Blackwater Academy Sandwell, Tipton
Blackwater Academy Sandwell is an independent school for pupils aged 11 to 16 in Tipton.
Data last updated 26 Oct 2026
Blackwater Academy Sandwell in detail
Compared with nearby schools
The nearest other independent schools to Blackwater Academy Sandwell are The British Muslim School (2.1 miles, Requires improvement); Priory Park Community School (2.3 miles, Good); Sandwell Valley School (3.1 miles, Requires improvement); and Al Khair Primary School (3.3 miles, Good).
The British Muslim SchoolPriory Park Community SchoolSandwell Valley SchoolAl Khair Primary School
Who goes there
In 2026, 0 pupils (0%) received SEN support and 2 (5.3%) had an education, health and care plan.
Getting there
The nearest tram or metro stop is Horseley Road (West Midlands Metro), about 310 metres away (roughly a 4-minute walk).
7 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Tipton Cemetery (opposite), 130 metres away.
Sources: DfE school census and special educational needs statistics; NaPTAN (Department for Transport)
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Ofsted · 11 months agoOverall
Ofsted Insights
From Ofsted's November 2025 inspection report.
What This School Does Well
This school specializes in supporting pupils with emotional and mental health challenges who may have missed out on education. Teachers are trained in phonics and adapted teaching methods, and the school uses half-termly reviews and personalized mentoring to track progress and build confidence. The curriculum includes life skills, careers guidance and British values through engaging whole-school assemblies and activities.
Key Strengths
- Well-designed induction process to quickly identify and understand pupil needs on arrival
- Comprehensive curriculum across broad range of subjects with clear learning sequences
- Strong focus on mental health support through dedicated mental health programme
- Thorough safeguarding systems with electronic recording and analysis of concerns
- Experienced leadership team with clear vision for bespoke, pupil-centered education
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is effective - the school has a comprehensive policy meeting all requirements, staff are trained, an electronic system records all concerns with rigorous review and analysis, and leaders understand local vulnerabilities.
Extracurricular Activities
Weekly whole school assemblies, collapsed curriculum days for enrichment activities, personalised mentoring, outdoor play and socializing area
Blackwater Academy Sandwell is a proposed independent school specializing in short-term education for pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs, with some places available for permanent attendance. The school is likely to meet all independent school standards when it opens.
At a Glance
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
No
Sixth Form
No
Special Measures
How Does This School Compare?
Ranked against 5 nearby schools
Keep up with Blackwater Academy Sandwell
Getting There
Train Stations
Tube / Metro / Tram
Bus Stops
Safety and surroundings
Road collisions within 500 m (2021 to 2025)
- Collisions
- 30
- Fatal
- 0
- Serious
- 7
- Children hurt
- 7
Within 500 m of the school's mapped location, police recorded 30 road collisions in which someone was injured in 2021 to 2025: none fatal, 7 serious and 23 slight.
7 children aged 0 to 15 were hurt: 4 on foot and 3 in a vehicle or otherwise.
7 of the collisions happened on a weekday between 08:00 and 09:30 or 14:45 and 16:30, holidays included.
The typical figure for schools in Sandwell is 26.5 (the median across 134 schools, same distance and years).
Serious and slight counts use the Department for Transport's severity adjustment, which allows for changes in how police forces record injuries; they are estimates, rounded to whole numbers. Distances are in a straight line. Source: Department for Transport, Road Safety Data (STATS19), Open Government Licence v3.0.
Commute and house prices
Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
76%
Available places
38 pupils
50 places
12 spare places
as recorded on GIAS
Area Demand Pressure - Tipton
Based on MHCLG Live Table 122 (2024-25, last 5 years) for Tipton
Across Sandwell council
Places available
5,146
Applications
4,404
Got 1st preference
80.8%
Got preferred school
95.8%
All secondary applications across Sandwell council (2026/27), not just this school.
Inspection History
SEND & SEN Provision
SEN Overview
0
SEN Support
2
EHC Plans
5.3%
of Total Pupils
2026 academic year
Provision & Specialist Facilities
Pupils by Need Type
No need-level breakdown available
Pupil Demographics
Key Indicators
38
Total Pupils
25
Boys
13
Girls
2026 academic year
Feeder Primary Schools
Primary schools that likely feed into this school, based on proximity
Blackwater Academy Sandwell
Showing 10 of 15 linked schools
Questions parents ask about Blackwater Academy Sandwell
How many pupils go to Blackwater Academy Sandwell?
Blackwater Academy Sandwell has around 38 pupils on roll.
How do I apply to Blackwater Academy Sandwell?
Blackwater Academy Sandwell is an independent school and runs its own admissions rather than going through the local authority. Contact the school directly for entry requirements, assessment dates, fees and any bursaries.
How many road collisions happen near Blackwater Academy Sandwell?
Within 500 m of the school's mapped location, police recorded 30 road collisions in which someone was injured in 2021 to 2025: none fatal, 7 serious and 23 slight. 7 children aged 0 to 15 were hurt: 4 on foot and 3 in a vehicle or otherwise. 7 of the collisions happened on a weekday between 08:00 and 09:30 or 14:45 and 16:30, holidays included. The typical figure for schools in Sandwell is 26.5 (the median across 134 schools, same distance and years).
Where is Blackwater Academy Sandwell?
Blackwater Academy Sandwell is at Horseley Road, Tipton, West Midlands, DY4 7NB.
Source: Department for Transport, Road Safety Data (STATS19)