Waseley Hills High School: A Successful Turnaround on the Hills

Waseley Hills High School has turned a significant corner. Following its incorporation into the Central Region Schools Trust (CRST), the school has undergone a rapid and successful transformation, confirmed by Ofsted in February 2025 when inspectors rated it Good in all areas. No longer a school in recovery, Waseley Hills is now an established provider of stable, high-quality education in Rubery.

Serving approximately 870 students aged 11 to 18, the school benefits from a setting that is arguably one of the most scenic in the West Midlands, backing directly onto the country park. Under the leadership of Principal Tom Preston, appointed in September 2024, the focus has shifted from "fixing" to "flourishing," with raised expectations for behaviour and academic rigour now embedded in daily life.

The atmosphere has settled into one of purpose and calm. The "fresh start" promised in 2022 has delivered a structured environment where students feel safe and supported. The 2025 inspection noted that the school is now a "harmonious and welcoming community," a significant shift from the turbulence of the previous decade.

The campus itself remains a mix of mid-century blocks and modern additions, but the internal culture has been modernised. Uniform standards are high, and the Trust's values of social justice and ambition are visible in the curriculum design. Students speak of a school that "really cares," and staff morale appears high, driven by the clear direction and support from the Trust.

The physical connection to the outdoors defines the school's character. The hills are not just a backdrop but part of the school's identity, used for Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and cross-country running. It feels distinct from the enclosed city schools of nearby Birmingham; there is literal and metaphorical space here for children to grow.

While the inspection rating is Good, the published examination results reflect the school's journey rather than its final destination. The 2024 data shows a school where performance is stabilising but not yet elite.

At GCSE, the school sits in the "national typical" band. The Average Attainment 8 score of 44.2 is close to the England average of 45.9. The Progress 8 score of -0.18 indicates that students, on average, achieve slightly less than half a grade lower across their subjects than peers with similar starting points nationally. This metric often trails behind cultural improvements, and the inspection noted that current students are making stronger progress than historic data suggests.

A-level outcomes remain an area for development. Ranking 2,321st in England for sixth form results, the school sits in the "national lower" band. In 2024, 24% of grades were A*-B, and only 1.6% were A*, significantly below the England average. While students successfully progress to university, the sixth form is currently better suited to those seeking strong pastoral support and solid teaching rather than a high-pressure academic hothouse.

Ranked 62nd in Birmingham for GCSEs and 49th for A-levels (FindMySchool ranking), Waseley Hills provides a solid local option that is rapidly improving its academic core.

The quality of education was praised by inspectors in 2025, particularly the consistency that has been achieved across departments. Lessons follow clear structures, and teachers have secure subject knowledge. The variability that once plagued the school has largely been eradicated through the Trust’s professional development programme.

The curriculum is broad and ambitious. Key Stage 3 focuses on securing the basics, particularly in literacy and reading, which were previously identified as weaknesses. The school now identifies struggling readers early and provides high-quality support to help them catch up.

In the sixth form, students report a positive experience with small class sizes that allow for personalised attention. Teachers foster "purposeful discussions," and the relationship between sixth formers and staff is a strength of the school.

Where Students Go Next

The majority of students continue their education after Year 11 and Year 13. In 2024, 58% of sixth form leavers progressed to university. While the proportion of students reaching Russell Group universities is lower than at selective neighbours, the school supports students well in securing places that match their career goals.

Apprenticeships are a growing pathway, with 3% of leavers choosing this route in 2024. The school’s careers programme is robust, providing guidance on vocational options in the West Midlands area.

Waseley Hills is a comprehensive school catering to families in Rubery, Bromsgrove, and South Birmingham. Admissions are coordinated by Worcestershire County Council.

In 2024, the school was oversubscribed, receiving 240 applications for 160 places in Year 7. This 1.5:1 application ratio demonstrates strong local confidence. Places are allocated primarily by distance after priority groups (looked-after children and siblings) are serviced. There is no fixed catchment map; the "last distance offered" fluctuates annually based on demand.

Pastoral care is a standout strength, rated Good by Ofsted. The school operates a Year Group system where Heads of Year maintain a tight grip on attendance and behaviour. Safeguarding is effective, with a "culture of vigilance" ensuring that vulnerable students are identified and helped quickly.

For students with Special Educational Needs (SEN), support is precise and integrated. Teachers adapt lessons well, meaning students with SEND make strong progress alongside their peers. The school also offers "social action" projects and charity work, encouraging students to look outward and support their community.

The extracurricular offer is rebuilding strongly. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a flagship programme, leveraging the immediate access to the Waseley Hills.

Sport, drama, and music are central to school life. Students participate in annual musical productions and a variety of sports teams. The school’s "Eco-Club" is particularly popular, reflecting the environmental awareness of the student body. Trips and residential visits have fully resumed, providing essential cultural capital.

The school day runs from 8:45am to 3:15pm. Located on School Road, Rubery, the site is easily accessible from the A38. Wraparound care is not formally provided for secondary students, but the library is typically open for study before and after school.

• Sixth Form Academic Profile: While the main school is thriving, the sixth form's top-grade output (A*/A) is currently low compared to national averages. High-flying academic students should check the specific subject provision and past results for their chosen courses.
• Strict Policies: The new leadership maintains high standards for uniform and conduct. Families seeking a very relaxed or alternative approach may find the structure demanding, though most parents welcome the clarity.
• Growing Popularity: With the "Good" rating confirmed, competition for places is likely to intensify. Families living on the edge of the usual catchment distance should have a realistic backup plan.

Waseley Hills High School has successfully reinvented itself. The "Good" rating in 2025 confirms that the partnership with the Central Region Schools Trust has worked. It is now a school that combines a stunning location with a safe, structured, and ambitious learning environment. Best suited to local families wanting a supportive community school that is on a clear upward trajectory.