Corngreaves Academy in Corngreaves, Cradley Heath has a strong sense of history, with heritage woven into everyday school life. Pupils and staff embrace the school's motto "together we learn to succeed". This is a state primary school in Cradley Heath, West Midlands, serving children from Reception through Year 6 (ages 4–11). The school has approximately 210 pupils and operates with a student-teacher ratio of 17.9 to 1.
In its latest Ofsted inspection on 8 February 2023, the school was rated Good across quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. Early years provision achieved an Outstanding rating. The school is particularly known for its reading programme, where pupils perform significantly above the England average. The school has always had a positive reputation in the community and has been known as a "happy" school.
Admissions are highly competitive, with the school attracting nearly twice as many applications as places available. This reflects both the school's Ofsted rating and its strong standing locally. Corngreaves Academy converted to academy status in June 2013, arising from Corngreaves Primary School, and is now part of United Learning Trust.
Pupils enjoy being part of Corngreaves Academy, with pupils and staff embracing the school's motto "together we learn to succeed". The atmosphere is family-oriented, with pupils valuing mutual support. Leaders are ambitious and have high expectations for all pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, and pupils realise these expectations and achieve well.
Leaders want pupils to leave Corngreaves as well-rounded, confident individuals. Assemblies, clubs, trips and visitors help broaden pupils' understanding of the curriculum and the wider world. Pupils learn about their rights and responsibilities. Pupils learn about many of the world's major religions and understand diversity. They speak confidently about the lives and experiences of different groups of people. Pupils show respect for the views of others. They regularly debate and vote on important school, community and worldwide issues. Leaders ensure that pupils learn about important areas of society, such as democracy, to help them be well prepared for life in modern Britain.
The pastoral structure ensures every pupil feels seen and supported. Adults check on how pupils are feeling each day, and pupils know there is always someone to talk to if they have a worry.
There is a culture of mutual support and teamwork among staff. Teachers recognise that leaders are considerate of their workload and well-being. Staff feel valued.
Reading is the foundation of the curriculum at Corngreaves. The school achieves particularly strong results in this area. Pupils develop the knowledge and skills they need to read fluently. At Key Stage 2, 93% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, significantly above the England average of 62%. This reflects a systematic phonics approach combined with targeted intervention for pupils who fall behind.
Well-trained staff provide pupils with extra support so that they can catch up, and as a result, pupils develop the knowledge and skills they need to read fluently. The school's approach ensures that reading difficulty is identified early and remedied quickly, preventing gaps from widening.
Mathematics results are also strong. At Key Stage 2, 79% of pupils reached the expected standard in maths, above the England average of 62%. This places the school in the top locally (FindMySchool ranking). The school achieved a Good rating in quality of education, with all four key areas evaluated as Good.
Science outcomes match the England average, with 86% of pupils reaching the expected standard. The curriculum is broad and carefully sequenced. For example, in music, pupils develop their musical skills by regularly playing the glockenspiel and learn to play and perform with increasing confidence. In design technology, pupils build knowledge about food and nutrition gradually, with younger pupils learning about different types of fruits and vegetables and the basics of cutting.
The Early Years setting stands out as an area of particular excellence. Staff in the early years are highly ambitious and have created a rich and stimulating curriculum. Children thrive in the vibrant learning environment. They show high levels of curiosity and independence. Leaders have carefully thought about what children need to learn and have ensured that all activities are meaningful. Staff quickly establish clear routines and set high expectations.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
Reading, Writing & Maths
83.67%
% of pupils achieving expected standard
Teachers use a structured, evidence-based approach to instruction. Teachers present new knowledge to pupils in small steps. They explain concepts clearly and revisit what pupils have previously learned. This helps pupils to gain a firm grasp of key information.
Formative assessment is embedded throughout teaching. Teachers regularly check how well pupils are learning. If pupils need extra help, teachers break the learning into smaller chunks in a "carpet conference". Pupils say this helps them to keep up.
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
Leaders ensure that staff receive training to be able to identify the needs of pupils with SEND. Teachers provide appropriate extra help and these pupils achieve well. When some pupils with SEND struggle to manage their behaviour, skilled and experienced staff support them effectively.
The school's approach to SEND is inclusive and personalised, ensuring that pupils with additional needs are supported to access the curriculum and make progress.
Corngreaves Academy offers a diverse range of activities designed to broaden pupil experience and develop well-rounded learners. Assemblies, clubs, trips and visitors help to broaden pupils' understanding of the curriculum and the wider world.
Music holds a central place in the school's curriculum. Pupils develop their musical skills by regularly playing the glockenspiel and learn to play and perform with increasing confidence. This sequential approach to instrumental learning builds confidence and competence over time, with pupils progressing from early playing skills to assured performance.
Design technology is taught with a strong emphasis on practical knowledge and sequenced learning. Pupils build knowledge about food and nutrition gradually, with younger pupils learning about different types of fruits and vegetables and the basics of cutting, using terms like "grate" and "peel". As they get older, pupils identify nutrients in fruits and vegetables, and the oldest pupils explore how food affects your mood.
The school aims to create a culture that inspires an active generation to enjoy PE and encourage each other and achieve. The school provides a safe and supportive environment for children to attain optimum physical and emotional development and good health. It has implemented a high-quality, inclusive curriculum that inspires all pupils to succeed and excel across all areas of physical education, competitive sport, and other physically demanding activities.
The school offers structured after-school enrichment activities for a small fee. The school offers various after-school enrichment activities Monday–Friday until 4:15pm, booked termly with a cost of £3. During Autumn 2025, the school offers Gym Club, Dance Club, Multi Sports, and R&B Gym Club, giving pupils choice in how they develop physical skills and confidence.
The school has its own Breakfast Club which opens at 7:30am each day and is situated in the school hall. All children must be signed in by an adult at the main reception. The cost is £2 for children arriving before 8:10am, and from 8:10am the Breakfast Club is free. This provision supports working families and ensures all pupils can start the day well-fuelled.
Leaders provide pupils with opportunities to develop their character. Staff encourage pupils to become resilient. Pupils take on a range of leadership roles, including Safeguarding Champions, Anti-Bullying Ambassadors, and Prefects, giving them genuine responsibility and voice within school life.
The school commits to a broad curriculum that goes beyond the core subjects. Leaders have designed a broad and balanced curriculum. They have identified the important knowledge that they want pupils to learn. The curriculum is carefully organised to ensure that pupils develop their understanding over time. This breadth of experience is vital in helping pupils develop into well-rounded individuals with multiple interests.
Corngreaves Academy received an Ofsted inspection on 8 February 2023, achieving ratings of Good across quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management. Early years provision was rated Outstanding. This was the first routine inspection the school received as an academy converter, making it a comprehensive assessment of post-conversion practice.
Ofsted’s latest inspection (8 February 2023) judged the school Good, with Early years provision rated Outstanding. The academy has maintained and strengthened that reputation through its conversion and leadership.
This is a non-selective state school, admitting pupils by distance from the school. However, it is significantly oversubscribed. In the most recent admissions round for primary entry, the school received 58 applications for 30 places, a ratio of 1.93:1. This means nearly two families competed for every place available. All first-preference applicants who were offered places had listed Corngreaves as their first choice, indicating strong and genuine demand.
The oversubscription ratio reflects the school's good reputation and strong outcomes. Parents in the immediate Cradley Heath area typically have a better chance of securing a place than those further away, as Sandwell Council's admissions policy prioritises proximity. The school is well-situated in the heart of Cradley Heath, making it accessible for local families.
Applications for entry to primary (Reception) typically open in September of the year before entry, with the closing date in October. Offers are released in April of the following year. Parents should confirm the exact dates with Sandwell Council or the school directly, as timings can vary by local authority.
Applications
58
Total received
Places Offered
30
Subscription Rate
1.9x
Apps per place
The building has undergone significant renovations in recent years, and while the exterior still has a Victorian appearance, the interior now has classrooms that are appropriate for 21st-century education, with access to a wide variety of instructional resources and facilities in modernised classrooms.
Each classroom supports the children's development, and there is high uniformity throughout the school. iPads and computers are available at the school and are utilised to improve instruction. This blend of historic character and modern infrastructure gives the school a distinctive identity.
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Leaders ensure that keeping pupils safe is a priority. All staff receive regular safeguarding training. As a result, they are vigilant and know their safeguarding duties well. Staff report concerns promptly, and leaders take swift action when they consider a pupil to be at risk of harm and work with external agencies where necessary to keep children safe.
The school's approach to pastoral care is warm and proactive. Pupils have access to trusted adults and know they can raise concerns without fear.
Mrs Joanne Robinson has been Headteacher since January 2024, following Sarah Green. Under her leadership, the school is focused on consolidating the gains made and continuing to raise standards. The Executive Headteacher, Michelle Green, provides wider strategic support within the United Learning Trust framework.
The school is part of United Learning Trust, a multi-academy trust comprising 33 primary schools and 45 secondary schools. This membership brings access to training, professional development, and cross-school collaboration.
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30% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, reflecting the school's location in an area with moderate levels of socioeconomic deprivation.
Approximately 42% of pupils are from ethnic minority backgrounds, giving the school a genuinely diverse and multicultural community.
The school is very popular and highly oversubscribed. If distance from your home is not guaranteed to secure entry, consider your nearest catchment alternatives. The school operates standard wrap-around care through a breakfast club and after-school activities rather than full day-care provision, so families relying on extensive childcare will need to plan accordingly.
Reading excellence is a particular strength, but the school's own Ofsted report notes that assessment systems in a small number of foundation subjects are still being developed. This is a minor area for improvement rather than a concern, but it's worth noting that tracking progress in non-core subjects may not be as systematic as in English and maths.
The Victorian building, while charmingly updated, is older than many modern primary schools. The school has invested in classroom modernisation, but families wanting the very latest facilities should visit to see if the setting suits them.
Corngreaves Academy is a well-led, warm primary school with a clear mission and strong academic outcomes, especially in reading. The school succeeds in being both academically rigorous and genuinely nurturing, with pupils speaking about the "family" atmosphere. The Ofsted rating of Good, combined with outstanding early years provision, reflects confident leadership and a strong professional team.
For families within the catchment, particularly those valuing a traditional, values-led education with good behaviour standards and strong English outcomes, this school deserves serious consideration. The historical context adds character, and the investment in modern teaching resources shows the school is not resting on heritage alone.
The main barrier to entry is competition, not quality. If you can access a place through the distance criterion, Corngreaves would be an excellent choice. The school places pupils well for secondary transition and has maintained its reputation as a happy, safe, and effective place to learn.
Yes. Corngreaves Academy was rated Good by Ofsted in February 2023 across quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership and management, with Early Years Outstanding. The school achieves above-average results in reading and maths, with 93% and 79% of pupils respectively reaching the expected standard at Key Stage 2 (FindMySchool ranking places it in the top locally). Pupils report feeling safe and happy, and staff are valued and proud of the school.
Highly competitive. The school received 58 applications for 30 places in the last round, meaning nearly two families competed for every place. Entry is by proximity to the school under Sandwell Council's admissions policy. If you live outside the immediate catchment, securing a place may be difficult. Parents should contact Sandwell Council for the precise distance offered in recent years.
At Key Stage 2, 93% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading (England average 62%), 79% in maths (England average 62%), and 86% in science (England average 82%). The high reading attainment is a particular strength. These figures place the school in the top for reading locally (FindMySchool data).
The school offers after-school enrichment activities including Gym Club, Dance Club, Multi Sports, and R&B Gym Club (£3 per term). A breakfast club operates from 7:30am, costing £2 before 8:10am and free from 8:10am onwards. Music, design technology, PE, and personal development are integrated into the curriculum, with pupils learning glockenspiel and receiving comprehensive physical education.
Yes. The Ofsted report confirmed behaviour and attitudes and personal development as Good. The school has a family-like atmosphere, with pupils saying staff are always available to talk. The school teaches pupils about diversity, rights, and responsibilities through assemblies, visitors, and trips. Safeguarding is effective, with regular staff training and swift action on concerns.
Outstanding. Staff in the early years are highly ambitious and have created a rich and stimulating curriculum. Children thrive in the vibrant learning environment. They show high levels of curiosity and independence. Children are exceptionally well prepared for Year 1, with a focus on vocabulary development, routine, and high expectations.
Inclusive and supportive. Leaders ensure that staff receive training to identify the needs of pupils with SEND. Teachers provide appropriate extra help and these pupils achieve well. The school works with families and external agencies to support pupils with additional needs, ensuring they access the curriculum and make progress.
The school building dates to 1848–1849 (Victorian era) but has undergone recent modernisation. Whilst the exterior retains its historic appearance, classrooms have been updated with modern teaching resources, including iPads and computers. The school is fit for purpose, though families expecting ultra-modern facilities should visit to judge the setting for themselves.
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