Best 3 All-through schools in West Midlands – comparison

Q: How are these comparisons built?

We align public datasets side-by-side. Headline Ofsted judgement and publication date are shown when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; free users see rounded values.

Q: What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded Section 8 visits do not replace the last graded judgement. We continue to show the latest graded judgement until a new graded inspection is published.

Q: Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are Pro features. Everyone can still compare approximate values.

Q: How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then consider distance and travel, roll versus capacity, and the admissions policy. Visit the school, ask about pastoral support and enrichment, and ensure it fits your child’s needs.

Q: What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; review capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and look at trust or local authority governance. Read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding details.

Comparison of all-through schools: Ark Kings Academy (All-through) in Birmingham; The Steiner Academy Hereford (All-through) in Hereford; Starbank School (All-through) in Birmingham — covering Ofsted outcomes, size, FSM%, governance, capacity & more.

At a glance

This page compares Ark Kings Academy, The Steiner Academy Hereford and Starbank School. They are all-through phase and academy sponsor led type located around Birmingham, West Midlands, Hereford, Herefordshire and Birmingham. The strongest headline Ofsted judgement here is 2 (Ark Kings Academy), published Apr 2024. The most recent inspection on record is for Ark Kings Academy (Apr 2024). average roll around ≈ 1,100, combined total ≈ 3,350, typical FSM 40–45%, range 20–25%–65–70%; spread across trusts such as ARK SCHOOLS and STAR ACADEMIES.

🔒 Export (Pro)

Attribute	Ark Kings Academy B38 9DE	The Steiner Academy Hereford HR2 8DL	Starbank School B10 9BT
Phase / Type	All-through • Academy sponsor led	All-through • Academy sponsor led	All-through • Academy sponsor led
Location	Birmingham West Midlands B38 9DE	Hereford Herefordshire HR2 8DL	Birmingham B10 9BT
Latest Ofsted	2 25 Apr 2024	2 24 Sep 2023	2 11 Jul 2023
Ofsted report	—	—	—
Pupils (roll)	≈ 800 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 350 🔒 Unlock exact pupils	≈ 2,200 🔒 Unlock exact pupils
FSM %	65–70% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	20–25% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %	35–40% 🔒 Unlock exact FSM %
Capacity	1080	332	2160
Capacity utilisation	Under capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %	Near capacity 🔒 View exact %
Age range	—	—	—
Gender	Mixed	Mixed	Mixed
Admissions policy	Not applicable	Non-selective	Not applicable
Trust / Local authority	ARK SCHOOLS	Herefordshire, County of (884)	STAR ACADEMIES
Website	arkkingsacademy.org	www.steineracademyhereford.org.uk	—
Telephone	01214594451	01981540221	01214642638
SEN provision	None reported	None reported	None reported
Profile	View profile	View profile	View profile

Ark Kings Academy

B38 9DE

Phase / Type: All-through • Academy sponsor led
Location: Birmingham
West Midlands
B38 9DE
Ofsted: 2 25 Apr 2024
Pupils: ≈ 800 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 65–70% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: ARK SCHOOLS
Website: arkkingsacademy.org
Telephone: 01214594451

The Steiner Academy Hereford

HR2 8DL

Phase / Type: All-through • Academy sponsor led
Location: Hereford
Herefordshire
HR2 8DL
Ofsted: 2 24 Sep 2023
Pupils: ≈ 350 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 20–25% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: Herefordshire, County of (884)
Website: www.steineracademyhereford.org.uk
Telephone: 01981540221

Starbank School

B10 9BT

Phase / Type: All-through • Academy sponsor led
Location: Birmingham
B10 9BT
Ofsted: 2 11 Jul 2023
Pupils: ≈ 2,200 🔒 Exact value
FSM %: 35–40% 🔒 Exact %
Trust / LA: STAR ACADEMIES
Website: —
Telephone: 01214642638

Map of compared schools

How are these comparisons built?

We line up public school data side-by-side. Ofsted “headline” judgement is shown with the publication date when available. Exact pupil counts and precise FSM% are available to Pro users; everyone sees rounded values.

What if a school has a recent ungraded visit?

Ungraded visits (Section 8) check whether the previous graded judgement still stands, but do not replace it. We keep the latest graded judgement as the headline until a new graded inspection is published.

Why can’t I see exact numbers?

To keep the service sustainable, we show approximate pupils and bucketed FSM% to free users. Upgrade to AllSchools Pro to unlock precise figures and exports.

How should I choose a school?

Start with the most recent graded Ofsted judgement, then check whether it aligns with your child’s needs. Look at distance and travel, typical class sizes (roll vs capacity), and the school’s admissions policy. Speak to the school, arrange a visit, and ask about pastoral support and enrichment.

What should I look for when comparing schools?

Compare headline Ofsted and publication dates for recency; check FSM% and local context; scan capacity utilisation (under, near, or over capacity); and review trust/local authority for governance. If available, read the official Ofsted report for curriculum and safeguarding detail.