In 2014, two Sheffield schools merged to create Forge Valley, born from the ruins of a system that had failed. That origin story matters. Where there might have been a narrative of deficit, the school chose ambition instead. The £30 million purpose-built campus on Wood Lane became home to a deliberate rethinking of what secondary education could be: inclusive, academically rigorous, and unapologetically focused on preparing all young people for their place in a diverse world.
Today, Forge Valley sits in a strong position. The latest Ofsted inspection in May 2024 confirmed the school as Good across all areas. This rating reflects consistent progress since the academy conversion, marking genuine recovery from difficult times. The school serves approximately 1,500 pupils across years 7 to 13, with a sixth form of around 250 students. Results in 2024 show 47.4 Attainment 8 (above the England average of 45.9). At A-level, 54% achieved grades A* to B, compared to the England average of 47%. The school ranks 1613rd in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking, middle 35% of schools in England), placing it in the middle 35% of schools nationally, and 15th among Sheffield secondaries. For A-level, it ranks 762nd in England, in the same middle 35% of schools in England, and 10th locally.
Most importantly, the school's ethos centres on what it calls the "Forge Valley Pillars": ambition, endeavour, and success. This is not marketing language at Forge Valley. It is embedded in how the school operates daily.
Forge Valley describes itself as inclusive and welcoming, and the May 2024 Ofsted inspection confirmed this directly: "Forge Valley School is an inclusive and welcoming school. There are strong relationships between staff and pupils. Pupils treat one and other with respect." The school has developed a deliberate culture of high expectation where pupils flourish both academically and socially.
Behaviour throughout the school is calm and orderly. Suspensions and exclusions are low. Staff reward pupils for doing the right thing, and pupils respond by being courteous, responsible, polite and well behaved. Bullying is rare, but when it occurs, the school deals with it swiftly. Pupils know where to seek support, and this clarity helps keep them safe.
The school has invested heavily in pastoral systems. Mental health support is prioritised. Reading is at the heart of the curriculum culture: all pupils listen and read with their form tutor three times a week. Sixth form students mentor younger pupils in paired reading sessions, creating a visible culture where literacy matters across the school. This structural support for reading represents a deliberate choice to address needs across the cohort.
Under Headteacher Dale Barrowclough's leadership, the school has maintained a focus on consistency and inclusion. The building itself is modern: the 32-metre by 18-metre sports hall, with modern gym facilities and outdoor pitches, stands as visible evidence of the investment. But more important than facilities are the relationships. The school feels purposeful without feeling pressurised. There is genuine joy in learning here, alongside genuine rigour.
The most recent GCSE results show solid, reliable performance. In 2024, 47% of pupils achieved an Attainment 8 score, above the England average of 46%. Reading the detail: 47% achieved grade 5 or above in both English and Mathematics (the "strong pass" threshold), compared to the England average of 46%. At the higher standard, fewer pupils achieved greater depth, but the overall picture is of consistent, above-average attainment across the cohort.
The English Baccalaureate (EBacc) entries show 20% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above, with an average EBacc score of 4.27, above the England average of 4.08. This indicates that strong pupils here are being entered for the full range of facilitating subjects, broadening their options for sixth form and beyond.
The Progress 8 measure (which tracks individual pupil progress from Key Stage 2 to GCSE) shows -0.18, indicating that pupils here make slightly less progress than their peers nationally with similar starting points. This is a known area of focus for the school. Inspection findings noted that in some lessons, tasks do not always match the ambition of the planned curriculum, limiting depth of understanding. The school has recognised this and invested in professional development for staff to ensure curriculum ambition is consistently matched with challenging activities.
The sixth form is a particular strength. In 2024, 54% of students achieved grades A* to B at A-level. For grade A* alone, 10% of entries achieved this top grade. The A* to B figure comfortably exceeds the England average of 47%, placing strong value-added from Key Stage 4 to post-16.
Approximately 80% of sixth form leavers progress to higher education, with many attending competitive universities. This rate is above both national and local averages, a testament to the raising aspirations work embedded in the sixth form.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
54.51%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
Teachers at Forge Valley are described in the May 2024 inspection as having strong subject knowledge. The curriculum is ambitious and broad, carefully sequenced to build on previous learning, with important knowledge regularly revisited to aid retention. Students in the sixth form have a particularly wide range of options, including the ability to mix academic and vocational qualifications (A-levels and BTECs), and teachers prepare them well for the increased demands of these courses.
Assessment is used effectively to identify common misconceptions and address them swiftly. However, the inspection noted that in some instances, pupils are not consistently expected to explain their learning or think more deeply about concepts. This limits depth for some. The school is actively addressing this through a professional development programme for staff.
The extended project qualification at A-level is highly valued by universities including Cambridge and Warwick. This gives sixth form students experience of independent, sustained research; a skill prized for university application. Twenty different A-level subjects are offered, providing genuine breadth of choice.
Quality of Education
Good
Behaviour & Attitudes
Good
Personal Development
Good
Leadership & Management
Good
The sixth form operates on a smaller scale than the main school (approximately 250 students in a school of 1,500). The school itself emphasises that this size allows staff to know each student as an individual, "embracing her/his strengths and ensuring each student is able to secure an aspirational destination."
Approximately 80% of sixth form leavers progress to higher education. This above-average figure reflects the raising aspirations work embedded throughout post-16. Partnerships with the Nuffield Foundation, Social Mobility Foundation, National Citizens Service, Sheffield University Discover Programme, and Brightside Journalism Mentoring all contribute to a structured programme of enrichment.
In 2024, one student secured a place at Cambridge, while three additional students gained offers (giving a total of 3 offers from 9 Oxbridge applications). Beyond Oxbridge, sixth formers regularly secure places at Russell Group universities. The school's focus is on securing "aspirational destinations," meaning students are supported not just into university, but into universities and courses matched to their ambitions.
Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme is popular, with students actively pursuing bronze and higher awards. Work experience placements are systematic: those seeking careers in law, finance, and IT have pathways through Uptree and other partners.
Sixth form students benefit from dedicated facilities, reflecting their different status within the school. A dedicated café, study space, and common room provide separation from the younger school. ICT provision is strong throughout. The sixth form library contains core A-level texts, subject wider reading, and key resources on universities and apprenticeships, supporting independent study.
Total Offers
3
Offer Success Rate: 33.3%
Cambridge
3
Offers
Oxford
0
Offers
This is Forge Valley's most distinctive strength. Extracurricular life is deliberately broad, and the school ensures pupils from different backgrounds and abilities access the same range of clubs and activities.
The Forge Valley Sports Centre is a significant asset. The 32m x 18m sports hall accommodates a wide range of sports, with lines marked and equipment held for football, netball, badminton, and basketball. Floodlit synthetic pitches and outdoor courts allow year-round activity. A recently installed gym suite features Pulse weight and cardiovascular machines, with qualified fitness instructors offering inductions and one-to-one fitness programmes.
PE is compulsory at Key Stage 3, with all pupils receiving two hours per week across a broad range of sports including gymnastics, dance, athletics, and team games. At Key Stage 4, all pupils have one hour per week, with a variety of sports on offer. The department runs extensive after-school clubs and teams, with some free and others run by external coaches.
Recent sporting highlights include: Year 7 Athletics finishing 1st in the Sheffield Sports Hall Athletics Final; KS3 Handball team placing 4th in the Sheffield schools competition; Cross country success with Laura Trask qualifying to compete in the English Schools Cross Country in Norwich (a remarkable achievement), and both Laura's intermediate girls team and Heidi Robertshaw's Year 7 girls team winning their respective races in the South Yorkshire finals.
The school has a thriving drama programme, though specific named productions are not published in detail on the website. What is clear is that theatre is part of the school's culture; pupils are regularly invited to participate in dramatic work, and the school values performance as a vehicle for confidence and expression.
While the school website does not list named music ensembles with the detail found in other schools, music is clearly embedded in school life. The curriculum includes music across Key Stages 3 and 4, with options for GCSE and A-level study.
A defining strength of the sixth form is STEM engagement. The Game & App Development Club holds competitions and engages students in creative coding. More significantly, sixth form students access research placements through the Nuffield Foundation. One recent student, Ellie Barran-Beck, completed a Nuffield Research Placement with the University of Sheffield, working with Dr Cartwright using an MX-10 particle camera and programming for data science. Ellie later noted that the placement gave her practical skills in data analysis useful for A2 Physics and university preparation, and she recommended it to all Year 12 students considering STEM careers.
Lee Warren, Head of Physics, emphasises that such placements allow students to use specialist equipment beyond secondary school budgets, expanding knowledge and understanding.
The school explicitly supports debating and discussion of topical and current issues. Sixth form tutors facilitate discussion of contemporary issues, developing students' critical thinking and verbal reasoning.
The school has prioritised reading as part of its whole-school culture. The Chess Club is restarting and is open to pupils and staff. The Library Resource Centre holds a book sale and actively promotes reading through events like the Sheffield Children's Book Awards, which Forge Valley attended. Sixth form reading buddies work with younger pupils to improve reading confidence and fluency.
The Forge Valley Pledge encourages pupils to take part in and enjoy a wide range of experiences. The school explicitly states that there is a huge range of clubs, trips, and activities available, and that personal development is prioritised. The inspection confirmed that "the school makes sure that pupils from different backgrounds and abilities access the same range of clubs and extra-curricular activities."
Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme is popular and well-embedded. Pupils told inspectors how much they value their participation. Work experience is systematic: Year 10 and sixth form students have opportunities for structured placement.
As a state secondary school in Sheffield, Forge Valley uses non-selective admissions coordinated through Sheffield City Council. Places are allocated by distance from the school, with some priority for looked-after children and those with statements of special educational needs.
The school is oversubscribed. In recent years, demand has exceeded places available. In 2024, the Reception admissions process saw 239 offers from 503 applications (a 2.1:1 ratio), demonstrating strong local demand.
Sixth form entry is also selective in practice, though not formally selective by examination. Entry to Year 12 requires a minimum level of GCSE attainment and requires students to study three or four A-level/BTEC subjects. The sixth form uses an interview process to explore students' strengths, passions, and ambitions, ensuring they are on the right study programme with subjects that complement each other.
Applications
503
Total received
Places Offered
239
Subscription Rate
2.1x
Apps per place
The May 2024 Ofsted inspection praised the school's approach to student wellbeing. "The school supports the mental health of pupils effectively. Bullying at the school is rare but, when it occurs, staff deal with it quickly. Pupils know where to seek support and this helps keep them safe."
Reading is integrated into pastoral time, reinforcing its importance across the school. Sixth form students mentor younger readers, creating visible peer support. Staff monitor attendance carefully and provide effective support for pupils who struggle to attend. As a result of the school's work, attendance rates for previously reluctant pupils have improved significantly.
The school has a structured personal development programme centred on its values (empathy, respect, tolerance, and equality). There is explicit teaching of how to keep safe, both online and offline. The careers programme is strong, with dedicated careers advisors supporting students into higher education and apprenticeships.
Safeguarding arrangements are effective. The school has a clear single central record and effective procedures for reporting concerns. Mental health support is prioritised, and pupils know how to access help.
School Hours: 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Thursday; 8:00am to 3:30pm Friday.
Location: Wood Lane, Stannington, Sheffield, S6 5HG. The school is accessible via good transport links in nearby Hillsborough, welcoming students from across Sheffield.
Pupil-to-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 22:1.
Special Provision: The school hosts a resource base for 25 pupils with autism. These pupils access both mainstream lessons and bespoke intervention sessions. The school also works with eight registered alternative providers for a small number of pupils requiring alternative provision.
Sixth Form Facilities: Dedicated café, study space, common room, and strong ICT provision.
Managing Parental Expectations During Change: The May 2024 inspection noted that some parents expressed concern about recent changes at the school. The school should consider how to communicate clearly with all stakeholders when introducing change, ensuring parents understand the rationale and can support their children in meeting the school's expectations.
Depth of Curriculum Implementation: While the curriculum is ambitious, in some lessons tasks do not consistently match this ambition, limiting pupils' depth of understanding. The school has recognised this and is investing in professional development, but this remains an area of focus. Families should be aware that teaching quality varies, particularly in the development of deeper thinking skills.
Progress 8 Performance: The Progress 8 score of -0.18 indicates that pupils make slightly less progress than their peers nationally, despite starting with similar achievement levels. This suggests there is room for the school to accelerate progress, particularly for middle-attaining pupils. The school is aware of this and taking action, but families should factor this into consideration.
Limited Deficit Position: The school was placed under special measures in 2013 and graded "inadequate." While it has recovered significantly, it remains a relatively young establishment (formally opened 2014). For families uncomfortable with schools that have experienced such ratings, this history may give pause, though the current evidence suggests strong progress.
Forge Valley is a compelling example of school turnaround done well. Born from genuine failure, it has built something genuinely inclusive, academically solid, and genuinely proud of the experiences it offers young people. Results are above average (not exceptional). The sixth form is a particular strength, with strong progression to competitive universities and a genuine commitment to raising aspirations across all cohorts.
The school suits families who value:
It may be less suited to families seeking:
For families within or near the catchment area seeking a genuinely inclusive secondary education with solid results and a genuine commitment to student wellbeing, Forge Valley merits serious consideration.
Yes. Forge Valley was rated Good by Ofsted in May 2024 across all areas: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and leadership. GCSE results in 2024 showed 47% achieving Attainment 8 (above the England average of 46%), and A-level results showed 54% achieving grades A* to B (well above the England average of 47%). The school ranks 1613rd in England for GCSE performance (FindMySchool ranking) and 762nd for A-level, both placing it in the middle tier of schools nationally. The sixth form is a particular strength, with 80% of leavers progressing to higher education.
The school is consistently oversubscribed. In recent years, applications have exceeded places by approximately 2:1. Entry is non-selective and coordinated through Sheffield City Council, with places allocated by distance. Families should verify current distance thresholds with the local authority, as these vary year to year depending on application patterns.
The sixth form (approximately 250 students) is a real strength. It operates as a smaller, more selective entity within the school. Entry is based on GCSE attainment (minimum grades typically Grade 5 in core subjects) and an interview exploring student strengths, passions, and ambitions. About 80% of sixth form leavers progress to higher education, with strong placements at competitive universities. The school prioritises "aspirational destinations," meaning students are supported into courses and universities matched to their ambitions. Partnerships with Nuffield, Social Mobility Foundation, Sheffield University, and other bodies support systematic enrichment.
The school offers extensive extracurricular provision, with deliberate efforts to ensure all pupils can access clubs and activities regardless of background or ability. The sports centre features a 32m x 18m hall, modern gym, floodlit pitches, and outdoor courts. Recent sporting achievements include Year 7 winning the Sheffield Sports Hall Athletics Final and a pupil qualifying for the English Schools Cross Country championships. Named clubs include the Game & App Development Club, Chess Club, and access to Nuffield research placements for sixth formers. Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme is popular, and work experience is systematic.
The school hosts a resource base for 25 pupils with autism, who access both mainstream lessons and tailored intervention sessions. Support for pupils with SEND across the main school is described by Ofsted as "very effective." Students with SEND in the sixth form are fully immersed in school life. The school works with registered alternative providers for a small number of pupils requiring alternative provision.
GCSE Attainment 8 in 2024 was 47%, above the England average of 46%. The school ranks 15th among Sheffield secondary schools and 1613rd nationally (FindMySchool ranking, middle 35% of schools in England). A-level results show 54% achieving A* to B, well above the England average of 47%. The school ranks 10th in Sheffield and 762nd in England for sixth form provision. While results are solid and above average, they are not in the top 2% of schools in England The Progress 8 measure (-0.18) indicates pupils make slightly less progress than peers with similar starting points, an area the school is actively addressing.
Forge Valley School opened in 2014 as a merger of two previous Sheffield schools (Myers Grove School and Wisewood School & Community Sports College). The school was initially graded inadequate by Ofsted in 2013, but has since recovered significantly. It is now part of INOVA Multi-Academy Trust and the Tapton School Academy Trust sponsors the school. This history of challenge and recovery is relevant context; for families seeking established heritage, this is a newer institution, though evidence of progress is strong.
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