Windsor High School and Sixth Form Review 2026: Outstanding in Halesowen

"Excellence for All" is not just a motto here; it is the operational reality of one of Halesowen's most popular schools. Serving over 1,700 students, Windsor High School and Sixth Form is a large, bustling academy that manages to maintain a distinct community feel. The school recently confirmed its high standards with an inspection in October 2024, where it was judged Outstanding in all areas. It sits as a central pillar of the Windsor Academy Trust, drawing families from across Dudley who seek a school that combines scale with individual ambition.

The Richmond Street campus is a busy mix of eras, where 1930s foundations meet modern glass-fronted additions like the purpose-built Sixth Form Centre. With such a large roll, the atmosphere is inevitably energetic, yet there is a clear order to the movement. The House system is central to navigating this scale. Students belong to one of five Houses—Hanover, Lancaster, Stuart, Tudor, or York—which creates smaller "families" within the school, fostering fierce loyalty during inter-house sports and charity events.

Leadership has recently transitioned. Miss Gavina Raindi took up the Headship in January 2026, following the long tenure of Mr Stephen Lanckham. She inherits a school with a very strong culture of discipline and "The Windsor Way", a code of conduct that emphasizes respect and resilience.

This is a school that feels grounded and diverse. It does not have the hushed, cloistered feel of a selective grammar; instead, it buzzes with the reality of a true comprehensive intake. Students here seem comfortable in their skin, and the environment is one of purpose rather than pretension.

Academic outcomes are consistently solid, particularly at GCSE. Windsor ranks 1,339th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 30% of schools nationally and 1st among non-selective schools in the immediate Halesowen area.

In 2024, the Progress 8 score was +0.14, indicating that students make more progress here than they would at an average school. Nearly a quarter of students achieved strong passes (Grade 5+) in the rigorous English Baccalaureate suite of subjects.

At Sixth Form, the picture is one of inclusivity. The school ranks 1,867th in England for A-level outcomes. In 2024, 36.7% of grades were A*-B. While this figure is below the England average, it reflects a Sixth Form that welcomes a broader range of abilities than many selective counterparts. The school is particularly strong in adding value to students who might not have been accepted elsewhere, with many outperforming their initial targets.

The curriculum is broad, resisting the trend to narrow choices too early. At Key Stage 3, students still access a rich diet of arts and technology alongside the core academic subjects.

Teaching is characterized by consistency. The "Windsor" model of teaching ensures that lessons follow a recognizable structure, which helps students know exactly what is expected of them regardless of the subject. The recent inspection highlighted the strength of the curriculum planning, noting that leaders have thought carefully about the knowledge students need to succeed.

Facilities play a major role here. The science laboratories are modern and well-equipped, and the sports facilities—including a fitness suite and dance studio—allow for a curriculum that treats physical education as a serious subject, not an afterthought.

The majority of Year 11 students choose to stay on for the Sixth Form, which speaks volumes about their experience. For those leaving at 18, destinations are diverse. In 2024, 59% of leavers progressed to university, including one student securing a place at Oxbridge.

However, the university route is not the only path celebrated here. The school has robust links with local industry, and 9% of leavers moved into apprenticeships in 2024. The careers programme is pragmatic and active, ensuring that students aiming for employment or vocational training are supported just as vigorously as those filling out UCAS forms.

Admission to Windsor High School is coordinated by Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council. This is a popular school, and oversubscription is the norm. In 2024, the school received 695 applications for roughly 280 places, a subscription ratio of over 2.4 applications per place.

After Looked After Children and siblings, places are allocated based on straight distance from the school gate. There is no fixed catchment map; the "cut-off" distance moves every year depending on who applies. In recent years, families living more than 1.5 miles away without a sibling link have struggled to secure a place. Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their proximity relative to recent trends.

Sixth Form admissions are handled directly by the school. External applicants are welcomed, though they must meet the specific grade requirements for their chosen courses, typically Grade 5 or 6 at GCSE.

Pastoral care is delivered through the House system. Tutors stay with their groups as they move up the school, providing a consistent point of contact for families.

The school takes a proactive approach to wellbeing. A dedicated Student Services team acts as a triage for pastoral concerns, ensuring that teachers can focus on teaching while students with specific needs get professional support. The inspection in 2024 praised the culture of safeguarding, noting that students feel safe and know exactly who to talk to if they have worries.

Extracurricular life is a major pillar of the Windsor experience. The school runs a "Period 7" programme, encouraging students to stay after formal lessons for enrichment.

The arts are particularly vibrant. The "Windsor Dance Company" puts on professional-standard shows, and the Senior Dance Company is a fixture in the school calendar. Music remains central, with various bands and a choir that performs locally.

Sport is equally strong. The PE department runs teams in football, rugby, netball, and basketball, competing successfully in district leagues. Unusually for a state school, there is also a golf club that uses local facilities.

For the intellectually curious, the Sixth Form offers specific societies like the "Criminal Clinic" for budding lawyers and a "Medical Society" for future doctors.

The school day starts with registration at 8:40am and finishes at 3:10pm, though many students stay later for clubs. Located on Richmond Street, the site is embedded in a residential area, so traffic can be heavy; walking or public transport is strongly encouraged.

High demand for places. With nearly 700 applications for Year 7, this is one of the most difficult schools in Dudley to get into. Living in Halesowen does not guarantee a spot if you are on the wrong side of town.

Large school environment. While the House system helps, this is still a school of 1,700 students. It suits children who are fairly robust and can navigate a busy, fast-paced environment.

Sixth Form entry. Current students usually get priority for Sixth Form places if they meet the grades, but the entry criteria for specific A-levels like Maths and Sciences are strict.

Windsor High School and Sixth Form is a powerhouse of local education. It combines the academic standards of an Outstanding school with the warmth and inclusivity of a community comprehensive. It is best suited to families in Halesowen who want a school that will push their child academically while offering a vast menu of extracurricular opportunities. The main challenge is securing a place in Year 7.