Solihull School Review 2026: 465 Years of Excellence and Constant Reinvention

In 1560, the revenues of two chantry chapels in the parish church of St Alphege were diverted to create a school for boys in Solihull. That simple act of patronage launched an institution that would endure for nearly five centuries, becoming one of England's oldest and most respected independent schools. Today, Solihull School operates across two contemporary campuses, educating 1,500 pupils from nursery through sixth form in an environment where academic ambition meets genuine pastoral care. The January 2024 ISI inspection confirmed the school's strong trajectory, and examination results place it in the top 3% of schools in England for GCSE (FindMySchool ranking) and the top 8% for A-levels (FindMySchool data). For families seeking a school with deep historical roots yet a forward-thinking approach to education, Solihull represents something rare: institutional gravitas combined with genuine innovation.

Once past the gates of the Warwick Road campus, you enter a landscape shaped by centuries of investment in learning. The Victorian quadrangle houses classrooms flanked by newer additions, including the 2005 George Hill Building (named after a former governor), which opened fifteen dedicated teaching rooms for classics, history, economics, business studies, religious studies and IT. The chapel remains central to school life, with its bells marking the hours and weekly worship bringing together the school community. The atmosphere is purposeful without being pressured, serious about education but warm in human connection.

The school's Church of England identity is genuine but not narrow. Daily worship, the chapel, and explicit Christian teaching form the fabric of school life, yet the community welcomes families of all faiths and none. Religious education teaches comparative theology alongside Christian theology. The values of respect, responsibility, and service are threaded through pastoral care, behaviour policies, and the school's engagement with the local community.

In January 2023, Charles Fillingham took office as Executive Headmaster, arriving from a headship at Francis Holland School in Regent's Park. His public statements emphasise three priorities: making the school increasingly academic, confident, and innovative. These priorities are already visible in the £1 million earmarked for the Solihull Synergy Campaign, which will deliver a radically expanded library (triple current usage) and new gymnasium facilities. This investment signals that the school will not rest on its 465-year history.

The school community is described by ISI inspectors as one where pupils feel empowered and supported. Parents consistently report that the school listens, both to what children say and to what they need. The pastoral commitment is not theoretical; it manifests in trained counsellors, house systems with named staff, and explicit strategies for helping pupils navigate friendship and identity challenges.

GCSE Results and Position

In the 2024 GCSE examination cycle, 56% of entries achieved grades 9-8 (the top grades), with 77% achieving grades 9-7. This compares favourably to the England average of 54% achieving grades 9-7, placing Solihull well above most independent schools in England. The school ranks 122nd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), which places it in the top 3% of schools nationwide and first among state and independent schools in the Solihull local area (FindMySchool data).

The breadth of subject offerings is notable. Traditional subjects, Latin, Greek, classical civilisation, sit alongside contemporary offerings including computer science, media studies, and design technology. Results across the sciences are particularly strong, with separate sciences A-level pathways attracting sustained interest from upper sixth form students. English literature and mathematics produce consistent top-grade attainment. The progress measures, whilst not individually published in external league tables, show pupils making well-above-average progress from their starting points.

A-Level Results and Sixth Form Trajectory

At A-level, the school achieved 20% A* grades and 31% A grades, with 79% of entries at A*-A-B. This represents strong progress from GCSE, with many pupils improving their trajectory as they specialise in subjects that genuinely interest them. The school ranks 209th in England for A-level performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the top 8%.

Students here progress to leading universities. In 2024, 72% of leavers proceeded to university, with a further 11% entering employment and 2% apprenticeships. Oxbridge remains a meaningful target, with three students securing places at Cambridge and none at Oxford in the measurement period (20 applications total across both universities, 3 offers overall). Beyond Oxbridge, leavers regularly attend Russell Group universities including Durham, Warwick, Bristol, Exeter and Edinburgh.

The sixth form, housed in The Cooper Building (completed 2015), operates semi-independently with its own common rooms, study spaces and social facilities. The environment is consciously more adult-oriented than the senior school, recognising that sixth form students are transitional figures between adolescence and university.

Teaching in Solihull follows a clear structure: ambitious curriculum design, expert subject teaching, and disciplined lesson conduct. Classes are appropriately sized, with teaching sets tightening at A-level to allow specialisation. Teachers combine traditional pedagogies (sustained reading, essay writing, mathematical proof) with contemporary classroom technology. The David Turnbull Music School, completed in 2010, provides exemplary specialist facilities that encourage deep instrumental learning.

The school adopts a House system with pastoral oversight. Fifth and Sixth Form pupils serve as House Captains, creating leadership pathways for older students. The House structure also distributes pastoral responsibility, so that every pupil has a named tutor and a broader House network.

Academic enrichment is expected, not optional. The school runs Oxbridge preparation schemes in partnership with 13 local maintained schools, and essay prizes, lecture societies, and subject-specific competitions are embedded in the calendar. Upper sixth form students participate in university extension programmes and specialist master classes in competitive subjects like medicine and law.

Religious studies is taught as a mainstream GCSE subject with balanced treatment of Christianity, world religions, and philosophy. The curriculum is rigorous and academically credible, not devotional.

The school identifies 226 pupils with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND) out of its 1,545 total cohort, demonstrating inclusive intent across a broad ability range. Three pupils hold Education, Health and Care Plans. The SENCO and a dedicated pastoral team coordinate support, which ranges from learning support assistants to specialist interventions for dyslexia and dyscalculia.

External counsellors are available for pupils navigating personal or emotional difficulties. The school works with family therapists and maintains links with external agencies including CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services). Staff training in mental health is routine, and safeguarding protocols are robust and regularly reviewed.

Behaviour is orderly and respectful. The school operates clear behaviour policies rooted in the values of respect and responsibility. Sanctions for serious breaches are applied consistently. Bullying is taken seriously, with peer support systems and staff vigilance reducing its incidence.

The school's community partnerships are extensive. Sixth Form pupils volunteer at Tile Cross Academy and Reynolds Cross School (a local SEN provision), bringing music, mentoring, and practical help. This integration into the wider Solihull community is a deliberate feature of pastoral formation.

The breadth and depth of cocurricular activity at Solihull is one of its defining characteristics. The school organises offerings into six pillars: Academic Enrichment, Community Relations, Music, Outdoor Education, Performing Arts, and Sport.

Music: A Defining Strength

The David Turnbull Music School stands as a flagship facility, with three orchestras, a big band, a chamber choir, a flute choir, wind and string ensembles, and African and Samba percussion groups. Named music groups include the Solihull Chamber Choir, the Solihull Symphony Orchestra, the Solihull Big Band, and specialised instrumental groups in brass, woodwind and strings. Over half of pupils learn a musical instrument, and approximately 200 pupils receive individual music tuition throughout the school week. The Bushell Hall, a 500-seat performance venue with retractable stage completed in 2002, hosts weekly concerts and annual showcases. Music scholars receive additional instrumental coaching and are expected to perform publicly. The school also runs the chamber music festival, weekend workshop intensives, and international study tours. Music is visibly celebrated in the school community; performances are broadcast to parents via the parent portal, and musicians are recognised alongside academic high achievers in the school honours system.

Drama and Performing Arts: Professional Standard

Drama operates from specialist facilities within the Bushell Hall complex and a dedicated performing arts studio. Recent productions have achieved professional-standard lighting, set design and sound. The school drama programme includes Shakespeare productions, contemporary theatre pieces, musical theatre, and experimental work. Lower school pupils participate in whole-year-group performances (age cohorts of 150+ pupils learning ensemble discipline). Middle school pupils work toward GCSE and IGCSE drama qualifications, with many opting for A-level theatre studies. The sixth form drama students produce ambitious cap-stone productions, sometimes drawing casts from beyond the school. Drama scholarships are available at entry, and the school runs drama summer camps for prospective pupils.

STEM and Technology

The engineering club, coding club, STEAM Club, and design technology specialism reflect the school's commitment to technological literacy. The recently completed science facilities include dedicated laboratories for biology, chemistry and physics, with modern equipment supporting practical investigations. Computer science is offered from Year 9 onwards, with A-level computer science attracting pupils interested in software engineering and technology careers. The school encourages participation in national science competitions, including the British Physics Olympiad and the Chemistry Olympiad.

Sports: Depth and Breadth

Rugby union is the flagship sport, with the First XV traditionally playing in dark blue jerseys with horizontal white and maroon stripes. The school's junior rugby teams (U15, U14, U13, U12, U11) are coached to high standards, with many coaches having played professionally. The First XV regularly reaches regional competitions and has previously competed at national level. A notable achievement came in 2011 when the team won the Daily Mail Vase Cup at Twickenham, the furthest the school has ever advanced in the competition. The U15s tour annually to France or Italy to play competitive club fixtures. Rugby sevens is also competed, with teams entering national tournaments including The National Schools Sevens at Rosslyn Park.

Cricket is played from Year 7 through Sixth Form, with dedicated cricket squares and nets on the main campus. The summer fixture list includes regular matches against local rivals and touring sides. Cricket scholarships are available, and talented players are identified early for development programmes.

Football, netball, hockey, tennis, athletics, swimming, squash and badminton are all offered with team entry at multiple levels (A through F sides, so that pupils of all abilities can compete). The school employs a full-time Director of Sport and subject specialists across the major sports. The sports fields include rugby pitches, cricket squares, football pitches, a floodlit artificial pitch with warm-up areas, tennis courts, a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, two gymnasiums, a climbing wall, a rifle range, and dedicated athletics facilities with running track, jumps and throws areas.

Academic Enrichment

The school runs essay competitions, lecture series, and subject-based enrichment activities. The Loynton Lecture Series brings external speakers to the school. Sixth formers participate in the Cambridge University Extension schemes in subjects like physics and classics. The Oxbridge preparation scheme mentioned earlier is embedded, with dedicated staff providing guidance on applications, interview technique and personal statement development.

Leadership and Service

All pupils from Year 9 onwards are encouraged to take on leadership roles through the House system. House Captains and Heads of School are elected by their peers and serve defined terms. The Prep School Council meets weekly and gives younger pupils genuine voice in school decision-making. Community service is woven into pastoral formation, with pupils expected to contribute to charity fundraising and local community projects.

Notable named clubs and societies visible on the cocurricular calendar include the Debating Society, the Equity Group (supporting social justice issues), the Eco Group (environmental sustainability), and various language and culture clubs. The Combined Cadet Force operates with both Army and RAF sections, offering military training to interested pupils.

Outdoor Education and Expeditions

The school owns a mountain cottage in Snowdonia (Mynydd Llandegai), which was gifted by the family of David Fricke, a former pupil who died of leukaemia. This facility is used extensively for Duke of Edinburgh's Award expeditions, residential school trips (all Shell Form pupils visit Snowdonia School in Year 9), and departmental field trips. The cottage embodies the school's belief in outdoor learning and personal development through challenge and adventure.

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme runs throughout the school, with pupils completing Bronze in Year 9, Silver in Year 10-11, and Gold in the sixth form. Recent cohorts have achieved high completion rates, and the Award is integral to the school's pastoral offer.

Solihull School is an independent institution, and tuition fees apply to all pupils. Fees vary by year group and phase.

For the Preparatory School (ages 3-11), fees range from approximately £3,750 to £13,500 per term (figures representative; exact fees should be confirmed on the school website). Nursery and Reception pupils are charged at lower rates than older primary children.

For the Senior School (ages 11-18), termly fees are approximately £5,800 to £6,200 per term in the lower and middle school, rising to £6,500+ in the upper sixth form. A-level pupils in the sixth form are not charged for lunch (included in fees), whereas GCSE pupils typically pay for lunch.

Fees cover tuition, standard examination fees, lunch (except sixth form), and use of school facilities. They do not cover music tuition (charged separately at £20-35 per lesson depending on instrument and teacher), school trips beyond the curriculum, or optional extras such as additional coaching.

The school operates a Fees Instalment Arrangement (FIA) scheme, allowing parents to spread payments across multiple months rather than paying full fees in advance. The school's bursar can model individual arrangements.

Bursaries and Scholarships

The school is committed to widening access. Bursaries are means-tested and can cover up to 100% of fees for families demonstrating financial need. The school targets support at talented pupils from families unable to afford fees otherwise. Limited information on the percentage of pupils receiving bursary support is published; families should contact the admissions office directly to discuss bursary eligibility.

Scholarships are merit-based, awarded for excellence in academics (at 11+ and 16+), music, sport, art and performing arts. Scholarships typically offer 10-25% fee reduction and carry prestige within the school community. Scholarship holders are expected to represent the school at a high level in their discipline.

For primary pupils transitioning at age 11, the senior school offers a seamless pathway within Solihull School. The school publishes no external destination data for prep leavers, as the majority remain within the senior school structure.

For secondary pupils at ages 16-18, the trajectory is clearly university-focused. The 72% progressing to university represents a strong pipeline to higher education. The school's careers and higher education guidance is managed by a dedicated team, with interviews and applications supported by subject specialists and trained advisers. The sixth form University Admissions office maintains databases of university entry requirements and produces regular guides for prospective applicants.

The Oxbridge pipeline, whilst modest in absolute numbers (3 Cambridge acceptances in the measurement year), is actively cultivated through the dedicated preparation scheme. The school publishes no historical data on Oxbridge success rates, though alumni records confirm sustained Cambridge and Oxford attendance across decades.

Russell Group universities are the typical destination for high-attainers. The school does not publish detailed breakdown of Russell Group versus other university distribution, so specific percentages cannot be stated. However, pupils regularly attend Durham, Warwick, Bristol, Exeter, Edinburgh and Imperial College, as confirmed in recent alumni updates.

The 11% entering employment immediately after sixth form typically do so in vocational or professional apprenticeship roles, often in business, finance, or technology sectors. The 2% entering apprenticeships reflects the school's positioning as an academically-focused institution where apprenticeship is less common than university entry.

Entry Routes and Assessment

Admission to Solihull School is academically selective. Entry points exist at Reception (age 4), Year 3 (age 7), Year 7 (age 11), and Year 12 (age 16).

Reception and Year 3 entry is oversubscribed. Assessment includes observation, parental interview, and current school consultation. No formal entrance examination is used in the infant years; judgement is based on readiness for school.

Year 7 entry (the largest intake point) is heavily competitive. Pupils are assessed in English, mathematics, and reasoning. The school receives over 300 applications for approximately 130 places. Successful candidates demonstrate strong fundamentals in literacy and numeracy, alongside reasoning ability. Interviews are conducted after examination results, allowing the school to understand pupils' motivation, interests and intellectual curiosity. Scholarships are available in academic, music, sport and art disciplines.

Year 12 entry (sixth form) requires GCSE results demonstrating strength in subjects intended at A-level. Interviews verify engagement and ambition. Up to 20 scholarships are awarded annually at sixth form entry, covering academic, music, sport, art and performing arts disciplines.

Year 12 admissions to the sixth form is open to external pupils, making entry competitive and grade-dependent.

Registration for Year 7 entry typically closes in September of the year preceding entry (registration for September 2025 entry closed in autumn 2024). Entrance examinations are held in late January or early February. Results are released in March, with acceptance deadline typically in April.

Catchment and Travel

Solihull School is a town-centre independent day school with no formal catchment boundary. Pupils travel from across the Birmingham metropolitan area and beyond. The school is accessible by car (parking available on campus), by bus (regular local services connect to Solihull town centre), and by train (Solihull railway station is approximately 0.8 miles away, a 15-minute walk).

School day

The senior school operates 8:40am to 3:40pm Monday to Friday. The prep school typically operates 8:45am to 3:15pm. These times may vary slightly by year group.

Wrap-around care

The prep school offers wraparound care including breakfast club (from 7:45am) and after-school club (until 5:30pm or 6:00pm depending on the term and numbers). Holiday club provision is available during main school holidays for prep school pupils. The senior school does not offer formal wraparound care, as students are expected to become independent; however, enrichment clubs run until approximately 4:00-5:00pm most days.

Lunch

Lunch is provided daily in the refurbished refectory (remodelled in November 2019). The meal operates on a choice system with hot and cold options. Pupils can bring packed lunches if preferred. Dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, allergen-free, religious) are accommodated.

Uniform

The school maintains uniform requirements. Boys wear navy blue blazers, white shirt, tie (house colours worn by sporting achievers), and grey trousers. Girls wear navy blue blazers with white shirt and navy skirt or trousers. Sixth form students wear modified dress (blazer optional; business-casual expected). The uniform list is published on the school website with approved suppliers.

Transport

The school is accessible by public transport. Local buses connect regularly to Solihull town centre and surrounding areas. The school does not operate a coach service, though some parent-run transport cooperatives exist. Pupils travel independently from age 11 onwards.

Contact the school directly for enquiries.

Selective entry and tutoring culture. Year 7 entry is genuinely competitive (300+ applications for 130 places). Many families use private tutoring to prepare for entrance examinations, though the school maintains that entrance tests assess core ability rather than learnt technique. Pupils should genuinely enjoy English, mathematics and reasoning to thrive here; families should ensure their child is ready for selective education and not just coached into it.

School day structure. The school day is traditional and structured. Pupils cannot leave campus during the day, and free periods are supervised. Mobile phones are not permitted for personal use during the school day (8:40am-4:10pm). Sixth formers have slightly greater freedom but still operate within the school's mobile phone and personal device policies. Families preferring a more relaxed, informal atmosphere should visit and speak with current pupils.

Independent school fees. Fees are substantial, and families should undertake thorough financial planning. Bursary support is available, but is competitive. Scholarships are highly sought after and not guaranteed. Families unable to afford the full fees should contact the bursary office early in the admissions process.

Church of England character. The school's Christian identity is explicit and pervasive. Daily worship is part of school life, religious education is compulsory until GCSE, and chapel is used for significant school occasions. Families uncomfortable with Christian practice and teaching should consider this carefully. The school welcomes pupils of other faiths and none, but expects engagement with the Christian perspective as part of the curriculum.

Distance and transport. The school is in Solihull town centre, not on the outskirts. Families relying on public transport should check that bus or train routes are convenient from home. Some pupils travel 45 minutes or more; this is normal but should be factored into family choice.

Solihull School represents a compelling offer for families seeking selective academic education rooted in a real school community. Results are strong and placed well above England average (top 3% at GCSE, top 8% at A-level using FindMySchool rankings). The breadth of cocurricular provision, from the David Turnbull Music School to the Snowdonia cottage, from rugby tours to Oxbridge preparation, creates genuine depth of opportunity. The pastoral commitment is evident in staff dedication and in the visible investment in counselling, safeguarding and wellbeing infrastructure.

What distinguishes Solihull from other selective independent schools is its lived commitment to community and its willingness to invest in facilities and programmes that serve all pupils, not just academic high-fliers. A 2020 merger with Saint Martin's created an all-through institution; the £1 million Solihull Synergy Campaign signals that the headmaster intends radical improvement in library and fitness facilities.

Best suited to families who can afford the fees (or secure bursary/scholarship support), whose children thrive in a structured, academic environment, and who value the school's Christian identity and pastoral philosophy. The main considerations are the selective entry process, the fees barrier, and the explicit Christian character. For families comfortable with these, Solihull offers an education rooted in 465 years of institutional excellence.