St Michael's Church of England High School, Rowley Regis Review 2026: Modern Campus, Traditional Values

St Michael's Church of England High School occupies a striking modern campus on the Rowley Hills, part of the Rowley Learning Campus opened in 2011. Serving a diverse West Midlands community, the school combines state-of-the-art facilities with a deeply embedded Christian ethos. It caters for students aged 11 to 16, meaning there is no sixth form on site; the focus is entirely on the secondary phase and preparing students for their next steps at local colleges.

Under the leadership of Mrs Christina Handy-Rivett, appointed in 2022, the school continues to be rated Good by Ofsted (latest inspection January 2023). It is a school that prides itself on "Excellence for All," blending academic ambition with a strong emphasis on character development through its core Christian values.

The first thing visitors notice is the building itself. Far from the cramped corridors of Victorian schools, St Michael's features a central atrium that floods the space with light, creating an open and visible environment. The design mirrors the school's culture of transparency and community. The on-site Chapel serves as the spiritual heart of the school, offering a quiet sanctuary amidst the bustle of the school day.

The atmosphere is purposeful but distinctively caring. The school's values—Mercy, Integrity, Care and Compassion, Humility, Achievement, Equality, Leadership, and Service—are not just wall art; they underpin the behaviour policy and daily interactions. Students carry "Values Cards" and are rewarded for demonstrating these traits. The "Student Voice" leadership group is active, giving students a genuine stake in how their school is run.

In 2024, the school's academic performance remained solid. The Progress 8 score of +0.28 indicates that students at St Michael's achieve, on average, over a quarter of a grade higher across their subjects than pupils with similar starting points across England. This ability to add value is a key strength.

St Michael's ranks 2,543rd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and ranks 1st among secondary schools in Rowley Regis. This performance sits in the national typical band, placing it in line with the middle 35% of schools in England.

The curriculum is broad and balanced, designed to keep options open for as long as possible. In Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9), students follow a full range of subjects including drama, dance, and music, benefiting from the specialist studios available on site.

In Key Stage 4, the school maintains a commitment to the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), with 40.5% of students entering this suite of academic subjects. However, the approach is not rigid; vocational options are also available, ensuring that the curriculum suits the learner rather than the other way around. Support for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) is coordinated from a dedicated "hub" on the second floor, ensuring help is central and accessible.

As an 11-16 school, St Michael's bids farewell to its students after GCSEs. This structural "stop" at Year 11 means that the oldest students in the school take on the most senior leadership responsibilities, a maturity that serves them well when they move on.

Leavers progress to a variety of local post-16 providers. Popular destinations include Halesowen College and King Edward VI College in Stourbridge for A-levels, as well as Sandwell College for vocational routes. The school's careers programme helps students navigate these choices early, ensuring they are ready for the transition.

Admission to St Michael's is coordinated by Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council. The school is a popular choice in the local area and is frequently oversubscribed.

While it is a Church of England school, it serves the entire local community. The admissions criteria prioritise Looked After Children and those with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) naming the school. Following this, priority is often given to siblings and then by distance from the school gate. Families do not need to be practising Christians to apply, though the school's ethos is central to its identity.

The school operates a Year Group system, meaning students stay with their Heads of Year as they move up the school, fostering long-term relationships. A dedicated "REFOCUS" area provides support for students who need time out or behavioural intervention, focusing on restorative practice rather than just sanction.

The "Literacy Lounge" offers a quieter space for reading and study, catering to students who may find the main playground environments overwhelming. Safeguarding is robust, with a clear culture of "it could happen here" ensuring vigilance.

The facilities at St Michael's allow for a rich extracurricular life. The sports hall, fitness suite, and dance studio support a busy schedule of clubs and fixtures, with netball, football, and basketball being particularly popular.

The arts are a significant strength. The drama theatre and music practice rooms are well-used, hosting annual productions and concerts that bring the community together. The school also runs a range of trips, from local theatre visits to residential stays that build resilience and teamwork.

The school is located on Curral Road in Rowley Regis. The school day typically runs from 8:40am to 3:00pm. Wraparound care is not standard for secondary schools, but the library and various clubs often run after school hours.

No Sixth Form: Students must change schools at 16. While this offers a fresh start and a wider choice of college courses, families looking for a single institution from 11 to 18 will need to consider if they are happy with this transition.

Faith Character: The Christian ethos is genuine and pervasive. While inclusive of all faiths, families should be comfortable with their child attending collective worship and being educated in an environment where Christian values are explicitly taught.

Admissions Competition: As a popular local school, places are in demand. Families living at a distance should check the "last distance offered" in previous years to assess their realistic chance of securing a place.

St Michael's Church of England High School offers a modern, nurturing environment where students are pushed to achieve more than they might expect. The strong Progress 8 score confirms the quality of education, while the modern campus provides a dignified place to learn. Best suited to families who value a structured, values-driven education and are happy for their child to move on to a specialist college at 16.