The Polesworth School Review 2026: A Creative Powerhouse in Tamworth

Sitting on the Warwickshire-Staffordshire border, The Polesworth School is a large and bustling academy that serves as a focal point for the village of Dordon and the wider Tamworth area. With over 1,500 students, this is a school that operates on a significant scale. It distinguishes itself with a genuine commitment to the arts, anchored by the professional-standard Tomlinson Hall theatre, and a Sixth Form that consistently outperforms local rivals.

The campus is a mix of eras, reflecting its evolution from a village school to a major academy. While the site is large, the school works hard to maintain a sense of community through its House system. Students are allocated to Arden, Kenilworth, Stratford, or Warwick houses, creating smaller "schools within a school" where pastoral care is focused.

Mrs Maura Favell has led the school since 2020. Under her leadership, the school has maintained its reputation for being inclusive and energetic. The school motto, "Letting your light shine", is visible in the daily life of the students, particularly in the vibrant extracurricular scene.

The atmosphere is busy and functional rather than hushed. The corridors hum with the movement of 1,500 teenagers, but the environment is generally orderly. The 2023 Ofsted inspection rated the school Good, praising the ambitious curriculum and the respectful culture that pervades the site.

Academic outcomes present a mixed picture, with a clear distinction between the main school and the Sixth Form.

At GCSE, performance sits in the "national typical" band, meaning it aligns with the middle 35% of schools in England. In 2024, the Attainment 8 score was 40.6, below the England average of 45.9. The Progress 8 score of -0.42 indicates that students, on average, make less progress from their primary school starting points than their peers nationally.

However, the Sixth Form tells a different story. Ranked 1st in Tamworth and 1,516th in England for A-level outcomes, the post-16 provision is a clear strength. In 2024, nearly 44% of A-level grades were A*-B. This strong performance makes the Sixth Form a primary destination for academic students in the area who wish to remain in the state sector.

The curriculum is broad and ambitious. In Key Stage 3, students follow a wide range of subjects, with the school maintaining its historic strength in the arts. Drama, music, and art are not sidelined here; they are central to the school's identity.

Teaching in the main school is structured and focused on securing the basics, while the Sixth Form adopts a more seminar-style approach. The 2023 inspection noted that teachers are experts in their subjects and deliver lessons with enthusiasm, though it highlighted that checks on student understanding could sometimes be more consistent.

The Sixth Form is a springboard for university and professional careers. In 2024, 43% of leavers progressed to university. The school has a track record of supporting students with high aspirations; one student secured a place at Cambridge in the most recent cycle.

For those not heading to university, the school has strong links with local employers and apprenticeship providers. In 2024, 38% of leavers moved directly into employment, reflecting the school's pragmatic approach to preparing students for the working world.

Admission to The Polesworth School is coordinated by Warwickshire County Council. The school is consistently oversubscribed. In 2024, there were 365 applications for 235 places, resulting in 1.55 applications for every place.

The priority area includes Dordon, Polesworth, Birchmoor, Warton, and Newton Regis. After looked-after children and siblings, places are allocated based on distance from the school.

The last distance offered varies annually based on applicant distribution; proximity provides priority but does not guarantee a place. Families living on the edges of the catchment should not assume a place is guaranteed and should use the Warwickshire admissions maps to check their priority status.

Pastoral care is delivered through the House system. Each student belongs to a vertical tutor group, mixing with students from different years. This structure is designed to prevent younger students from feeling lost in the large population and to encourage peer mentoring.

The Student Support Services hub acts as a central point for wellbeing, offering guidance on attendance, mental health, and behaviour. The school has a clear focus on "Relationships" as one of its core values, fostering mutual trust between staff and students.

The extracurricular offer is dominated by the arts. Tomlinson Hall is the heart of this provision, hosting productions that are renowned locally for their professional quality. Students can get involved on stage or behind the scenes in lighting and sound engineering.

Sport is also well-catered for, with the Polesworth Sports Centre on site. Facilities include a sports hall and extensive playing fields. Clubs range from competitive fixtures in football and netball to recreational gymnastics and badminton.

The library is another hub of activity, hosting popular clubs for chess, board games, and coding, providing a sanctuary for students who prefer a quieter lunchtime experience.

This is a state school with no tuition fees. Parents are expected to cover the cost of uniforms, sports kits, and optional trips. Some extracurricular activities, particularly peripatetic music lessons, may incur a charge.

The school day runs from 8:50am to 3:15pm. Located on Dordon Road, the school is well-served by buses connecting the surrounding villages. Parents should note that on-site parking is very limited, and drop-offs usually occur in designated zones nearby to avoid congestion.

Large Environment: With over 1,500 students, this is a large and busy school. It suits students who are confident and can manage a bustling environment. Quieter children may find the scale initially daunting.

GCSE Progress: Parents should be aware of the Progress 8 score of -0.42. While the Sixth Form results are strong, progress in the main school has been below the national average, suggesting some students may need additional support to reach their full potential at GCSE.

Strict Catchment: The school's popularity means the catchment area is strictly enforced. Families living outside the immediate priority villages face significant competition for places.

The Polesworth School offers a vibrant, arts-rich education with a Sixth Form that stands out in the local area. It is best suited to students who will thrive in a large, energetic community and take advantage of the exceptional creative opportunities. The main challenge is securing a place and navigating the busy site, but for those who do, the pathway to a strong Sixth Form education is clear.