Penns Primary School Review 2026: Elite Results in a Close-Knit Community

In a quiet residential corner of Sutton Coldfield, Penns Primary School stands as a significant academic powerhouse that belies its modest, single-form entry size. Serving approximately 210 pupils, the school operates as a highly focused learning community where the small scale allows for an intimacy that larger schools struggle to replicate. The 2024 KS2 results are nothing short of exceptional, placing the school in the elite tier of primaries in England. With academic outcomes that sit in the top 2% of schools in England, Penns has established itself as one of the most desirable state primary options in the West Midlands.

The atmosphere at Penns Primary is defined by its compact, welcoming nature. As a one-form entry school, there is a palpable sense of continuity and family. Every teacher knows every pupil, and the older pupils are often seen looking out for the younger ones, fostering a multi-age cohesion that is a hallmark of the school's identity.

Mrs Helen Lowe has led the school for several years, providing a steady course focused on a balance of high academic expectations and a broad, engaging curriculum. The physical environment is well-maintained, providing a calm backdrop for the rigorous learning that takes place inside. While the school lacks the sprawling acreage of some suburban counterparts, it makes efficient use of its space to create a purposeful and safe environment for its pupils.

The school's ethos is rooted in mutual respect. This is reflected in the pupils' behaviour, which is consistently described as exemplary. The lack of a religious character makes it an inclusive choice for families of all backgrounds in the Penns and Berwood area, contributing to a diverse yet harmonious student body.

The academic performance at Penns Primary School is among the strongest in the country. In 2024, 94.3% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, significantly outperforming the England average of 62%.

The school ranks 193rd in England for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking). This places Penns in the elite tier, comfortably within the top 2% of schools in England. Locally, it ranks 4th among the numerous primaries in Sutton Coldfield, a town known for its high educational standards.

Further evidence of academic depth is found in the higher standards data. At the higher standard, 39% of pupils achieved greater depth in reading, writing, and mathematics combined, which is nearly five times the England average of 8%. In mathematics specifically, every single pupil (100%) reached the expected standard, with 50% achieving a high score. Reading and Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (GPS) were equally impressive, with high score percentages of 60% and 70% respectively.

Teaching at Penns is characterised by high levels of subject expertise and a fast-paced, challenging curriculum. Because the school is small, teachers can tailor their approach to the specific needs of each cohort, ensuring that no child is left behind while the more able are constantly stretched. The average scaled scores of 111 in reading and 112 in GPS are clear indicators of the depth of instruction.

The curriculum is designed to be more than just a vehicle for test scores. Science, for instance, is taught with a focus on practical investigation, with 83% of pupils reaching the expected standard, slightly above the England average of 82%. While the core subjects of English and Mathematics are given significant priority, the school integrates creative subjects and technology to ensure a balanced educational diet.

For pupils requiring additional support, the school's small size is a distinct advantage. Intervention groups are small and highly targeted, and the progress of every child is tracked with forensic detail by the leadership team. This ensures that the ranking is built on the success of the whole cohort.

As a Sutton Coldfield school, the transition at age 11 is heavily influenced by the local grammar school system. A significant number of pupils sit the 11-plus for the King Edward VI grammar schools in Birmingham and Sutton Coldfield. The school's exceptionally high greater depth percentages suggest that many pupils are well-prepared for these selective environments.

For those not pursuing the grammar route, the most common destinations include local high-performing comprehensives such as The Arthur Terry School or Plantsbrook School. Penns maintains strong links with these secondary providers to ensure that the transition from Year 6 to Year 7 is smooth. The school's reputation for high standards means that Penns pupils are generally well-regarded by secondary admissions tutors.

Securing a place at Penns Primary is the primary challenge for families. The school is heavily oversubscribed, reflecting its elite academic status and small intake of just 30 places per year. In the most recent admissions cycle, there were 97 applications for just 24 available offers.

This results in a subscription proportion of 4.04, meaning there are more than four applications for every available place. All 24 offers were made to families who put Penns as their first preference. While the school's last distance offered can vary significantly year to year, the high demand means that proximity is vital. Families should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their distance from the school gates compared to historical trends.

Despite its academic intensity, Penns Primary is noted for its nurturing environment. The small school model allows for a level of pastoral oversight that is difficult to achieve in larger institutions. Every child is visible, and emotional or social difficulties are usually identified and addressed early.

The school promotes a culture of being safe, mindful, and resilient, which helps pupils manage the pressure that can sometimes accompany high academic expectations. There is a strong emphasis on mental wellbeing, with staff trained to support children through various challenges. The consistent Good rating from Ofsted, following the inspection in October 2021, confirms that the school treats the child as an individual.

Extracurricular life at Penns is active, though naturally smaller in scale than at larger schools. The school offers a variety of clubs that typically include sports such as football and netball, alongside creative options like choir and art club.

The school makes good use of local facilities in Sutton Coldfield to supplement its own on-site offerings. Participation in local sports tournaments and music festivals is encouraged, allowing pupils to test their skills against larger peer groups. Termly trips and visiting workshops are used to bring the curriculum to life, with a particular focus on local history and environmental science.

The school day typically runs from 8:50am to 3:30pm. For families requiring flexibility, Penns provides access to wraparound care. Honey Bears at Penns Primary School provides on-site care, including a breakfast club and an after-school club, providing a safe and familiar environment for children of working parents.

Located on Berwood Road, the school is most easily accessible by foot or car for local residents. Parking in the immediate vicinity can be challenging during the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up, so walking is encouraged where possible. The school is well-served by local bus routes connecting to the wider Sutton Coldfield and Erdington areas.

Fees & Financial Aid

This is a state-funded community school with no tuition fees. Parents are not required to pay for their child's education. Associated costs are generally limited to school uniform, optional educational trips, and music lessons where applicable. Families on low incomes may be eligible for the Pupil Premium, which provides additional funding to the school to support their child's learning and can sometimes assist with the costs of trips or activities.

• Extreme Competition for Places: With over four applications for every place, Penns is one of the most difficult schools to get into in Birmingham. Proximity to the school is the deciding factor for most families.
• Small Cohort Dynamics: Being in a class of only 30 children for seven years creates very strong bonds, but it also means a limited social circle. Families should consider if their child will thrive in such an intimate environment.
• Academic Pace: The school's results place it in the top 2% in England. While this is a major draw, the curriculum moves quickly. Children who prefer a more relaxed pace of learning may find the environment demanding.

Penns Primary School is an academic jewel in the Sutton Coldfield crown. It combines elite national rankings with the warm, inclusive atmosphere of a small community school. Best suited to local families who value high academic standards and want their child to be part of a close-knit, highly visible community. For those who secure a place, the educational outcomes are among the best available in the state sector.