The Earls High School Review 2026: Historic Roots and Community Spirit

Tracing its origins to the Free Grammar School of Halesowen founded in 1652, The Earls High School carries its history with visible pride. While it is now a comprehensive academy serving 1,200 students, the grammar school heritage remains evident in the architecture and the house system. It operates as a bustling 11-16 school where traditional expectations of behaviour meet a modern, inclusive curriculum.

The campus tells the story of the school's evolution. The original Grade II listed building, with its wood-panelled library and honours boards, stands alongside 1960s blocks and modern science facilities. This architectural mix reflects the school's identity: respectful of 370 years of history but focused on the present.

Mrs Nicola Hirsch was appointed Headteacher in 2025, having previously served as a senior leader at the school. Her leadership emphasizes a culture of "Excellence, Care and Partnership". The atmosphere is purposeful but lively; students move quickly between the disparate buildings during breaks. The house system—Abbey, Cobham, Hingley, and Shenstone—anchors the pastoral structure, creating smaller communities within the large student body. Identity is strong here; students wear their house ties with genuine pride, and inter-house competitions, particularly in sport and music, are fiercely contested.

In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 48.4, placing it above the England average of 45.9. The Progress 8 score of -0.02 suggests that students make progress broadly in line with expectations from their starting points.

Ranked 1733rd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the school ranks 2nd among secondary schools in Halesowen. This performance reflects solid results, sitting in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile).

The curriculum is broad and retains subjects that have disappeared from many state schools. Three languages—French, German, and Spanish—are taught, and the arts are well supported. Teaching follows a structured "Earls Lesson" framework, ensuring consistency across departments.

Classes are set by ability in core subjects like mathematics and science from early in Year 7, while other subjects remain mixed ability. The school places significant emphasis on reading, with dedicated library lessons and tutor time devoted to literacy.

Where Students Go Next

As an 11-16 school, there is no sixth form on site. This necessitates a move at the end of Year 11, and the school runs a robust careers programme to support this transition. The majority of students progress to Halesowen College for vocational and academic courses, or to King Edward VI College in Stourbridge for A-levels. A smaller number secure apprenticeships or move to other local sixth forms. The lack of an on-site sixth form means Year 11s are the undisputed leaders of the school, taking on prefect roles that Year 12s might hold elsewhere.

Admissions are coordinated by Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council. The school is consistently oversubscribed. In the most recent entry year, there were 756 applications for 265 places, a ratio of nearly 3 applications per place.

When oversubscribed, priority is given to looked-after children, siblings, and then those living closest to the school. While specific distance data varies annually, the school serves a tight local catchment. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Fees & Financial Aid

This is a state-funded school, so there are no tuition fees. Parents are responsible for the cost of uniforms, sports kits, and optional school trips.

The school uses a cashless catering system for lunches. Families on lower incomes may be eligible for free school meals, which also triggers Pupil Premium funding to support their child's education. Financial support for school trips or uniform may be available for eligible families; parents should contact the school office for details.

The house system is the engine of pastoral care. Each student belongs to a form group within their house, and the Head of House oversees their wellbeing and academic progress. This vertical structure allows younger students to mix with older ones, fostering a sense of protection and belonging.

Support for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) is coordinated from the "Hub", a dedicated space for learning support and emotional regulation. The school has also invested in mental health first aiders and counselling support.

Extracurricular life is a defining pillar of The Earls. The music department is particularly strong, with the Earls Big Band, Orchestra, and Choir performing regularly at venues like Birmingham Symphony Hall.

Sport is the second major pillar, with extensive fixtures in football, rugby, netball, and athletics against local schools. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is popular, with large cohorts completing Bronze and Silver awards annually. Other clubs range from the specific, such as the Dungeons and Dragons Society, to the academic, including Science Club and Debate Club.

The school day runs from 8:45am to 3:15pm. A breakfast club is available from 8:00am in the dining hall. The uniform is strictly enforced, consisting of a blazer with the school crest, house tie, and charcoal grey trousers or skirt. The school is located on Furnace Lane, a short walk from the centre of Halesowen and well-served by local bus routes.

No Sixth Form. Students must change institutions at 16. While this offers a fresh start and wider college choices, families seeking an all-through 11-18 education will need to weigh the disruption of moving after GCSEs.

Split Site Challenges. The campus is spread out, with some lessons requiring a walk between buildings. This can be physically demanding and means students are exposed to the weather during transitions.

Oversubscription. With nearly three applicants for every seat, securing a place is not guaranteed even for those living relatively close. Families should be realistic about their distance from the school gate.

The Earls High School balances its grammar school history with a commitment to comprehensive education. It offers a solid academic grounding and exceptional opportunities in music and sport. Best suited to students who will thrive in a busy, large secondary school and want to take advantage of the rich extracurricular menu. The main challenge is securing a place in this popular local institution.