The Birley Academy, Sheffield
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
Quality of Education
Behaviour & Attitudes
Personal Development
Leadership & Management
Ofsted Insights
What This School Does Well
The Birley Academy has transformed into a calm, purposeful learning environment where behaviour has dramatically improved and pupils feel safe and confident. Teachers receive excellent support to develop their skills, and the school provides targeted help for pupils who struggle with reading. Exam results are rising year on year, and pupils benefit from strong careers guidance to prepare them for life after school.
Key Strengths
- Behaviour has improved dramatically with clear expectations and consistent follow-up; pupils can now focus on learning
- Reading support is high-quality and tailored, helping struggling readers make rapid progress
- Well-designed curriculum with strong professional development for teachers
- Strong careers programme including work experience in Year 10
- Improved identification and support for pupils with SEND
Areas for Improvement
- Teaching is not consistently adapted based on what pupils already know and can do, especially for some pupils with SEND
- Attendance remains below national average despite school efforts
- Personal development curriculum does not ensure pupils fully understand democracy, different faiths, and religions
- Some variability in how SEND support plans are used in classrooms
Safeguarding
Safeguarding arrangements are effective with clear reporting systems and strong pastoral care.
Extracurricular Activities
Work experience in Year 10, careers programme, assemblies with external speakers
The Birley Academy has improved significantly since its previous inspection, with better behaviour, rising exam results, and reduced bullying. Most pupils are learning effectively and feel proud to be part of the school community.
At a Glance
35.7%
Free School Meals
No
Boarding
No
Nursery
No
Sixth Form
ASD - Autistic Spectrum Disorder
SEN Provision
No
Special Measures
What Parents Think
116 responsesSource: Ofsted Parent View - % who strongly agree or agree
Class Sizes
25.8
Avg class size
43
Total classes
3 classes with more than 30 pupils
2024/25 academic year
Getting There
Tube / Metro / Tram
Bus Stops
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Capacity & Demand
School Occupancy
91%
Near capacity
1,061 pupils
1,163 capacity
102 spare places available
Area Demand Pressure - Sheffield
Based on MHCLG housing supply data for Sheffield
Admissions Demand - Sheffield
Places available
6,358
Applications
6,339
Got 1st preference
88.8%
Got preferred school
96.8%
Secondary admissions across Sheffield (2025/26)
Inspection History(5)
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
11.60996%
Overall absence
32.7381%
Persistent absence
1,176
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
The Birley Academy
Birley Primary Academy
Charnock Hall Primary Academy
Ridgeway Primary School
Birley Spa Primary Academy
St John Fisher Primary, A Catholic Voluntary Academy
Gleadless Primary School
Intake Primary School
Woodhouse West Primary School
Woodlands Primary School
Rainbow Forge Primary Academy
Showing 10 of 15 linked schools
Nearby Schools
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