Langley School, Solihull Review 2026: Solid Academic Performance in a Supportive Community

Langley School is a mixed secondary academy situated in the Olton district of Solihull, serving approximately 1,170 students aged 11 to 16. In an area known for its competitive educational landscape, Langley has carved out a reputation for balancing steady academic achievement with a strong emphasis on student wellbeing. Its 2024 GCSE results place it comfortably within the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile), reflecting a solid and reliable performance that meets the needs of its diverse local intake.

The school is led by Mrs Thorpe, who has served as Headteacher since 2020. Under her leadership, the school has continued to focus on a "can do" culture, aiming to ensure students leave not only with strong qualifications but also with the social skills necessary for life in the West Midlands and beyond. The campus is well established, with a mix of traditional and modern facilities that support a broad curriculum.

The atmosphere at Langley School is one of purposeful calm. During the school day, the corridors are orderly, and there is a palpable sense of mutual respect between staff and students. The school motto, Be the best you can be!, is more than just a phrase; it is integrated into the daily rewards system and the high expectations set for student conduct.

As a mainstream school that includes specialist classes for students with additional needs, Langley prides itself on being an inclusive environment. This inclusivity is reflected in the student body, where young people from various backgrounds learn side by side. The school does not have a sixth form, which gives the Year 11 students a distinct sense of leadership as the most senior members of the community.

In 2024, Langley School demonstrated a performance that aligns with the solid middle ground of English education. The school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 49.2, which is notably above the England average for the same period. This metric reflects the achievement of students across eight key subjects, including English and mathematics.

Langley School ranks 1,175th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), and ranks 6th among secondary schools in Solihull. This position indicates that while it may not be an "exam factory," it consistently helps students achieve results that exceed many of their peers locally and nationally.

The Progress 8 score of +0.29 is particularly significant for parents. This positive figure indicates that, on average, students at Langley make more progress between the end of primary school and their GCSEs than students with similar starting points in other schools across England. It suggests that the teaching adds genuine value to the students' academic journeys.

The curriculum at Langley is designed to be broad and balanced. In the lower years, students study a wide array of subjects before narrowing their focus for GCSEs. The school places a significant emphasis on the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) subjects, with 29.5% of pupils achieving a grade 5 or above in this suite of traditionally academic disciplines, which is a strong showing for a non-selective school.

Teachers at Langley are often praised for their subject expertise and their willingness to provide extra support outside of formal lesson times. The use of technology in the classroom is integrated thoughtfully, helping to engage students and prepare them for the digital demands of further education. For students who require additional help, the special classes and dedicated support staff ensure that the curriculum remains accessible and challenging for all.

Pastoral care is a cornerstone of the Langley experience. The school operates a traditional house system, which fosters a sense of belonging and healthy competition. Each student is part of a tutor group, providing a first point of contact for any concerns. The latest inspection by Ofsted, conducted in March 2023, maintained a Good rating, highlighting the effectiveness of safeguarding and the positive relationships between staff and pupils.

The school has invested in mental health support, with trained staff available to help students navigate the pressures of adolescence and examinations. Behaviour is managed through a clear system of rewards and sanctions that students describe as fair. This structured environment helps students feel safe and supported, allowing them to focus on their learning.

Langley offers a variety of extracurricular activities that cater to a wide range of interests. The Physical Education department is particularly active, with school teams often competing successfully in Solihull and West Midlands leagues. The school facilities, including a large sports hall and outdoor pitches, support a variety of sports from football and netball to athletics.

In the performing arts, the school holds annual productions and musical concerts that involve a large number of students. Specific clubs, such as the Langley Coding Club and the Debating Society, provide opportunities for students to explore interests beyond the standard curriculum. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is also popular, encouraging students to develop resilience and leadership skills through outdoor expeditions and community service.

Admissions for Year 7 entry are coordinated by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. Langley is a consistently oversubscribed school, reflecting its popularity with local families. For the most recent intake, there were 884 applications for the 187 available places, making the subscription proportion 4.73 applications for every place offered.

While the school does not publish a formal catchment map, places are primarily allocated based on proximity to the school after priority is given to looked-after children and those with siblings already at the school. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their precise distance from the school gates compared to historical trends. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

The school day typically begins at 8:40am and concludes at 3:10pm. Langley is well served by local transport, with Olton railway station within walking distance and several bus routes passing nearby. For parents who drive, parking around Kineton Green Road can be busy at drop-off and pick-up times, and the school encourages walking or cycling where possible to ease congestion. Wraparound care details are not published for the secondary phase; please contact the school directly for more information.

Fees & Financial Aid

As a state-funded academy, Langley School does not charge tuition fees. It is funded directly by the government and is free for all students to attend. This allows families in Solihull to access a high standard of secondary education without the financial burden of private school fees. While there are no bursaries or scholarships in the traditional sense, the school does receive Pupil Premium funding to support students from lower-income backgrounds, ensuring they have equal access to trips, resources, and extracurricular activities.

• High Demand for Places: With over four applications for every available seat, securing a place at Langley is a significant hurdle. Families living on the fringes of the local area may find it difficult to gain entry without a sibling connection.
• No On-Site Sixth Form: As a 11 to 16 school, students must transition to a new environment at 16. While Langley provides guidance for this move, families seeking a continuous seven-year education may prefer an all-through secondary.
• Specialist Provision: The school is well-regarded for its special classes, but this means resources are carefully allocated across a wide range of needs. Parents of students with specific EHCPs should visit the school to ensure the environment is a perfect fit.

Langley School is a robust and reliable choice for families in Solihull who value a balanced education where academic progress is supported by strong pastoral care. Its positive Progress 8 score proves that the school helps students of all abilities improve, and its inclusive atmosphere makes it a welcoming community. Best suited to local families who want a mainstream environment with a proven track record of steady improvement. The main challenge is securing a place through the competitive admissions process.