Priory School, Birmingham Review 2026: Nurturing Catholic Education

Set within 14 acres of wooded parkland in Edgbaston, Priory School offers a distinctive alternative to the high-pressure academic hothouses of Birmingham. Founded by the Sisters of the Holy Child Jesus in 1936, the school retains a palpable Catholic ethos while welcoming families of all faiths. It serves boys and girls from six months to eighteen years, maintaining a small-school feel where every face is known. With a non-selective admissions policy, the focus here is on value-added progress and personal confidence rather than raw league table position.

The drive off Sir Harrys Road leads into a campus that feels more like a country estate than an inner-city school. The original 1930s buildings have been extended to include modern science blocks and sports facilities, but the mature trees and green space define the aesthetic. A dedicated Forest School area allows younger pupils to get muddy, reflecting the school's belief in outdoor learning.

Mr Barry Doherty took up the headship in September 2025, bringing fresh energy to the school's leadership. The atmosphere remains noticeably gentle. In corridors, students hold doors for one another, and the noise level is cheerful rather than raucous. The Catholic character is visible in the chapel and the rhythm of the school year, but it manifests most clearly in the pastoral care. Values of respect and kindness are lived experiences here, not just marketing slogans.

Academic outcomes reflect the school's non-selective intake and commitment to value-added progress. In 2024, the school ranked 1,225th in England and 26th in Birmingham for GCSE results (FindMySchool ranking). Pupils achieved an Attainment 8 score of 54.2, suggesting solid achievement across eight key subjects.

At A-level, the picture is more variable, heavily influenced by small cohort sizes which can skew statistical averages significantly. The school ranked 2,448th in England and 55th in Birmingham for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). While 14% of grades were A*-B in the reported cohort, the value-added scores often tell a more positive story of students exceeding their predicted grades based on starting points.

Teaching groups are deliberately small, allowing staff to tailor lessons to individual needs. The curriculum is broad, covering the traditional academic core alongside creative subjects. In the Prep school, specialist teaching begins early, particularly in music and languages.

Support for learning is a strength. The school acknowledges that not every child learns at the same pace, and the learning support department is well-resourced to help those with mild learning difficulties. Teachers focus on building confidence, using praise and encouragement to motivate students who might feel overlooked in larger settings.

Destinations are diverse, reflecting the broad ability range and small size of the student body. In 2024, the cohort was very small (6 students), with 33% progressing to university and 33% moving directly into employment.

While some students secure places at Russell Group universities, others choose vocational pathways or creative arts institutions that better suit their talents. The school takes pride in guiding students toward the right course for them, rather than simply pushing for university status.

Priory School operates a non-selective admissions policy, though entry is not automatic. The process is designed to ensure the school can meet the child's needs.

For Reception, children attend a taster session to observe their social interaction and readiness to learn. For Year 7 entry, candidates sit an assessment in English and Mathematics. These tests are used for setting purposes and to identify support needs, rather than as a pass/fail hurdle for high academic flyers.

Open days are typically held in October and March. Families are encouraged to register well in advance, as small class sizes mean places in certain year groups can fill quickly.

Pastoral care is the spine of the school. The small community ensures that no child slips through the net. Form tutors are the first point of contact, supported by Heads of Key Stage who monitor both academic and emotional progress.

The Catholic ethos provides a framework for wellbeing, emphasising the dignity of each individual. A school counsellor is available for students needing professional support, and the Chaplaincy team offers a listening ear regardless of a student's religious background.

Extracurricular life is vibrant and makes excellent use of the grounds. Sports facilities include a sports hall, dance studio, and extensive playing fields. Football, netball, and cricket are core sports, with fixtures played against local independent schools.

Music and drama are central pillars. The choir performs regularly in the chapel and at external events, while school productions allow students to shine on stage or behind the scenes. Clubs vary termly but typically include options such as coding, cookery, gardening in the allotment, and debating. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is popular in the senior school, encouraging resilience and independence.

Fees for the 2025-2026 academic year are £6,153 per term for Senior students (Years 9-13) and £4,988 per term for Prep students (Years 5-6). A registration fee of £60 applies to new applications.

The school offers financial support to widen access. Means-tested bursaries are available for eligible families, particularly those who might not otherwise afford independent education. Scholarships are also awarded for excellence in academic, art, music, and sport, typically offering a percentage reduction in fees.

The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:45pm. Wraparound care is extensive, essential for working parents. Breakfast club opens at 7:30am, and after-school care runs until 6:00pm, offering a mix of structured activities and downtime.

The school is located in Edgbaston with good transport links. Many families drive, but the school also operates minibus routes covering key areas around Birmingham and Solihull.

Small Sixth Form: The Sixth Form is intimate, which ensures personalised attention but may offer a narrower social circle than a large sixth form college. Students seeking a bustling pre-university environment might find it quiet.

Academic Range: As a non-selective school, the pace is set to accommodate a wide range of abilities. Families seeking a highly accelerated, competitive academic environment akin to the local grammar schools may find the tempo here too gentle.

Religious Character: While inclusive, this is a Catholic school. Mass, prayer, and religious education are part of the fabric of daily life. Families should be comfortable with this spiritual dimension.

Priory School offers a sanctuary for children who thrive on encouragement rather than pressure. It combines the facilities of a large campus with the family feel of a small school. Best suited to families who value confidence, kindness, and individual attention over raw league table rankings. The main challenge is ensuring the small sixth form environment provides the breadth of social experience a teenager needs.