Blackwater Academy Stourbridge, Stourbridge
Blackwater Academy Stourbridge is an independent school for pupils aged 11 to 16 in Stourbridge.
Data last updated 26 Oct 2026
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Ofsted · 7 months agoOverall
Ofsted Insights
From Ofsted's March 2026 inspection report.
What This School Does Well
Blackwater Academy is designed specifically for pupils who need extra support, including those with special educational needs and those who have had disrupted schooling. The school combines a broad curriculum with personalised learning, vocational opportunities, and enrichment activities. Leaders are experienced and committed to helping pupils succeed both academically and personally, with a focus on supporting them to return to mainstream education or make a positive contribution to their community.
Key Strengths
- Clear vision and experienced leadership committed to personalised education for vulnerable pupils
- Well-considered curriculum covering core subjects plus enrichment activities, vocational options, and comprehensive PSHE
- Strong safeguarding policies and procedures tailored to pupils' known vulnerabilities
- Robust recruitment processes and staff training in place
- Thoughtfully adapted building with safety risks identified and mitigated
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is effective - the school has a comprehensive safeguarding policy, staff training on pupils' specific vulnerabilities, and an appropriate electronic system for recording concerns.
Extracurricular Activities
Museum visits, orienteering, enrichment activities on Wednesday afternoons with linked qualifications, student council, food bank collections, litter-picking in local area
Blackwater Academy Stourbridge is a proposed independent school likely to meet all independent school standards when it opens. It is designed to provide personalised education for pupils with special educational needs and those who have experienced disruption to their education.
At a Glance
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
No
Sixth Form
No
Special Measures
Keep up with Blackwater Academy Stourbridge
Commute and house prices
Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
14%
Available places
10 pupils
70 places
60 spare places
as recorded on GIAS
Area Demand Pressure - Stourbridge
Based on MHCLG Live Table 122 (2024-25, last 5 years) for Stourbridge
Across Dudley council
Places available
3,620
Applications
3,570
Got 1st preference
87.1%
Got preferred school
98.0%
All secondary applications across Dudley council (2026/27), not just this school.
Inspection History
Questions parents ask about Blackwater Academy Stourbridge
How do I apply to Blackwater Academy Stourbridge?
Blackwater Academy Stourbridge 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.
Where is Blackwater Academy Stourbridge?
Blackwater Academy Stourbridge is at 81 High Street, Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY8 1EB.