Fairfax Review 2026: A Creative Powerhouse in Sutton Coldfield

Located in the leafy suburb of Sutton Coldfield, Fairfax Academy is a large co-educational comprehensive that defies the "exam factory" stereotype. While academic standards are solid, the school's beating heart is undoubtedly the House system and its legendary annual Eisteddfod, a festival of arts that has run for over half a century. With more than five applications for every Year 7 place in the last cycle, it stands as one of the most oversubscribed schools in Birmingham, drawing families who value its mix of traditional discipline and creative vibrancy.

The first thing visitors notice is the palpable energy of the House system. Upon joining, every pupil belongs to one of four Houses: Coventry, Kenilworth, Stratford, or Warwick. This isn't merely for sports day; it defines the school year. The calendar revolves around the Annual Eisteddfod, a two-night competitive arts festival entirely produced, directed, and performed by the students. It includes drama, dance, music, and choir, fostering a level of confidence and ownership rarely seen in the state sector.

Mr Sean Castle has served as Principal since September 2022. His leadership maintains the school's long-standing motto, Sinceritas Laboris (Sincerity in Labour). The ethos suggests that hard work is the primary currency of success. The campus itself is a blend of 1950s architecture and modern additions, situated on a pleasant site that feels open and orderly.

Behaviour is managed through a clear "Ready to Learn" policy. The atmosphere is generally calm and purposeful, though the sheer size of the school (over 1,500 students) means the corridors bustle with activity at changeovers. It feels like a busy, spirited community rather than a quiet retreat.

In 2024, the school's academic performance reflected a solid, consistent standard. The average Attainment 8 score was 48.6, placing Fairfax in line with the England average of 45.9.

Ranked 1,679th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), Fairfax sits in the national typical band, meaning its performance aligns with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). Locally, it ranks 6th among secondary schools in Sutton Coldfield, a competitive area known for its grammar schools.

Sixteen per cent of pupils achieved the English Baccalaureate (Ebacc) at grade 5 or above, compared to the England average of 17%. The Progress 8 score of -0.13 indicates that pupils make progress broadly in line with expectations, though slightly below the national mathematical average.

The curriculum is broad and follows a three-year Key Stage 3, allowing pupils to explore subjects in depth before selecting options. Teaching is structured and disciplined. The school places a heavy emphasis on "The Fairfax Way", a set of classroom routines designed to maximise learning time.

Subject expertise is strong, particularly in the Arts and Humanities, supported by the school's specialist heritage. In Mathematics and Science, setting allows for targeted support. The library is a central hub, and literacy initiatives are visible across the curriculum.

Parents should note that class sizes in lower years are typically 30, standard for a popular academy. However, the House system ensures no child feels lost in the crowd.

The Sixth Form is a popular destination for Year 11 leavers, though entry criteria are strict. For the cohort leaving in 2024, 62% progressed to university.

Data suggests a diverse range of pathways. While 62% chose higher education, 18% entered employment directly, and 8% began apprenticeships. This relatively high employment figure reflects the school's careers programme, which supports students in finding robust vocational routes as well as academic ones.

Admission to Fairfax is fiercely competitive. In the 2024 entry cycle, the school received 1,461 applications for just 260 places. This resulted in a subscription rate of over 5.6 applications per place, making it Oversubscribed.

Admissions are coordinated by Birmingham City Council. The school does not have a fixed catchment area map; instead, places are allocated based on distance from the school gate to the applicant's home (straight-line measurement).

In 2024, the pressure on places meant that successful applicants typically lived within a relatively short distance of the school, though siblings of current pupils take priority. Distances vary annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place.

Families must apply via the Birmingham Local Authority Common Application Form (CAF) by the national deadline of 31 October.

Pastoral care is delivered through the vertical House system. This means tutor groups include students from Year 7 to Year 13 mixed together. The benefit of this structure is peer mentoring; older students look out for younger ones, creating a family feel within the larger school.

Each House is led by a Head of House and an Assistant Head of House, supported by a non-teaching Student Support Manager. This ensures there is always someone available to deal with day-to-day welfare issues without interruption from teaching timetables.

The school holds the "Fairfax Values" of ambition, respect, kindness, and safety as non-negotiables. Anti-bullying procedures are robust, with students encouraged to report concerns through various channels, including anonymous online reporting.

The extracurricular offer is where Fairfax truly excels. The Annual Eisteddfod is the crown jewel. This is not just a school play; it is a massive logistical operation involving flower arranging, set design, chess, cooking, and artistic performance, engaging hundreds of students for months.

The Arts

Beyond Eisteddfod, the Performing Arts faculty is extremely active. There are regular musical concerts, drama productions, and dance showcases. The school has a purpose-built Performing Arts block which supports this high level of activity.

Sport & Outdoor Education

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a major pillar of school life, with high participation rates at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. The school utilises its own outdoor education centre in Snowdonia for residential trips, providing students with rugged, character-building experiences that are increasingly rare in the state sector.

Sports facilities include a swimming pool, sports hall, gymnasium, and extensive playing fields. Teams compete regionally in rugby, netball, football, and athletics.

This is a state school with no tuition fees. Parents are responsible for the cost of uniforms, sports kits, and voluntary contributions for trips and the Eisteddfod.

Families on lower incomes may be eligible for Free School Meals, which also triggers Pupil Premium funding to support their child's education. The school also operates a 16-19 Bursary Fund for Sixth Form students requiring financial assistance with transport, books, or equipment.

The school day begins at 8:40am and ends at 3:05pm. Situated on Fairfax Road, the school is well-served by local bus routes across Sutton Coldfield and North Birmingham. There is no dedicated school bus service, so most students use public transport or walk.

Uniform is strictly enforced. It consists of a traditional blazer with the school badge, House tie, and grey trousers or skirt. The school takes pride in appearance, and students are expected to wear the uniform correctly at all times, including on the journey to and from school.

The Sixth Form centre has its own identity but remains integrated into the House system. With approximately 240 students, it is large enough to offer a wide range of A-levels but small enough to offer personal support.

In 2024, A-level results were mixed. Ranked 1,611th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), the Sixth Form sits in the national lower band. The percentage of grades at A*-B was 43%, compared to the England average of 47%. However, 16.5% of grades were A*-A.

Entry requires meeting specific GCSE grade thresholds. External applicants are welcome, and the Sixth Form attracts students from other local schools, adding to the diversity of the cohort.

Heavy Oversubscription. With over five applications for every place, securing entry is the primary hurdle. Families living more than a mile or two away may find it difficult to gain a place on distance criteria alone.

Traditional Discipline. The school favours traditional structures: uniform checks, vertical tutoring, and formal assemblies. This suits families seeking structure but may feel rigid to those used to more liberal primary settings.

Large Campus. With nearly 1,600 students, the site is busy. While the House system breaks this down, quieter children will need to navigate the bustle of a large comprehensive.

Sixth Form Performance. While GCSE results are solid, A-level performance metrics sit slightly below the England average for top grades. Families looking for elite academic sixth form outcomes may want to compare specific subject results.

Fairfax is a school with a distinct soul. The Eisteddfod and House system provide a sense of belonging and confidence that examination league tables cannot measure. It offers a well-rounded, energetic education with pockets of genuine excellence in the arts and outdoor education. Best suited to students who will throw themselves into the rich extracurricular life and thrive in a bustling, disciplined environment. The main challenge is securing a place.