Lordswood Boys' School Review 2026: Purposeful Education in Harborne

Lordswood Boys' School serves as a cornerstone of the Harborne community in Birmingham, providing a structured and ambitious environment for approximately 750 students. Since its conversion to an academy in 2017 and joining the Central Academies Trust, the school has undergone a significant transformation, moving from historical challenges to its current standing as a Good school. At drop-off, the atmosphere on Hagley Road is one of focused energy; the school's compact urban site belies an expansive curriculum and a culture of high expectations. Results in 2024 reflect a solid performance, in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile), marking it as a reliable choice for local families seeking a single-sex environment that prioritises both academic progress and character development.

The feel of Lordswood Boys' School is defined by what leadership describes as a "can-do" culture. There is a palpable sense of order and mutual respect that permeates the corridors and classrooms. Students wear their blazers with a sense of identity, and the school operates with a clear, consistent set of routines that help the boys manage their day effectively. The architecture is a mix of traditional school blocks and modernised internal spaces, creating an environment that feels businesslike and functional.

Mr Lee Williams, the Head Teacher and CEO of Central Academies Trust, has maintained a steady focus on raising aspirations. Under the stewardship of the trust, the school moved into brand new buildings on its existing site in 2020. The atmosphere is not one of a high-pressure exam factory, but rather a community where boys are encouraged to be curious and to take pride in their work. The latest Ofsted report from February 2022 confirms that students feel safe and well-supported, noting that behaviour is calm and that bullying is dealt with effectively.

In 2024, the school's academic performance told a story of steady progress. The average Attainment 8 score was 42.7, a figure that demonstrates the breadth of subjects being mastered across the cohort. More tellingly, the Progress 8 score of +0.19 indicates that students at Lordswood Boys' School make better progress from their primary school starting points than the average student in England.

Ranked 2653rd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), and ranking 71st among secondary schools in Birmingham, the school sits within the "national typical" band. While 10.5% of students achieved Grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), the focus remains on ensuring every boy, regardless of starting point, achieves his personal best. Parents comparing local performance can use the Local Hub page to view these results side-by-side using the Comparison Tool.

The curriculum is designed to be both accessible and challenging. In the lower years, there is a heavy emphasis on core literacy and numeracy to ensure no student is left behind as they move toward their GCSEs. Teaching follows clear structures, with lessons often starting with retrieval practice to consolidate prior learning. Teachers have expert subject knowledge and use it to break down complex concepts into manageable steps, a method that particularly suits the learning styles of the boys in attendance.

Specialist facilities support the delivery of a broad range of subjects. The technology suites and science laboratories are well-used, and the school has made significant strides in integrating digital literacy into the daily curriculum. For students with additional needs, the SEND department is well-regarded, providing targeted interventions that ensure all learners can access the same ambitious curriculum as their peers.

Where Students Go Next

As the school does not have its own sixth form, the focus on transition at the end of Year 11 is intensive. Students typically progress to a variety of local providers, including King Edward VI Lordswood School for Girls, Birmingham Metropolitan College, and Halesowen College. The school employs a dedicated careers advisor who ensures every boy has a clear pathway, whether that leads to A-levels, T-levels, or prestigious apprenticeships.

The school's connection with the Central Academies Trust provides students with a wider perspective on their future options. Career fairs and visiting speakers from industry are regular features, helping students to see the direct link between their current studies and their future employment.

Lordswood Boys' School is currently oversubscribed, reflecting its growing reputation in Birmingham. For the most recent intake, there were 393 applications for 116 offers, resulting in a subscription proportion of 3.39 applications for every available place. This makes entry competitive, and families are advised to name the school as their first preference to maximise their chances.

Admissions are coordinated by Birmingham City Council. As a state-funded academy, there are no tuition fees. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to historical offer data, although it should be noted that the school does not currently publish a specific "last distance offered" figure.

Pastoral care is a significant strength, with a vertical tutoring system or year-group based pastoral leads that ensure every boy is known by at least one key adult. The school places a high premium on mental health, with "quiet spaces" available and a clear system for students to report any concerns. The inspection confirmed that safeguarding is effective and that the school provides a nurturing environment where students can flourish.

There is a strong emphasis on the school motto, Learn, Believe, Succeed, a set of values that promotes integrity, excellence, and resilience. Reward systems are used effectively to celebrate not just academic success, but also acts of kindness and community service.

The extracurricular life of the school is designed to build character and teamwork. Sport is a major pillar, with the school taking advantage of its Harborne location to engage in fixtures across the city.

Sport

Football and basketball are particularly popular, with the school regularly entering teams into Birmingham leagues. Notable alumni include footballer Rico Henry and author Mike Gayle.

Creative Arts

The Elite Music Academy and Elite Performance Academy offer opportunities for performance, with annual productions that bring the whole school together.

### STEM Excellence

The school runs a popular Robotics Club and participates in local coding competitions. These initiatives are designed to encourage boys to see themselves as future innovators in the technology sector.

The school day typically runs from 8:40 am to 3:10 pm, though many students stay later for after-school clubs. Travel to the school is straightforward via the Hagley Road bus corridors (routes such as the 9, X8, and X10), and many students walk from the Harborne and Bearwood areas. Wraparound care details are not published; families should contact the school directly for more information regarding before or after-school provision.

• Oversubscription: With over three applications for every place, securing a spot requires careful planning and naming the school as a top preference. Entry is not guaranteed for those living outside the immediate Harborne area.
• No Sixth Form: Families must be prepared for the fact that students will need to move to a new institution at age 16. While transition support is excellent, it does mean a change of environment during the crucial post-16 years.
• Single-Sex Environment: The boys-only setting is a deliberate choice that suits many, but families should consider if this atmosphere fits their child’s social development needs compared to co-educational alternatives.

Lordswood Boys' School is a school on a clear upward trajectory, offering a disciplined yet supportive environment that helps boys find their feet and their future. It combines solid academic progress with a genuine care for the individual. Best suited to families in Birmingham who value a single-sex education with a focus on traditional values and modern aspirations. The main challenge for prospective parents is navigating the competitive admissions process.