William Murdoch Primary School, Birmingham

In its own words: "The school seeks to develop in each child a sense of responsibility, self-discipline and positive self-esteem, along with an ability to co-operate with and relate to adults and other children, as well as to work independently and with self-motivation."

From the headteacher's welcome: "Welcome to William Murdoch Primary School, where we are committed to providing a nurturing, inclusive and aspirational environment in which every child can thrive. At the heart of our school community are the children. We are proud of the high standards our pupils achieve and the strong sense of community that underpins our school."

In 2025, 78% of Year 6 pupils at William Murdoch Primary School reached the expected standard in reading and 86% in maths. At the average state primary the figures were 77% and 76% in Birmingham and 77% and 75% across England.

Results fell from 83% in reading and 90% in maths in 2024.

For September 2026 entry, 42 families put William Murdoch Primary School as their first choice and 111 named it as one of their preferences, for 44 places offered. It had fewer first-choice applications than places. Every family who put it first was offered a place there for 2026 entry.

The nearest other state primary schools to William Murdoch Primary School are Rookery School (0.2 miles, Good, 61% reading, 68% maths); Grove School (0.3 miles, Good, 70% reading, 67% maths); St Augustine's Catholic Primary School (0.5 miles); and St James Church of England Primary School, Handsworth (0.5 miles, Good, 80% reading, 83% maths).

William Murdoch Primary School's 2025 results were higher than all 3 of them.

45.2% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, well above the average state school (25%), and 75.6% speak English as an additional language, against 18.8% on average, according to the 2026 school census.

The largest ethnic groups are Asian (67%), Black (13%) and other ethnic groups (6%).

In 2026, 57 pupils (9.6%) received SEN support and 8 (1.4%) had an education, health and care plan, against 16.2% and 4.6% at the average state school. The most common need among them is speech, language and communication needs.

The nearest tram or metro stop is Winson Green (West Midlands Metro), about 1150 metres away (roughly a 14-minute walk).

6 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Albert Road (adjacent), 240 metres away.

Measured by the 2025 English Indices of Deprivation, the neighbourhood William Murdoch Primary School stands in is among the 10% most deprived neighbourhoods in England. This describes where the school is, not where its pupils live.

In August 2026, police recorded 658 crimes within a mile of the school, most often violence and sexual offences, criminal damage and arson and vehicle crime. That is well above the typical figure around schools in Birmingham (435), as is usual near a town centre.

William Murdoch Primary School recorded no suspensions or permanent exclusions in 2024/25.

The secondary schools closest to William Murdoch Primary School are King Edward VI Handsworth Grammar School for Boys (0.3 miles), King Edward VI Handsworth Wood Girls' Academy (0.5 miles), Holyhead School (0.5 miles) and King Edward VI Handsworth School (0.7 miles).