Shaw Hill Primary School Review 2026: Academic Excellence in Alum Rock

In the heart of Alum Rock, Shaw Hill Primary School operates as a high performing beacon of stability and ambition. This two form entry school, serving approximately 468 pupils, has established a reputation for academic results that significantly outpace both local and England averages. The school's 2024 performance data places it among the highest performing primaries in the country, a remarkable achievement for a community school with a vibrant, diverse intake.

The school is led by Mr Nadeem Bhatti, who has served as headteacher since 2012, providing the consistent leadership that has helped maintain the school's high standards. With over three applications for every available place, it remains one of the most sought after primary settings in East Birmingham.

The atmosphere at Shaw Hill is one of purposeful calm. The Victorian red brick building on Anthony Road has been modernised to create a bright, welcoming environment where every square inch of wall space celebrates pupil achievement. The school motto, Excellence for All, is visible throughout the corridors, but it is the lived reality of the high expectations that defines the culture here.

Pupils move through the building with a sense of pride and belonging. The school serves a community where many families have long standing ties to the area, creating a generational connection that fosters deep trust between home and school. While the academic pace is rigorous, there is a clear emphasis on the Shaw Hill Family ethos, ensuring that the competitive edge of the results is balanced by genuine pastoral warmth.

The academic outcomes at Shaw Hill are among the strongest in the West Midlands. In 2024, 81% of pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, significantly exceeding the England average of 62%.

Performance at the higher standard is even more striking. 42% of pupils achieved the higher standard in reading, writing, and mathematics, a figure that dwarfs the England average of 8%. These results place Shaw Hill 10th among primary schools in Birmingham (FindMySchool ranking).

On a national scale, the school ranks 673rd in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). This places Shaw Hill in the elite tier of high performing schools, placing it in the top 2% of schools in England. Mathematics is a particular strength, with an average scaled score of 110, well above the England baseline.

Teaching at Shaw Hill is characterised by expert subject knowledge and a highly structured approach to the core curriculum. In the early years, the focus is on rapid language acquisition and phonics, providing the foundation for the sophisticated reading skills seen in Key Stage 2.

The school utilizes a mastery approach to mathematics, which is evident in the 88% of pupils reaching the expected standard. Lessons are designed to challenge pupils to think deeply rather than just memorise procedures. Science and the humanities are taught through a thematic curriculum that makes explicit links between subjects, helping pupils retain knowledge more effectively.

For those with additional needs, the school provides intensive, small group interventions. The progress of these pupils is tracked with the same rigour as their peers, ensuring that no child is left behind the school's ambitious trajectory.

Nursery Provision

The school includes a well established nursery that provides a seamless transition into Reception. The nursery environment is designed to stimulate curiosity, with a strong emphasis on outdoor learning and physical development.

By starting their journey at age three, children at Shaw Hill benefit from early exposure to the school's high expectations for communication and social interaction. For nursery fee details, parents should visit the school website. Government funded hours are available for eligible families; see our guide to nursery funding for further information on the 15 and 30 hour schemes.

Extracurricular life at Shaw Hill is designed to broaden horizons. The school offers a range of clubs including the Debate Club, Chess Society, and various sports teams that compete against other local Birmingham schools.

STEM excellence is a visible pillar, with pupils participating in coding workshops and science fairs that encourage practical application of classroom theories. Music also plays a significant role, with the school choir performing at local community events and pupils having the opportunity to learn a variety of instruments through the Birmingham Music Service.

The school makes frequent use of Birmingham's cultural assets, with regular trips to the Thinktank Science Museum and local libraries, ensuring that learning is never confined solely to the Anthony Road site.

Securing a place at Shaw Hill is a significant challenge for local families. For the most recent intake, the school received 189 applications for 57 offers. This high level of oversubscription means the school is operating at a subscription proportion of 3.32, making it one of the most competitive schools in the local authority.

Admissions are managed by Birmingham City Council. After looked after children and siblings, places are typically allocated based on proximity to the school. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates to understand their realistic chances of admission.

The school's commitment to wellbeing is rooted in its inclusive ethos. Each year group has a dedicated support team, and the school employs a family liaison officer to bridge the gap between home and school life.

Behaviour is exemplary, not through rigid control but through a shared understanding of the school's values. Pupils are taught to take responsibility for their actions and to support their peers. The latest official assessments confirm that pupils feel safe and highly valued. The most recent Ofsted inspection in March 2023 graded the school as Outstanding, highlighting the exceptional behaviour and attitudes of pupils.

The school day typically runs from 8:45am to 3:15pm. Shaw Hill offers an Early Bird Club from 8:00am, providing a calm start to the day for working families. After school provision is also available through a variety of teacher led enrichment clubs.

The school is well served by local transport links in Alum Rock, though parking on Anthony Road can be difficult at peak times. Many families choose to walk, and the school actively promotes road safety and walking to school initiatives.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state funded community school, Shaw Hill Primary School does not charge tuition fees. Education is provided free of charge to all pupils. Families may be required to contribute towards the cost of optional extracurricular trips, specific music tuition, or school uniforms.

Financial support is available for families eligible for Pupil Premium, which can often be used to assist with the costs of school visits or equipment. Parents are encouraged to contact the school office to discuss eligibility for free school meals and associated support.

• Fierce Competition for Places: With over three applications for every place, Shaw Hill is exceptionally difficult to get into if you do not have a sibling already at the school or live in the immediate vicinity.
• High Academic Pace: The school is unapologetically ambitious. While this leads to excellent results, the pace of learning is brisk and may feel demanding for children who prefer a more relaxed approach.
• Urban Setting: As an urban site, the playground is functional but lacks the expansive green fields of suburban counterparts. However, the school makes creative use of the space it has and local facilities.

Shaw Hill Primary School is a powerhouse of primary education that proves postcode does not define potential. It offers a private school level of academic rigour within the state sector, backed by an Outstanding Ofsted pedigree. Best suited to families in Alum Rock who want an ambitious, traditional, and high achieving start for their children. The main hurdle is admission; for those who secure a place, the educational trajectory is exceptional.