Holte School: Community Strength in Lozells

Sharing a purpose-built campus in the heart of Lozells, Holte School serves as a vital anchor for its local community. This is a large, diverse mixed comprehensive where over 60 languages are spoken and the vast majority of students speak English as an additional language. Despite the challenges of its inner-city context, the school maintains a calm, purposeful atmosphere.

Mr Simon Adams, who took up the headship in September 2023, leads a school that was rated Good by Ofsted in October 2023. The school shares its site with Lozells Primary and Mayfield School, creating a unique 'all-through' feel on the campus, although they are distinct institutions. It is a popular choice locally; with four applications for every place, demand is exceptionally high.

The 'HML' campus (Holte, Mayfield, Lozells) is modern and functional, designed to handle a large student body of over 1,100. At drop-off, the gates on Wheeler Street are busy but orderly. Staff presence is high, greeting students and checking uniforms before they cross the threshold. This attention to detail sets the tone for the day; expectations are clear and boundaries are well-defined.

Inside, the atmosphere is vibrant and reflective of modern Birmingham. The school celebrates its diversity explicitly, with a culture that encourages students to find their "voice in society". The buildings provide distinct zones for learning, with well-equipped specialist areas for art, technology, and science that serve the practical elements of the curriculum well.

The ethos is one of high structure. Visitors often comment on the polite conduct of students and the respectful relationships between staff and pupils. The school operates a strict behaviour policy which students generally respect, creating a safe environment where learning can happen without low-level disruption.

Holte School delivers solid performance, particularly given the starting points of many students who join with varying levels of English proficiency.

In 2024, the school's Progress 8 score was -0.01. This figure indicates that students at Holte make progress effectively in line with the national average from their primary school starting points. Given the high proportion of EAL students, maintaining average progress is a testament to the effectiveness of the support systems in place.

The school ranks 2,556th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 66th among secondary schools in Birmingham. This performance places it in the 'national typical' band, reflecting solid performance in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile).

Attainment figures show that students are supported to achieve the basics. The average Attainment 8 score stood at 43.5 in 2024. The school focuses heavily on securing standard passes (Grade 4+) in English and Mathematics to ensure students can progress to post-16 education.

The curriculum is designed to be broad and accessible. In Key Stage 3, students follow a full range of subjects including art, drama, music, and technology alongside the core academic disciplines. This breadth is important in a context where cultural capital is a key focus; the school aims to expose students to subjects they might not encounter at home.

Teaching frequently employs structured scaffolding to support literacy. Key vocabulary is displayed on boards and sentence starters are often provided for written tasks. This approach benefits all students but is essential for those developing their English language skills. Teachers are adept at managing mixed-ability classes, using seating plans and targeted questioning to ensure everyone remains engaged.

In Key Stage 4, the options process allows for both academic and vocational pathways. The school encourages participation in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) where appropriate, but also values creative and technical subjects.

The majority of Year 11 students choose to stay on for the Sixth Form or move to local colleges for vocational courses. The school has a strong careers programme that ensures students are aware of the pathways available to them.

Destinations for Year 13 leavers are diverse. In 2024, 67% of leavers progressed to university. Popular destinations typically include Aston University, Birmingham City University, and the University of Birmingham, reflecting a tendency for students to remain local while pursuing higher education.

Employment and apprenticeship routes are also well-supported. In 2024, 4% of leavers secured apprenticeships and 9% moved directly into employment.

The Sixth Form at Holte offers a mix of A-levels and BTEC Level 3 qualifications. It is inclusive, welcoming students from Holte's own Year 11 as well as external applicants.

Results in the Sixth Form are mixed. In 2024, the school ranked 2,250th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). The percentage of grades at A*-B was 29.5%, which is below the England average of 47.2%. However, the value of the Sixth Form often lies in its pastoral continuity. For many students, staying in a familiar environment with teachers who know them well provides the confidence needed to complete Level 3 qualifications.

The curriculum is narrower than larger colleges, focusing on core subjects and popular vocational courses like Health and Social Care, Business, and IT.

Holte School is a foundation school and admissions are coordinated by Birmingham City Council. It is heavily oversubscribed. In 2024, there were 776 applications for 190 places in Year 7, a ratio of over four applicants for every seat.

The admissions criteria prioritize looked-after children and those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming the school. Siblings of current students are given high priority, followed by distance from the school gates.

Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

The deadline for Year 7 applications is 31 October for entry the following September. Late applications are processed after on-time offers, significantly reducing the chance of securing a place.

Pastoral care is a clear strength, necessitated by the complex needs of the community. The school operates a Year Group system, with Heads of Year staying with their cohort as they move up the school. This ensures continuity and allows strong relationships to build with families.

Safeguarding is robust. The team is experienced and accustomed to dealing with a wide range of external agency support. A dedicated Student Services team handles day-to-day issues, ensuring teachers can focus on the classroom.

The school places a strong emphasis on mental health. 'Safe spaces' are available for students who need time out, and the PSHE curriculum tackles issues such as online safety and healthy relationships with frankness.

Extracurricular life aims to broaden horizons. The school runs a range of lunch and after-school clubs, utilizing the shared campus facilities.

Sport

Facilities include a sports hall, gymnasium, and outdoor multi-use games areas. Football, cricket, and basketball are the pillars of the sporting programme. The school competes in local district leagues.

The Arts

The Creative Arts department is active, putting on showcases and musical performances. While not a specialist music school, there are opportunities for students to learn instruments, and the art department produces impressive work that adorns the school corridors.

STEM

The school invests in STEM enrichment to inspire future careers. Robotics and coding clubs provide practical outlets for technical skills, linking well with the computer science curriculum.

The school day typically runs from 8:40am to 3:10pm. Breakfast club is available for students who arrive early, offering a safe space and a meal to start the day.

Holte School is located on Wheeler Street in Lozells. It is well-served by local bus routes which connect to the city centre. There is very limited parking on site or in the surrounding residential streets; parents are strongly encouraged to walk or use public transport.

Strict Catchment: With over four applications per place, living close to the school is essential for those without sibling priority. Families moving into the area should not assume a place will be available.

Inner-City Context: The school serves a busy, high-density urban area. Parents seeking leafy grounds or expansive playing fields will not find them here; the site is compact and urban.

Mixed Ability Intake: Classes are mixed ability or set broadly. High-attaining students will be challenged, but parents of exceptionally academic children should ensure they are comfortable with a comprehensive environment.

Holte School is a resilient, warm, and ambitious institution that serves its community with dedication. It offers a safe, structured environment where students from all backgrounds can make steady progress. Best suited to families in Lozells and Aston who want a supportive, inclusive school that values character as much as qualifications. The main challenge is securing a place in Year 7.