Codsall Community High School: A Vibrant Upper School with Strong Community Roots

Per Ardua Ad Astra (Through Difficulty to the Stars). For over eight decades, students in Codsall have pursued excellence under that motto. This state upper school admits students at Year 9, an unusual entry point that reflects the three-tier education system operating in South Staffordshire. With approximately 1,070 students aged 13 to 18, including more than 300 in the sixth form, the school combines a sense of village community with academic ambition. The March 2023 Ofsted inspection confirmed Good ratings across all categories, including sixth form provision. A Progress 8 score of +0.19 indicates students make above-average progress from their starting points.

The school occupies a site that has educated local children since 1940, when 126 pupils from the village's original school by St Nicholas Church arrived at the new building. Successive expansions have transformed the campus. The Main Hall, opened in 1957, anchors a site that now includes a sports centre refurbished with National Lottery funding in 2003 and an indoor swimming pool constructed in 1964 with a roof added during the following decade.

Mr Simon Maxfield has led the school as Headteacher since September 2022. His background includes positions at Good and Outstanding schools across South Staffordshire and the West Midlands, and he most recently opened a new inner-city school in Wolverhampton. His stated priority is ensuring each student accesses their "best next steps" through their education here. The leadership team brings together expertise in English, mathematics, science, humanities, and the creative arts, with Deputy Headteacher Mr D Robinson serving as an Ofsted Inspector and Specialist Leader for Education.

Staff know their students well. The Ofsted report noted that staff maintain positive relationships with pupils and demonstrate deep knowledge of individual students. This personal approach shapes the school culture. Students report feeling safe, and bullying is rare. When incidents do occur, they are handled effectively. Behaviour expectations are applied consistently and fairly, with pupils rarely repeating mistakes.

The school sits at the heart of the South Staffordshire Learning Partnership, a federation that includes Bilbrook and Perton Middle Schools. This partnership means students arriving in Year 9 often know their peers and have established relationships that continue through to sixth form and beyond.

GCSE Performance

At GCSE, the school's 2024 Attainment 8 score of 47.1 places it slightly above the England average of 45.9. The Progress 8 score of +0.19 demonstrates that students make above-average progress during their time here, adding value beyond what their prior attainment might predict.

The school ranks 2,498th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it solidly within the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). Locally, it ranks 13th among schools in the Wolverhampton area. These figures reflect a school delivering consistent results without selective entry.

English Baccalaureate entry stands at 3.8% of pupils achieving grades 5 or above in all EBacc subjects, with an average EBacc APS score of 3.82. The school has historically prioritised breadth and choice over EBacc compliance, offering pathways that suit student interests and career ambitions rather than forcing all into a narrow academic track.

A-Level Performance

At A-level, 41.2% of grades achieved A*-B in 2024, with 15.5% at A*/A. These figures sit below the England averages of 47.2% for A*-B and 23.6% for A*/A. The school ranks 1,710th in England for A-level outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the lower tier of sixth forms when measured purely by grade attainment.

However, context matters. The sixth form accepts students with a range of prior attainment and offers both A-level and BTEC pathways. Progress measures and destination data paint a more encouraging picture than raw grade attainment alone.

The curriculum has been designed to help pupils build knowledge progressively across subjects. Reading has been prioritised, with strong library usage and targeted support for students who struggle with literacy on arrival. Students who need help with reading receive focused intervention rather than being left to cope in lessons without support.

Most teachers have secure subject knowledge and maintain high expectations. Lessons typically move at an appropriate pace, and the majority of students achieve well academically. Sixth form students benefit from specialist teaching that prepares them effectively for higher education and employment.

The 2023 Ofsted inspection identified two areas for improvement. First, a small number of subjects lack logical curriculum sequencing, meaning content does not always build systematically from one year to the next. Second, some teachers do not routinely verify pupil understanding before introducing new concepts, which can allow misconceptions to persist longer than necessary. The school leadership is aware of these issues and working to address them through staff development.

The three-tier system means students arrive in Year 9 having already studied at middle school. Teachers understand the curriculum students have followed and build upon it. This continuity within the South Staffordshire Learning Partnership creates a coherent educational journey from Year 5 through to Year 13.

Post-16 Progression

Students completing GCSEs have clear pathways into the sixth form. Entry requirements are transparent: A-level candidates need at least grade 6 in GCSE subjects matching their chosen courses, plus grade 5 in English and Mathematics. BTEC courses require at least grade 4 in related GCSE subjects or a Merit at Level 2 in a corresponding BTEC.

Teachers provide advice on course suitability. Where students do not meet entry requirements for their first-choice programme, the school works to find alternative suitable pathways rather than simply declining applications.

Post-18 Destinations

The 2024 destination data shows 38% of sixth form leavers progressing to university. A further 14% entered apprenticeships, and 27% moved directly into employment. Just 1% continued to further education. These figures reflect a sixth form serving students with varied ambitions, not all of whom seek the traditional academic route.

In the most recent reporting period, two students applied to Cambridge, with one securing an offer and accepting a place. This represents modest but genuine Oxbridge success for a comprehensive sixth form. The school ranks 580th in England for combined Oxbridge outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), demonstrating that academic ambition is supported even if it is not the majority pathway.

Students receive relevant careers education and opportunities to visit education and training providers. The Ofsted inspection noted that pupils and sixth form students are very prepared for their next stages of education, employment, and training. Many are successful in gaining university or college places to study their chosen courses.

The sixth form opened its dedicated space in September 2008, named in memory of former headmaster Geoff Bate. Mrs E Mayor leads sixth form provision as Assistant Headteacher and Head of Sixth Form, bringing her performing arts background to a role focused on student development and progression.

Courses and Specialisms

The sixth form offers a range of A-levels and BTEC qualifications. Facilitating subjects, those commonly required by leading universities, are available: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Geography, History, English Literature, and modern languages. Vocational pathways provide alternatives for students seeking applied learning.

A distinctive feature is the Football Academy, established in 2009 as the first of its kind at a state school. Students aged 16 to 18 can study for nationally recognised qualifications while receiving high-quality football coaching daily. This programme combines academic study with athletic development and has operated successfully for over fifteen years.

Entry and Application

Internal students from Year 11 and external applicants follow the same process. Admission arrangements are published in December, applications submitted with course preferences, and places confirmed near or on GCSE results day in August. An independent appeals panel considers cases from applicants whose applications are declined. Late applications are considered where possible.

A bursary scheme supports eligible students with financial barriers to sixth form participation. Wellbeing support, including counselling services, ensures students have access to help when needed.

Codsall Community High School operates within the South Staffordshire three-tier system. The normal entry point is Year 9, not Year 7, making this school unusual within the English education landscape. Students typically transfer from Bilbrook Middle School, Codsall Middle School, or Perton Middle School after completing Year 8.

Staffordshire County Council acts as the admissions authority. Where applications exceed the published admission number of 216 for Year 9 entry, places are allocated according to oversubscription criteria in the following priority order:

1. Looked-after children and previously looked-after children who were adopted or became subject to child arrangements or special guardianship orders
2. Children with exceptional medical or other extreme circumstances
3. Children with older siblings already attending
4. Children within the school's catchment area
5. Children from major contributory middle schools
6. Other children by distance to the school

For families moving house during the admissions process, Staffordshire County Council requires documentary evidence of the move by 23 January 2026 for the revised address to be used in allocation decisions.

Open events typically run annually in the autumn term; families should check the school website or contact the school directly for specific dates. The school welcomes visitors who wish to see the facilities and speak with staff before making application decisions.

Mrs N Gwinnett, Deputy Headteacher, leads pastoral provision, behaviour management, and safeguarding as the Designated Safeguarding Leader. Her work across West Midlands schools has given her extensive experience in supporting young people through the challenges of secondary education.

Students report feeling safe at school. The consistent approach to behaviour, where expectations are clear and consequences fair, creates an environment where learning can happen without disruption. Bullying is rare. When it does occur, staff deal with it effectively, and students have confidence in the response.

Counselling support is available through a dedicated service; students can contact the wellbeing team directly. The school runs an LGBTQ+ club, providing a safe space for students exploring identity. Mental health and online safety feature prominently in the wider learning and PSHEE curriculum.

The house system provides structure and identity for students, creating smaller communities within the larger school. Houses compete in events and activities, building camaraderie and school spirit while giving students leadership opportunities.

Enrichment Programme

The school expects all students in Years 9 and 10 to engage with the enrichment programme, which offers activities during lunchtimes and after school. Current offerings can be found through the Synergy App, where students can view options and sign up for activities. Transport home is available for students who qualify for school transport but wish to stay for after-school clubs.

The Ofsted inspection highlighted extensive extracurricular offerings. The debate club develops public speaking and critical thinking. The eco-club engages students with environmental issues. The LGBTQ+ club provides community and support. These activities complement academic study by developing interests and skills that employers and universities value.

Sport and Physical Activity

The on-site sports centre, refurbished in 2003, provides facilities for multiple activities. The sports hall offers five courts available for hire during evenings, weekends, and school holidays. An outdoor 3G synthetic pitch allows football, rugby, and hockey to continue in all weathers. The indoor swimming pool, though dating from the 1960s, remains in use.

The Football Academy represents the school's flagship sporting provision. Students combine academic qualifications with daily professional-standard coaching, creating a pathway for those with genuine footballing ambition. Since its launch in 2009 as the first such programme in a state school, it has established the school's reputation in this area.

Duke of Edinburgh Award

The Duke of Edinburgh Award programme runs at the school, offering students the opportunity to develop skills, give service, and undertake expeditions. Details of current cohorts and sign-up processes are available through the school's enrichment information.

The school day operates on a structured timetable. Students arriving for after-school enrichment activities can access transport home if they normally qualify for school transport provision. The school site, located on Elliotts Lane in Codsall village, sits near the border with Wolverhampton but within Staffordshire for administrative purposes.

The adjacent Codsall Leisure Centre offers extended community facilities including gym, fitness classes, studio cycling, and swimming sessions outside school hours. Families living in the area often find the combined school and leisure provision convenient.

Year 9 entry point. Unlike most secondary schools, Codsall admits at Year 9 within the South Staffordshire three-tier system. Families moving to the area from two-tier systems should understand their child will need to attend a middle school for Years 5 to 8 before transferring. This affects planning for families relocating with children in Key Stage 2 or early Key Stage 3.

A-level attainment versus progress. Raw A-level results sit below England averages, which may concern families focused on university league table comparisons. However, the school accepts students across a range of prior attainment and provides progression pathways beyond purely academic routes. Judge the sixth form on destinations and Progress 8 data rather than grade attainment alone.

Curriculum sequencing variability. The 2023 Ofsted inspection noted that a small number of subjects lack logical curriculum sequencing. While leadership is addressing this, families should ask about specific subjects of interest to understand how content builds across year groups.

Checking understanding in lessons. Some teachers do not routinely verify pupil understanding before moving on. Students who do not ask for help may find misconceptions persisting. Parents should encourage children to speak up when confused rather than assuming all teachers will notice.

Codsall Community High School offers a genuine community education rooted in South Staffordshire's distinctive three-tier system. Strong pastoral care, consistent behaviour expectations, and a Progress 8 score demonstrating above-average student progress combine to create an effective learning environment. The Football Academy provides a unique opportunity within the state sector, while academic pathways serve students aiming for Russell Group universities and Oxbridge alike.

Best suited to families within the South Staffordshire catchment who value a comprehensive approach that serves varied student ambitions. The school prepares students effectively for their next steps, whether that means university, apprenticeship, or employment. For those seeking the highest raw A-level grades, independent alternatives may deliver different outcomes. For families wanting a supportive environment where progress matters more than prior attainment, Codsall delivers what it promises.