The school day begins at Wylde Green in Sutton Coldfield with a simple motto that guides every interaction: Guided by Christ, we aspire to achieve. Bishop Walsh Catholic School is a mixed 11-18 academy educating approximately 1,050 students as part of the St John Paul II Multi-Academy. The school was rated Good by Ofsted in 2020 and has maintained this standard. On current data, the school ranks 1,447th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it within the middle tier of schools nationally. Around 50% of sixth form leavers progress to university, with notable numbers entering employment and apprenticeships. One student has already progressed professionally to football, demonstrating the school's ability to support diverse pathways.
Principal Natalie Brodie leads the school with a vision rooted in the Catholic faith and practical education. She has been in post since 2020, overseeing a period of steady improvement and facility development. The school community feels purposeful; students move through corridors with focus, and behaviour is consistently described as outstanding by external observers. The atmosphere balances academic expectation with pastoral warmth.
Catholic values run through the school's DNA. Students are encouraged to reflect on how Gospel teachings apply to their own lives, within a culture of open discussion rather than prescription. The school's six feeder parishes — including Holy Trinity in Sutton Coldfield and St Nicholas in Boldmere — provide a structured Catholic community. Chaplaincy is active, with a dedicated chaplaincy team, and charity work is woven into school life.
The school has invested in modern facilities. In 2019, a new sixth-form extension was completed to replace temporary classrooms, reflecting commitment to improving the physical environment. The campus now comprises over thirty classrooms, each with computer access and projector technology, plus specialist spaces including a 240-seat theatre, drama studio with lighting rig, fully mirrored dance studio, and learning resource centre with thirty computers.
In 2024, the school achieved an Attainment 8 score of 54.9, well above the England average of 45.9. This indicates that pupils here secure consistently strong results across their eight qualifications. The Progress 8 score of 0.41 shows pupils make above-average progress from their starting points. Approximately 60% of students achieved grade 5 or above in English and mathematics, the benchmark for many competitive sixth forms and apprenticeships. However, take-up of the English Baccalaureate (which includes sciences, history, geography, or languages) remains limited at 9%.
The school ranks 5th locally among schools in Sutton Coldfield, placing it firmly in the upper half of the local authority. Nationally, the GCSE ranking of 1,447th reflects solid, middle-tier performance across the typical range of England schools (FindMySchool data).
The sixth form of approximately 300 students studies across a broad range of subjects. At A-level, 45% of grades achieved A*-B in 2024. The school offered 26 A-level subjects, including Classical Greek and Russian. A-level rankings place it 1,398th in England (FindMySchool ranking), with local standing as 4th in Sutton Coldfield. Six students applied to Oxbridge in recent measurement periods, securing one place at Cambridge and one at a total of two institutions. Whilst not a traditional feeder to Oxbridge, the school does support ambitious students in making these applications.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
45.1%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The school follows a structured SAINT curriculum model across all key stages. Teaching combines traditional academic rigour — including separate sciences, focus on essay writing, and mathematical proof — with contemporary teaching methods that emphasise adaptive instruction. The school has invested in external monitoring and feedback mechanisms to ensure consistency. Class sizes are manageable, with an average student-to-teacher ratio of approximately 17:1.
Curriculum breadth is notable. Students study English, mathematics, sciences, and at least one humanity and one language through to GCSE. Enrichment extends beyond examinations, with academic scholars participating in extension seminars, access to essay competitions, and opportunities to engage with intellectual challenge. Learning mentors provide active support, particularly for students who need scaffolding.
Quality of Education
N/A
Behaviour & Attitudes
N/A
Personal Development
N/A
Leadership & Management
Good
In the 2023-24 cohort of 109 sixth form leavers, exactly 50% progressed to university. A further 30% entered employment directly, whilst 5% took up apprenticeships and 3% pursued further education. The school has a solid track record in placing students at credible universities, though specific university destinations are not published at scale. The school offers dedicated careers advice throughout Years 7 to 13, with sixth form students receiving tailored guidance on university applications, apprenticeships, traineeships, and employer pathways.
One notable alumnus, footballer Louie Barry (born 2003), progressed from Bishop Walsh to professional football with Stockport County, illustrating that the school's networks extend into elite sport. The school provides Duke of Edinburgh Award opportunities through to Gold level, supporting personal development beyond the curriculum.
Total Offers
1
Offer Success Rate: 16.7%
Cambridge
1
Offers
Oxford
0
Offers
The extracurricular programme is extensive and embedded. The school organises over 40 trips and visits annually, from residential fieldwork to cultural experiences. The Micro Sports programme serves younger students with accessible physical activity, whilst Centre Stage provides a dedicated performance pathway for theatre and dance.
The 240-seat Theatre is the heart of performance. It is professionally equipped with comprehensive sound and lighting systems and hosts the school's major productions, which involve orchestral accompaniment. The Drama Studio, equipped with a lighting rig, supports smaller-scale work and class teaching. The mirrored Dance Studio, complete with ballet barres, enables both recreational and competitive dance. These facilities signal that performance is taken seriously, not merely as a curricular add-on. The school values opportunities for students to develop confidence and artistic skill.
The Sports Hall provides five-a-side football, basketball, badminton, and badminton courts. The outdoor pitch — a 51m x 36m astroturf with tiger-turf surface — can be divided into two 25m x 36m courts for football, tennis, or hockey under floodlights, enabling evening training. The gymnasium serves basketball and football. These facilities support a compulsory sports programme, competitive teams at various levels, and community hire by local clubs.
Music features prominently. Though specific ensemble names are not detailed on the publicly available extracurricular timetable, the school music programme includes opportunities for orchestral and choral participation. The capability to deliver orchestral accompaniment for major drama productions suggests sufficient instrumental provision.
The extracurricular timetable shows structured opportunities across the academic week. Clubs span languages, humanities, sciences, technology, and creative arts. The school culture encourages participation; parental feedback indicates satisfaction that students can take part in clubs and activities of their choosing. Duke of Edinburgh operates to Gold level, combining outdoor adventure, skill development, and service — a comprehensive offer that supports university applications and life skills.
The school provides access to computing facilities and specialist teaching in technology disciplines. The curriculum includes technology as a distinct subject, and SEND provision indicates that specialist equipment and teaching are available for students with varied learning needs.
Entry at Year 7 is non-selective. The school experiences significant demand, with approximately 1,221 applications for 170 places at primary entry (a ratio of approximately 7:1). Admissions are coordinated through Birmingham Local Authority using standard distance-based allocation after looked-after children and siblings. No specific entrance test exists for Year 7; all pupils are welcome to apply.
At sixth form, Year 12 entry requires achievement of reasonable GCSE grades, typically grade 5 or above in the proposed subjects. A 16-19 bursary is available for eligible students. Internal progression from Year 11 to sixth form is not automatic; external students apply directly and compete for limited places.
The school states a commitment to supporting pupils with SEND, with a dedicated SENCo coordinating provision. Students with Education, Health and Care Plans may request consideration. The school is part of the Birmingham Local Authority admissions framework and operates under its policies.
Applications
1,221
Total received
Places Offered
170
Subscription Rate
7.2x
Apps per place
The school's pastoral infrastructure is structured around form groups and house systems. Staff confidence in well-being support is reflected in Ofsted findings that note pupils feel safe and valued. Behaviour is outstanding; instances of bullying are rare and addressed promptly. The school's Catholic ethos emphasises values including humility, compassion, tolerance, and service, which filter through both behaviour policies and daily interactions.
Staff receive well-planned professional development and demonstrate genuine commitment to student progress. Parents report satisfaction with academic support and communication. A school counsellor visits regularly, providing emotional support for students who need it. The Chaplaincy Team works alongside form tutors to provide pastoral and spiritual care.
The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:20pm. Transport is not provided by the school; students use local bus services or private transport. The nearest train station is Sutton Coldfield, approximately 1.5 miles away. Parking is available on the Wylde Green Road site. Free school meals are available to those who qualify under government criteria; other students can purchase lunch through the school kitchen. The school kitchen provides fresh meals daily. School uniform is compulsory; sixth form students wear formal dress rather than traditional uniform. Students have access to the MyChild at School app for communication with parents.
Strong demand for places. With over 1,200 applications for 170 Year 7 places, competition is fierce. Distance from the school gate is the key criterion once looked-after children and siblings are allocated places. If you live outside the immediate catchment, securing a place requires proximity.
Middle-tier GCSE outcomes. At Attainment 8 of 54.9 and ranking 1,447th in England, results are solid and above average, but not elite. This is appropriate for a non-selective community school; if you are seeking top-tier academic ambition measured by percentile ranking, there are selective alternatives in the region.
A-level expansion needed. The school offers 26 subjects at A-level, but specific information on specialist provision, small-group teaching, or higher-attainment specialists is not published. Families wanting particular subjects (e.g., Classical Greek, Russian) should verify current staffing and class sizes directly.
Catholic identity is genuine and pervasive. Daily prayer, regular Masses, and explicit religious teaching are central to school life. Families uncomfortable with a faith-centred environment should recognise this upfront.
Bishop Walsh Catholic School is a confident, well-run community school that combines academic solidity with a genuine Catholic mission. The school delivers what it promises: high expectations for behaviour and progress, a supportive pastoral environment, and a broad range of opportunities beyond the classroom. For families in or near Sutton Coldfield seeking a mixed, inclusive secondary with Catholic values, good facilities, and solid GCSE outcomes, this represents a sensible choice. The school suits pupils of mixed ability who benefit from structure, clear expectations, and community belonging. The main challenge is securing a place if you live outside the tight local catchment; the educational offer itself is strong.
Yes. Bishop Walsh was rated Good by Ofsted in 2020, maintaining this rating through monitoring visits. GCSE Attainment 8 of 54.9 sits well above England average (45.9). The school ranks 5th in Sutton Coldfield for GCSE outcomes and sits in the middle tier of English schools. Student behaviour is reported as outstanding, and parents indicate satisfaction with both academic support and safety. Sixth form leavers progress to university (50%) and employment (30%), demonstrating effective preparation for next steps.
Applications are made through Birmingham Local Authority coordinated admissions, not directly to the school. Entry is non-selective. With over 1,200 applications for 170 places, the school is heavily oversubscribed. After looked-after children and siblings, places are allocated by distance from the school gate. You can check your distance using the school's website. Families should verify their proximity to the school before relying on a place.
Bishop Walsh is a Catholic academy, so faith is central to school life. Students attend daily prayer sessions and participate in regular Mass. Religious education is taught as a distinct subject, exploring Catholic teaching and theology. The school has a Chaplaincy Team and links closely with local parishes. Families should understand that Catholic identity shapes the curriculum and daily culture; those uncomfortable with explicit religious practice should look for alternative provisions.
Over 40 trips and visits are organised annually. Extracurricular clubs span sports, drama, music, languages, and humanities. Specific clubs include Micro Sports (for younger students), Centre Stage (drama and performance), and Duke of Edinburgh Award (through to Gold level). The school operates a 240-seat theatre, drama studio, dance studio with mirrors and ballet barres, and multiple sports courts. Students can access academic enrichment, language clubs, and skill-based activities.
At GCSE (2024), 54.9 Attainment 8 score (above England average of 45.9). Progress 8 of 0.41 indicates above-average pupil progress. About 60% achieved grade 5 or above in English and mathematics. At A-level, 45% of grades were A*-B. The school ranks 5th locally for GCSE and 4th locally for A-level. University progression includes six Oxbridge applicants with two acceptances in recent cohorts.
Year 12 entry is through direct application. Grade requirements typically include grade 5 or above in relevant GCSEs. External students compete with internal pupils for available places. The school offers 26 A-level subjects and a 16-19 bursary scheme for eligible students. Sixth form students benefit from dedicated careers guidance focusing on university applications, apprenticeships, and employer pathways.
Bishop Walsh educates approximately 1,050 students aged 11-18. Class sizes average 17 students per teacher, allowing meaningful interaction. The school campus includes over thirty classrooms, specialist facilities (theatre, dance studio, drama studio), three sports areas (sports hall, outdoor astroturf, gymnasium), and a learning resource centre. The culture emphasises high behaviour standards rooted in Catholic values. Pupils describe feeling safe and supported.
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