The Friary School Review 2026: Strong Performance Above the Middle Ground

Lichfield's connection to the Franciscan Friars runs deep. The school that bears their name occupies land where Grey Friars once established their monastery in 1237, work that continued until Henry VIII's dissolution in 1538. Today, the echoes of that heritage are felt more in nomenclature than monastic life, but they serve as a reminder of the school's long investment in education on this corner of Staffordshire. The current Friary School — a mixed comprehensive serving over 1,250 students aged 11-18 — sits firmly in the top 25% of secondary schools in England for GCSE outcomes, a standing it has maintained consistently. The school transitioned to academy status in 2019 under the Primitas Learning Partnership and received a Good rating from Ofsted in March 2024. With an Attainment 8 score of 57.6, well above the England average of 45.9, and Progress 8 of +0.87, the school demonstrates that students make above-average progress from their starting points.

The Friary sits on the fringe of Lichfield's city centre, drawing a diverse intake from both urban and rural Staffordshire. The school operates under clear leadership from Headteacher Matt Allman, who has been in post since 2016. He succeeded David Lister and has brought renewed energy to a school that was previously rated Good in 2014 and has sustained that standard through to the latest inspection.

The school's motto distils its approach: high achievement through challenge and support for every learner. This is not mere language on a prospectus. In observations of school life, behaviour is consistently described as excellent, with students engaging diligently in lessons and working to high standards. The atmosphere is one of genuine purposefulness rather than pressure; pupils feel secure and supported while being held to clear academic and behavioural expectations.

Pastoral care is exceptionally strong. The house system — organised into Darwin, Garrick, Johnson and Seward houses — creates a sense of belonging and friendly competition, with each house adopting a local charity (Acorns Hospice, Lichfield Food-Bank, St Giles Hospice, and the Midland Air Ambulance respectively). This model allows students to feel connected to something larger than themselves while giving back to their community. The school prioritises three explicit commitments: keeping students safe, ensuring they are happy, and supporting their success. Parents responding to Ofsted's survey were overwhelmingly positive, with one captured comment summarising the sentiment: 'This is a great school.'

In the most recent performance data, The Friary achieved an Attainment 8 score of 57.6, compared to the England average of 45.9. This places the school well above the national baseline. English and maths attainment stood at 82%, comfortably above both the Staffordshire average of 62% and the England average of 60%. This metric matters because English and mathematics are foundation qualifications that open doors; 82% achieving grade 5 or above represents strong progress.

The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) uptake sits at 34%, with students achieving grade 5 or above in that qualification route at solid levels. These breadth-balanced qualifications — spanning sciences, languages, and humanities alongside English and mathematics — signal that the school is preparing students for competitive sixth forms and universities, not just passing examinations.

Ranking Context

The school ranks 740th in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 25% of secondary schools nationally. Locally within Lichfield and the surrounding area, it ranks 2nd, an indication that it is among the highest-performing comprehensives in its geographic area. The Progress 8 figure of +0.87 confirms that this achievement comes from effective teaching: students make measurable progress beyond what would be expected from their Key Stage 2 starting points.

Post-16 Achievement

At A-level, the school's strength continues. With 10% achieving A* grades and 23% achieving A grades, the combined A*-A figure stands at 34%. This exceeds the England average of A*-A at approximately 24%. The A*-B combined rate reaches 60%, indicating that solid passes (B grades) are also common, widening the cohort of students with competitive university entrance credentials.

The school ranks 634th in England for A-level performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it securely within the top 25% of sixth forms nationally. Sixth form entry is available to students from across the region, and external applications are accepted, allowing the sixth form to broaden its intake beyond internal progression.

University Destinations

In the 2023-24 cohort, 60% of leavers progressed to university, while 24% moved directly into employment and 2% began apprenticeships. This distribution reflects the school's balance of academic and vocational pathways. The school has built credible relationships with major universities including the University of Birmingham and the University of Cambridge, and has a track record of facilitating Oxbridge applications, with one Cambridge acceptance recorded in the measurement period. This may seem modest, but it demonstrates a pipeline of high-performing students who are supported through the fiercely competitive Oxbridge admissions process.

The curriculum at Key Stage 4 is broad and ambitious. Students pursue GCSE qualifications across core subjects (English, mathematics, sciences) alongside humanities, languages, and creative subjects. Teachers are described in inspection findings as having strong subject knowledge, and this is evident in consistent results across a diverse range of subjects. The school offers a wide option set at GCSE, allowing students to tailor their choices within a structured framework that ensures breadth.

Key Stage 3 operates on a three-year curriculum model designed to build foundational knowledge securely before acceleration at GCSE. English study, for example, is structured so that concepts introduced in Year 7 are systematically revisited and expanded through more complex texts in subsequent years. This vertical coherence reduces the risk of gaps and allows students to develop deeper understanding.

Teaching is rigorous and structured. Students work with clear feedback processes that inform improvement. The school emphasises high expectations and a culture where effort and improvement are valued alongside raw attainment. Saturday school and holiday school provision is available, signalling a commitment to extending learning beyond the timetabled week for those who need or want extra support or challenge.

Beyond GCSE, the majority of students progress into the school's own sixth form or to other local post-16 providers. The sixth form is selective in entry, requiring a minimum attainment at GCSE (typically grade 5 or above in core subjects), but welcomes external applicants. This maintains academic rigour whilst allowing students from other schools to access the school's post-16 provision.

For those leaving at 16, pathways include further education colleges, apprenticeships (2% of the recent cohort), and direct employment (24%). The school's careers programme is thorough, integrated into PSHE lessons, and supported by work experience placements, guest speakers, mentoring (including partnerships with employers such as the Co-Op), and external careers advisors. Recent partnerships have included Ask Apprenticeships, Balfour Beatty, the National Farmers Union, and the RAF, providing students with authentic exposure to world-of-work contexts.

Music and the Performing Arts

The school inherited a legacy as an arts and sports college (designated 2006, though the formal status was withdrawn in 2010; the emphasis remains). Music is genuinely central to school life. Students are encouraged to learn instruments; tuition is available both within and outside the school. Ensembles include participation in the National Youth Orchestra, and the school has a track record of students progressing to local theatre productions and even West End performance. The annual musical theatre production draws considerable participation, as does an Encore variety show and Battle of the Bands showcase. The outdoor Summer Sizzler festival brings a festival atmosphere to school life each year, with selected performers going on to perform at the city's Fuse Festival.

Drama

The school theatre is purpose-built and hosts regular drama productions, creating a showcase for student talent and a draw for the wider community.

Sporting Provision

The Friary shares extensive sporting facilities with Lichfield Council, including astro-turf pitches, a sports hall, a multi-gym, and an indoor swimming pool. This is a genuine asset, allowing elite performers to pursue sports at a high level whilst recreational provision is available for all. Students represent the school in fixtures across a range of sports, with particular strength in rugby, hockey, and athletics.

Clubs and Societies

Named clubs include creative writing, reading, chess, drama, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions (running to Gold level), and a growing menu of student-led initiatives. The Interact Club, run by sixth-form students in partnership with the Rotary Club of Lichfield St Chad, has raised funds for organisations including the Teddy Trust, Birmingham Children's Hospital, MIND, and Save the Children. The school also operates Saturday School programming, extending academic support and enrichment beyond the normal week.

Field Trips and Adventures

The school believes in experiential learning. Recent trips have included ventures to Normandy, Warwick Castle, the Peak District, the Italian Alps (where students progress from green to black ski runs), Croatia (white-water rafting), and Borneo (wildlife immersion). These are not token trips but are integrated into the curriculum where possible and are designed to build resilience, broaden perspectives, and create memories of achievement in unfamiliar contexts. The school specifically fosters a spirit of adventure, encouraging students to develop courage and a sense of fun.

Careers and Aspirations

Sixth formers benefit from work experience placements, UCAS support tailored to their circumstances, and guidance on competitive applications. The school has well-established links with universities beyond those mentioned above and supports students pursuing vocational and technical qualifications as well as traditional A-levels.

Community Engagement

The house-based charity work is notable. Darwin House supports Acorns Hospice; Garrick House the Lichfield Food-Bank; Johnson House St Giles Hospice; Seward House the Midland Air Ambulance. In a recent house week, Seward House raised over £3,000 for the air ambulance service, marking a new record. This embedding of giving back into the school calendar ensures that charity is not an add-on but a lived value.

The Friary is non-selective at Year 7, admitting through the standard local authority co-ordinated admissions process. In 2024, the school received 618 applications for 215 places (a ratio of 2.87 applications per place), indicating that places are highly sought after. Entry is determined primarily by proximity to the school, with sibling priority and looked-after children considered ahead of distance-based allocation. Parents should use the FindMySchoolMap Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to the last distance offered, as this varies annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

For sixth form entry, students must typically achieve a minimum grade 5 in core subjects at GCSE. External applications are welcomed, and the school seeks to broaden its sixth form intake.

Admissions are handled by Staffordshire Local Authority. The school's non-selective policy means it serves a broad intake, with variation in attainment at entry. The fact that progress measures exceed national expectations suggests effective teaching across the full ability range.

Pastoral support is organised through the house system and form tutors. Each house has a dedicated house leader, and form tutors maintain close oversight of individual student progress and wellbeing. The school operates a support model that identifies students needing additional help early and intervenes with clarity and compassion.

Behaviour expectations are high and clearly communicated. The school has a structured rewards and sanctions system, and students report feeling safe. Safeguarding is described as effective in inspection findings, and the school maintains trained staff and clear protocols.

Mental health is taken seriously. The school employs counselling support and works with external agencies where needed. Students are taught about emotional wellbeing, and peer support structures exist to foster a culture where struggles are recognised and addressed.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) support is well established. Approximately 1% of students hold an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), and a further 9% receive SEN support. The school works to fully integrate these students into everyday school life whilst providing targeted intervention where identified needs require it.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm. Transport is provided via local bus services (notably the 817 service through Fradley and Alrewas). The school is located on Eastern Avenue, Lichfield, WS13 7EW.

Uniform is compulsory. Facilities shared with Lichfield Council include the sports complex, which operates as Friary Grange Leisure Centre.

The school is part of the Primitas Learning Partnership, a multi-academy trust, since its academy conversion in 2019.

Academic stretch at this level. With Attainment 8 at 57.6 and Progress 8 at +0.87, the school is performing well above average. This is not a gifted-and-talented specialist school, so students at the very top of the ability range should consider whether they are sufficiently challenged or whether entry to a more highly-selective school (grammar school or independent) might offer greater stretch. The school welcomes bright students and offers extension opportunities, but families should visit and speak with teaching staff about their child's specific needs.

Oversubscription and distance criteria. With nearly three applications per place, securing a spot requires living close to the school. Distance is the primary allocation mechanism, and whilst proximity is no guarantee, it is the key lever for most families. Verify your precise location before relying on a place here.

Transition from primary. The school receives students from a wide range of primary schools across the local area. Transition is carefully planned with Year 6 visits and a dedicated transition programme. However, all secondary schools involve a significant social and academic shift; this is manageable here, but families should ensure their child is ready for the increased independence and expectations that secondary education brings.

The Friary School is a well-performing, inclusive comprehensive that punches solidly above the middle line of English secondaries. Strong results at GCSE and A-level, combined with genuine pastoral care and a rich extracurricular offer, make this an attractive choice for families in and around Lichfield. The school's connection to its heritage is worn lightly; what matters is the clarity of vision and the rigorous delivery of education. Best suited to families living within reach of the school's oversubscribed catchment who value a broad, balanced education with genuine community engagement and a proven track record of university progress. The main consideration is competition for places; distance to school is the decisive factor for most families applying.