St Matthias School Review 2026: A Supportive 11-16 Community School

St Matthias School serves the diverse Deansfield community of Wolverhampton with a clear commitment to inclusion and support. Rated Good by Ofsted in December 2024, the school is an 11-16 academy that prides itself on knowing every student well. Located on Deans Road in a modern campus developed in 2015, it provides a bright and purpose-built environment for learning. Under the leadership of Headteacher Mr Dean Coombes, the school focuses on "The St Matthias Way", a set of values emphasising respect and resilience that underpins daily life.

The first impression of St Matthias is one of modernity and openness. The school building, designed to replace older facilities, features wide corridors and glass-walled classrooms that create a sense of transparency. Students wear their black blazers with pride, and the atmosphere is described by inspectors as calm and orderly.

The school operates as a close-knit community where relationships between staff and students are strong. The diverse intake is seen as a strength, with a culture that celebrates different backgrounds while maintaining a unified school identity. Unlike many secondary schools, St Matthias does not have a sixth form, meaning Year 11 students are the seniors of the school, taking on leadership roles and responsibilities before they move on to college.

In 2024, the school achieved a Progress 8 score of -0.13. This indicates that students make progress broadly in line with the England average from their starting points. The school ranks 2,532nd in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking) and 14th among schools in Wolverhampton.

Attainment figures reflect the school's mixed-ability intake. The average Attainment 8 score was 40.9. In the core subjects, 15% of students achieved Grade 5 or above in the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) suite of subjects. These results place the school in the national typical band, sitting in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile).

The curriculum is broad and ambitious, designed to engage students of all abilities. Key Stage 3 provides a solid foundation in core subjects alongside creative arts and technology. In Key Stage 4, students can choose from a wide range of GCSEs and vocational qualifications, including Sport Science, Health and Social Care, and Performing Arts.

Ofsted inspectors in 2024 noted that teachers explain new ideas clearly and check understanding carefully. The school uses strategies such as "Knowledge Organisers" to help students retain key information, and there is a particular focus on developing literacy skills across all subjects to support independent learning.

Pastoral care is a standout feature of St Matthias. The school uses a vertical tutoring system, mixing students of different ages in form groups. This encourages a family atmosphere where older students mentor younger peers. Heads of House provide a dedicated layer of support, monitoring both academic progress and personal wellbeing.

The "Hub" offers a safe space for students who need emotional support, and the school works proactively with external agencies to ensure vulnerable students are cared for. Students report feeling safe and valued, knowing there are staff members they can turn to if they have worries.

The extracurricular programme is robust, with particular strengths in the performing arts and sport. The school boasts professional-grade theatre facilities used for student productions that involve cast and crew from across the year groups.

Sports facilities include a large sports hall and outdoor pitches, hosting teams that compete in local football, basketball, and netball leagues. Other clubs range from the Debate Mate team to STEM challenges and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, offering students ample opportunity to develop skills outside the classroom.

Admission is coordinated by Wolverhampton City Council. St Matthias is a popular choice in the local area and is currently oversubscribed. In the most recent intake, the school received 290 applications for 156 places, resulting in a ratio of 1.9 applications per place.

The deadline for applications for Year 7 entry in September 2026 is 31 October 2025. Places are allocated based on criteria that prioritise looked-after children and those with siblings at the school, followed by straight-line distance from the school.

The school day runs from 8:40am to 3:00pm. A breakfast club is available from 8:00am, ensuring students have a nutritious start to the day. The campus is well-served by local bus routes on Deans Road, making it accessible from across Wolverhampton.

• No Sixth Form: St Matthias is strictly an 11-16 school. Students must move to a different institution for post-16 study. This means a transition at the end of Year 11, but the school provides strong careers guidance to support this move.
• Mixed Ability Classes: The school serves a comprehensive intake. While high attainers are challenged, families used to selective environments should be aware that classes often contain a wide range of abilities.
• Strict Uniform: The school maintains high expectations for appearance. The uniform policy is strictly enforced to ensure a smart and cohesive school identity.

St Matthias School offers a nurturing and stable environment for students during their secondary years. With a Good rating from Ofsted and a modern campus, it provides a strong foundation for local children. Best suited to families seeking a supportive, inclusive community school where staff genuinely know every child. The main challenge is securing a place due to rising popularity.