Welcome To Birchwood
For more information on our school,
please download our
History and Background Information document.
Many thanks to all those who have completed our randonly-generated Ofsted-style survey over the past 12 months. The results show that the vast majority of parents/carers are very pleased with the quality of eduation at Birchwood High School. Whilst some categories score more highly than others, we are looking in particular at areas upon which we can improve. We will continue to ask for your views as this provides us with excellent feedback for our school improvement plan.
A Message from the Headteacher
Birchwood is a successful 11-19 mixed, non-selective Academy with 1350 students on roll. We have come a long way over the last 10 years and are very proud of our excellent school, where our students not only leave with strong academic qualifications but also as well rounded individuals with sense of responsibility and a willingness to contribute to both the economy and society in general.
Our examination results have steadily improved. For the last three years over 70% of our GCSE students have achieved 5+ A*-C passes with 25% of grades being awarded at A or A*. We are committed to sustainable school improvement and forecast achievement in Year groups below Year 11 show the potential for 4/5ths of students to achieve the necessary grades at GCSE to allow them to access advanced level courses at Post 16.
In terms of admissions, this September we had 240 students enrol into Year 7 and are generally over-subscribed with the exception in Year 10 where there are a few spare places. As an Academy - which is a state-funded independent school, parents are able to apply directly to the school and receive feedback from our admissions officer with regards to a school place.
From 2004-08, the school underwent a phased £16m expansion programme. Today, approximately 40% of the school's accommodation is less than 5 years old and represents a set of innovative learning environments for its students and staff. Research shows that schools undergoing such a significant building programme suffer in terms of standards so it was pleasing to see, on reflection, that this has not been the case.
In summary, after a number of years of steadfast improvement, it is a privilege to lead at Birchwood High School. The school has its own sense of direction and a finely distributed leadership culture, but it is its lack of complacency and drive to continually improve which remains its single most important attribute.
Chris Ingate Headteacher