Ormiston Forge Academy, Cradley Heath
Data last updated 11 Sept 2026
Location
Estimated admission likelihood based on school density and oversubscription data. Admissions policy: Non-selective
Key Information
DfE GIASOfsted Rating
Ofsted · 1 year agoOverall
Ofsted Insights
What This School Does Well
Ormiston Forge Academy is a welcoming, inclusive school where staff and pupils share high aspirations for learning. The sixth form is particularly strong with excellent opportunities for independent learning and real-world destinations. The school places real emphasis on pupil well-being, personal development and providing expert careers guidance to help students progress to their next steps.
Key Strengths
- Strong sixth-form provision with ambitious curriculum and excellent student outcomes and destinations
- Effective teaching practices using assessment to check understanding and adapt learning
- Well-designed personal development curriculum focusing on mental health, well-being, careers guidance and life skills
- Quick identification and effective support for pupils with SEND
- Warm and respectful relationships between staff and pupils with positive school culture
Areas for Improvement
- Inconsistent achievement across all subjects at key stage 4 despite ambitious curriculum
- Too many pupils with poor attendance, particularly disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND
- Reading support not yet fully embedded in school culture - need to develop reading for pleasure more widely
Safeguarding
Safeguarding arrangements are effective with school creating an open and positive culture where pupils know who to talk to about concerns.
Extracurricular Activities
Darts, gardening, Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, sixth-form peer reading support, numeracy mentoring
Ormiston Forge Academy has maintained good standards since its previous inspection. The school has effective arrangements in place and has taken action to address past concerns in some subjects.
At a Glance
43.9%
Free School Meals
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
Yes
Sixth Form
No
Special Measures
What Parents Think
130 responsesSource: Ofsted Parent View - % who strongly agree or agree
Class Sizes
20.9
Avg class size
77
Total classes
5 classes with more than 30 pupils
2024/25 academic year
Getting There
Train Stations
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Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
84%
Available places
1,643 pupils
1,950 capacity
307 spare places available
Area Demand Pressure - Cradley Heath
Based on MHCLG housing supply data for Cradley Heath
Admissions Demand - Sandwell
Places available
5,176
Applications
4,326
Got 1st preference
81.1%
Got preferred school
95.9%
Secondary admissions across Sandwell (2025/26)
Inspection History(6)
House Prices
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SEN Provision
How many pupils have special educational needs, what types of support the school provides, and how it compares to similar schools.
Pupil Demographics
The school's pupil mix - ethnicity breakdown, free school meals eligibility, and English as an additional language. Useful context when evaluating school fit.
Teachers & Staff
Teacher qualification rates, pupil-to-teacher ratio, staff turnover, and salary data. Shows how well-resourced and stable the school's workforce is.
School Funding
Annual funding per pupil, total budget, pupil premium grants, and how the school's resources compare to similar schools nationally.
Pupil Absence2024/25
9.77597%
Overall absence
30.33779%
Persistent absence
1,569
Enrolments
Absence trend
Source: DfE pupil absence statistics. Persistent absence = pupils missing 10%+ sessions.
Reviews
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Feeder Primary Schools
Primary schools that likely feed into this school, based on proximity
Ormiston Forge Academy
Old Hill Primary School
Temple Meadow Primary School
Reddal Hill Primary School
Corngreaves Academy
Brickhouse Primary School
Netherbrook Primary School
Highfields Primary School
Timbertree Academy
Dudley Wood Primary School
Springfield Primary School
Showing 10 of 15 linked schools
Nearby Schools
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