary eligibility, as criteria and application procedures may adjust annually.
Fees data coming soon.
Highclare operates non-selective admissions, meaning entry is not dependent on passing an entrance examination or demonstrating exceptional academic ability. Instead, the school assesses applicants through its own admissions process, typically involving observation of current educational setting, written assessments, and interview with leadership.
Entry points occur at multiple stages: Reception (age 4), Year 7 (age 11), and Year 12 (age 16). The all-through model means most pupils progress internally; pupils entering at Year 7 are typically existing preparatory school pupils, though external applications are welcomed.
For Year 7 entry, pupils sit entrance assessments in English, Mathematics, and reasoning. A short interview with the Head of Senior School follows successful assessment. Scholarships are awarded to pupils who perform particularly well in these assessments and demonstrate all-round commitment to school life.
At sixth-form entry (Year 12), any student can earn the right to be called a scholar. Academic scholarships are awarded solely on the basis of GCSE results. Specialist scholarships in art, music, and sport are also available for sixth formers, requiring audition or assessment.
The school participates in no formal catchment system. Parents should contact the school directly to discuss admissions timelines and procedures, which may adjust annually.
Pastoral care is positioned as foundational to the Highclare philosophy. The school explicitly states that a young person who is happy is more likely to be an effective learner. This translates into visible structures: form tutors, personal tutors at senior school, clear behaviour expectations, and a house system that creates belonging.
Senior school pupils are assigned a personal tutor at entry to Year 7 who remains their tutor throughout their time in school. These tutors meet pupils regularly and take active interest in academic progress and emotional wellbeing. The tutor-tutee relationship provides continuity and personal knowledge often absent in larger institutions.
Behaviour standards are high and consistently enforced. The school emphasises good manners and mutually respectful conduct, and the inspection confirmed that pupils demonstrate positive attitudes, exhibit respect for diversity, and maintain calm, purposeful behaviour in lessons.
The school provides counselling support for pupils requiring additional emotional help, though details of scope and staffing are not published. Learning support is available for pupils with identified additional needs, coordinated through a dedicated Learning Support Department across all three sites.
Wrap-around care is available for younger pupils, with morning sessions from 7:45am and after-school care until 6pm, plus holiday provision during school breaks.
Results and competition level. Highclare is not a selective grammar school or ultra-competitive independent institution. GCSE and A-level results sit in the middle band nationally (25% of GCSE entries at grades 9–7, versus England average of 54%). Families seeking a school where the majority achieve top grades should look elsewhere. However, for those seeking a genuinely caring environment where progress from each pupil's starting point is celebrated and individual potential is developed, Highclare's mixed-ability approach is an asset.
Location and accessibility. The three-site model requires travel between sites for some pupils and may complicate logistics for families with siblings at different locations. The school operates a dedicated bus service with multiple routes, but parents should verify whether their home location falls within a serviced zone before applying.
Sixth-form entry. The sixth form accepts external entrants, but the school's culture is shaped by pupils who have typically been through the preparatory school. External sixth-form candidates should be prepared to integrate into an established peer community where many friendships predate Year 12.
Independent ethos. This is an independent school with independent school values. While pastoral care is excellent, the school does not offer the sociological diversity of state schools, and tuition fees will be a significant factor for families without substantial disposable income. Bursaries ease access for talented pupils from lower-income families, but the application process is competitive.
Highclare School delivers on its promise of genuine individual care combined with solid academic progress and a broad enrichment programme. The all-through model eliminates transition disruption, intimate class sizes mean every pupil is genuinely known, and the commitment to pastoral wellbeing is evident in daily practice, not merely in prospectus statements. Results are honest; this is not an elite-tier school, but a responsible all-ability independent institution where teaching is of good quality and progress is deliberately tracked for every pupil.
The three-site model across Sutton Coldfield and Erdington creates true family communities rather than anonymous mass institutions. Over 60 weekly clubs ensure every interest is catered for, from traditional sports to niche pursuits like environmental activism and debating. Staff stability and expertise suggest a school where educators choose to build careers.
Best suited to families within reach of the school's locations seeking a nurturing, all-ability independent education where their child's individual progress matters more than academic ranking. Families valuing pastoral care, specialist teaching from the earliest stages, and continuity of community will find much to appreciate. Those seeking a school positioned in the national top tier for GCSE or A-level results, or prioritising raw academic selection, will find better alternatives elsewhere.
Yes. The April 2023 ISI inspection awarded excellent judgements for both the quality of pupils' academic and other achievements and the quality of pupils' personal development. The school met all relevant teaching standards. While GCSE and A-level results sit in the middle band nationally rather than the elite tier, the inspection confirmed that pupils make excellent progress relative to their abilities and develop deep engagement with their learning. The school's commitment to individual pupil welfare, small class sizes, and specialist teaching from an early stage are particular strengths.
For 2025-26, senior school fees (Years 7–13) are £6,840 per term, approximately £20,520 per year. Junior school fees range from £4,872 to £5,826 per term. Reception fees are £2,952–£4,530 per term depending on funding status. Additional compulsory costs include lunches (£360–£380 per term), registration (£114), and a one-time £1,000 deposit. Transport costs vary by zone. Pre-preparatory (nursery) fees are £370 per week inclusive of meals. Bursaries covering up to 30% of fees are available for families with demonstrated financial need; the Governors Prize covers up to 100% for one exceptionally able pupil entering Year 7. Scholarships offering 10–50% fee reduction are available for academic, music, sport, and art achievement.
Highclare operates non-selective admissions; there is no 11-plus style examination. Instead, the school assesses applicants through its own entrance process involving assessment of current learning, written tests in core subjects, and interview with school leaders. Academic scholarships are available for pupils demonstrating exceptional ability, but admission does not require this level of achievement. The school welcomes pupils of a broad range of abilities and takes pride in tracking individual progress regardless of starting point.
The school advertises over 60 clubs running weekly at lunchtime and before/after school. Major sports include football, hockey, athletics, netball, swimming, and tennis. Music, drama, and LAMDA performing arts feature prominently, with specialist peripatetic teaching available. The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme operates at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. Debating, environmental activism, cooking, art, dance, and language clubs are among numerous options. The comprehensive programme aims to develop every pupil's talents beyond the classroom.
The school day typically runs 8:50am–3:20pm. Before-school provision begins at 7:45am and after-school care runs until 6pm, with afternoon sessions offering tea. Holiday childcare is available during main school breaks. These wrap-around care options are optional and billed separately, allowing families to access extended hours as needed.
Yes, the school has a sixth form catering for sixth formers aged 16–18. In 2024, 59% of sixth form leavers progressed to university, 6% to apprenticeships, and 12% to employment. One student secured a Cambridge place in the 2023–24 cohort. The sixth form offers over 20 A-level subjects and welcomes both internal progression and external entrants. Sixth form scholarship opportunities are available for those achieving excellent GCSE results and demonstrating specialist talent in music, sport, or art.
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