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Secondary

Small Heath Leadership Academy

Birmingham, United Kingdom
32 Reviews
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Verified Parents
1.5 /5

32 reviews

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This school is currently rated below 3 stars based on 32 published reviews. Several reviews raise serious concerns, so parents should carry out extra due diligence before considering it for their child.

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Rating Breakdown

Based on published reviews
Safety & Security 2.7
Teaching Quality 2.6
Communication 2.4
Student Wellbeing 2.5
Facilities 2.6

Parent Survey

Official Ofsted Parent View data β€’ 48 responses β€’ 4% response rate

View on Ofsted

My child is happy at this school

93.8% positive 4.2% negative

My child feels safe at this school

95.9% positive

The school makes sure its pupils are well behaved

93.8% positive 4.2% negative

The school has high expectations for my child

93.8% positive 4.2% negative

My child does well at this school

89.6% positive 10.4% negative

I would recommend this school to another parent

Data from Ofsted Parent View as of September 2025. Based on 48 parent responses to the official Ofsted survey.

School Workforce

Teacher and staff information β€’ 2024-2025

Note: These figures are estimated based on national averages. Actual school-level data not yet available.
17.0:1
Pupil-Teacher Ratio
Excellent
69.9
Teachers (FTE)

Estimated workforce data based on GIAS enrollment and national average ratios. Academic year 2024-2025.

Secondary School Results (Key Stage 4)

Exam performance data β€’ 2023-2024

45.4
Attainment 8
Average grade across 8 subjects
+0.42
Progress 8
Above average
53.2%
English & Maths 9-5
Strong pass in both
66.7%
English & Maths 9-4
Standard pass in both

Additional Information

89.2% entered EBacc
23.4% achieved EBacc
222 pupils in cohort

Data from DfE Performance Tables for academic year 2023-2024. Published January 2024. View full performance tables

Reviews 32

P
Parent
Parent Apr 30, 2025
1.0

"Very bad"

Worse school ever this school is literally the definition of shit it was a complete joke and waste of time
Safety & Wellbeing 2/5
Teaching & Learning 1/5
Communication 1/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 2/5
Facilities 3/5
P
Parent
Parent Feb 7, 2025
1.0

"MISS RANI = disgusting"

Absolutely disgusting. The head teacher calles students β€œcreatures” when they misbehave.
Especially this former employee of mine Miss Rani,I had a very disappointing experience with Miss Rani. She often disrespects students, making them feel belittled and uncomfortable in class. Her behavior can be quite unprofessional and inappropriate, which creates a toxic learning environment. It's disheartening to see a teacher act in such a disgusting manner, as it affects students' motivation and overall well-being. I hope this feedback helps improve the situation for everyone.
Safety & Wellbeing 1/5
Teaching & Learning 1/5
Communication 1/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 1/5
Facilities 1/5
P
Parent
Parent Oct 4, 2024
1.0

"Worst Place"

The school is very bad they scare the kids and force them to act like robots. They act like they have control over you life and can do whatever they like.
Safety & Wellbeing 1/5
Teaching & Learning 1/5
Communication 1/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 1/5
Facilities 1/5
P
Parent
Parent Jun 23, 2024
1.0

"Badstsag"

MY SON CAME HOME WITH 9 BRUISES ALL OVER HIS BODY BECAUSE THE HEADTEACHER SLAMMED HIM ONTO THE TABLE FOR SWEARING
Safety & Wellbeing 1/5
Teaching & Learning 1/5
Communication 1/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 1/5
Facilities 1/5
P
Parent
Parent May 12, 2024
1.0

"Slt Team"

this school has very bad security and a lack of proper rules towards students lol.
Safety & Wellbeing 1/5
Teaching & Learning 2/5
Communication 2/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 3/5
Facilities 2/5
P
Parent
Parent Apr 7, 2024
1.0

"This is a prison - Do not send your kids here"

Watch out and avoid this school. I am an independent reviewer of many schools across the country and this facility has grasped my attention.

It appears the only thing they value in students is their attendance. They will hunt and chase kids down to your very doorstep over attendance and endlessly call your parents hoping to force students to come in (even if they are ill). Inside, everybody is programmed to be robots; an environment inhibiting the development of personalities within the youth. Teachers walk around with radios and walkie talkies wearing Hi-Vis vests ordering them to walk in a "single file". They go as far as strategically positioning teachers across hallways and corridors giving, hour detentions in a solitary canteen after school. Once you send your child here, it is highly probable the unempathetic and quite rude principal will scald them. This systematic intimidation tactic employed by teachers across the board in Small Heath scares children at a very young age from speaking out and gaining confidence in themselves. Instead, they are shut down and threatened with fanatical detentions. Whilst this school is trying to improve and there are some good teachers, on the whole, it is horrible. On top of this, form tutors change each year not allowing a proper bond to be built within students and teachers knowing it will be broken only a year after. From daily fights in what I call "Yardtime" and smoke bombs being regularly thrown outside, in and around the "school", this is a breeding ground for immature and inappropriate children - a place where clout and love for status within pupils exceeds all other basic principles students should follow.

And to seal this review, do not believe the Ofsted reports as they can be very misleading. Staff informed and threatened students prior to Ofsted's arrival even locking up students who they perceived to be disruptive in rooms a. They warned classrooms before inspectors came and told them to be on their best behaviour; even going as far as threatening exclusions to those who spill the tea about the reality of this school. With all these measures in place they still could not even get an overall Outstanding grading from Ofsted. This clearly shows the problems this school maintains.

Trust me, this is the closest thing your child can reach to a prison.
Safety & Wellbeing 2/5
Teaching & Learning 1/5
Communication 1/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 1/5
Facilities 3/5
P
Parent
Parent Sep 24, 2023
1.0

"worst school in birmingham"

This is a terrible school. First of all the teachers are all robots, they act like the queens guards like if they say something not related to academic success or learning about what-not then they'll get fired or something. Everytime I see the staff/teachers they're all shattered from the start to the end of the day. Even if you try to greet one of them like just saying 'hi' or 'hello' in a positive way, they will reply in such a mediocre way or they just don't reply at all which puts your mood down so much especially if you were looking forward to the day at the academy. Secondly, the headteacher is braindead and thinks she's the queen, like she owns the world. If you even look at her you get an hour detention after school and maybe who knows, you'll serve jail time along with 4,900 hours of community service. I went to this school for 3 years straight and I have never seen the headteacher smile not once but never. If detention was a person it would be her because the amount hours people have to spend after school for minor things like looking at a piece of paper (this actually happened) is absurd. The headteacher needs to be humbled with a slap across the face at this point. The second you take a step in the school you're basically stepping in prison, and the classes feel like jail cells or solitary confinement. The staff and teachers are like prison guards. The playground is like prison yard time. The cafeteria is prison curfew where they feed you 100% fresh poison. In the cafeteria there's disgusting bits of food where you basically have to look down and jump on the clean spaces on the floor just to avoid getting chewed and dropped food stuck on the bottom of your shoes. They say that they want to make children feel welcome and safe but really theres only one member of staff on the playground who's sleeping while standing. The staff don't care about nothing when on the playground, there could be a little 11 year old kid who is getting harassed and its right infront a staff members eyes but all they think about is going home. Honestly I cant blame the teachers though because getting a job here is the worst option anyone can make in a lifetime. And the one time when the staff do take action is only because "it will look bad for the school" and the only member of staff who would take action is the headteacher
Safety & Wellbeing 2/5
Teaching & Learning 3/5
Communication 2/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 1/5
Facilities 1/5
P
Parent
Parent Jul 4, 2023
1.0

"a so not good of a school"

it is a school with barely any teachers they give you detentions for the dumbest reasons and we barely learn anything also when ofsted come the teachers dress like never before they were makeup and lie about it being a good school once they came i told them that tje school was lying ans they were but they dident listen to me hope they see this rewiew and change things but i know that will never will happen also the school is good but the teachers have more power over kids and even if a child is right the teacher will always win the argument and if you want to report a teacher they will not listen to you
Safety & Wellbeing 3/5
Teaching & Learning 2/5
Communication 1/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 3/5
Facilities 2/5
P
Parent
Parent Jul 4, 2023
1.0

"worst school ever"

it is a school with barely any teachers they give you detentions for the dumbest reasons and we barely learn anything also when ofsted come the teachers dress like never before they were makeup and lie about it being a good school once they came i told them that tje school was lying ans they were but they dident listen to me hope they see this rewiew and change things but i know that will never will happen
Safety & Wellbeing 2/5
Teaching & Learning 3/5
Communication 1/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 4/5
Facilities 3/5
P
Parent
Parent Jun 22, 2023
1.0

"RUDE SCHOOL BULLYING EVERYWHERE"

this school is so bad the teachers are miserable and dont care if you are sick or vomiting. the staff are so rude they even bully you when they are supposed to help you the headteacher doesnt care if this asylum of a school has a 2.5 rating especially that rude miss delehay slater thinks she owns the building. please trust if you see this pls inspect this schoolthey have broken tiles and leaks with rats in classes even my for class has ants and spiders crawling around the academy
Safety & Wellbeing 1/5
Teaching & Learning 1/5
Communication 1/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 1/5
Facilities 1/5
P
Parent
Parent May 28, 2023
1.0

"SHUT DOWN SHLA"

Extremely bad, both staff and teachers are treated like robots and the headteacher thinks she absolutely owns the world. Honestly somebody really needs to humble her and teach her a lesson. There are multiple staff leaving because of the headteacher’s horrendous antics and this not only affects the learning of the students but also the wellness of the school yet somehow she just doesn’t seem to care.
Safety & Wellbeing 1/5
Teaching & Learning 1/5
Communication 1/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 1/5
Facilities 1/5
P
Parent
Parent May 13, 2023
1.0

"Bad student behaviour "

The school is under resourced and needs help. The student are disrespectful to staff and to one another with inappropriate physical behaviour & speech. Very bad attitude especially pupils from the Somali community. It is very sad as a the school has soo much potential . Staff trying best , respect to them . However the attitude to learning needs attention, Parents need to be more involved with children learning and behaviour.
Safety & Wellbeing 3/5
Teaching & Learning 1/5
Communication 2/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 1/5
Facilities 2/5
P
Parent
Parent Mar 9, 2023
1.0

"worst school "

NEVER COME THIS SCHOOL. today was snowing alot yep (on the news school was supposed to close down) went to my form class to put my gloves on radioator wasnt working. went to the radioator outside my form. told the teacher my class radioator wasnt working. he dropped me of to class (me thinking that he would do suin) he walked of. the class was cold but didnt let us put coat on..

nEVER COME HERE
Safety & Wellbeing 3/5
Teaching & Learning 3/5
Communication 3/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 2/5
Facilities 1/5
P
Parent
Parent Mar 9, 2023
1.0

"worst school"

this school is broke asf today was snowing bare and the radiotators was not on. the class was cold. i asked the new slt member guy that it wasnt woeking he said he couldnt do nothing about it and walked away.

yep idc if u know who i am cuz i did say i was gonna complain
P
Parent
Parent Feb 19, 2023
1.0

"This school is atrocious "

Very bad school u say one word equals 1 hour of ur time wasted after schools and the max detentions is 2 hours so we go home very late and the teachers are the worst except miss issat who is very nice overall this school is the worst school as the breaks are 5 min lunch is 15 min due to the last 10 mins of our breaks are us standing in a line and the the staff making us be quite and pointing at students that talk and give them 1 hour detention in breakπŸ˜’worst SLT members except miss issat and f this dead school it’s a nightmare
Safety & Wellbeing 3/5
Teaching & Learning 3/5
Communication 1/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 1/5
Facilities 1/5
P
Parent
Parent Feb 14, 2023
1.0

"Don't let your children to apply in this shit school!"

I have never seen a worse school than this one.
students fighting
and securities that ignore everything that happens.
i called and talked to the secretaries many times because the students were bullying my brother many times. they said they will give me an appointment but nothing, I had gone to school many times saying that i wanted to have an appointment to talk with the head of school but no one would give me one.
the worst school.
ps= I advise you dear parents not to bring your children to this school even if this school is close to your home, too much bullying, secretariats who ignore us and the teachers and the principal are not interested to guide them
Safety & Wellbeing 1/5
Teaching & Learning 1/5
Communication 1/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 1/5
Facilities 1/5
P
Parent
Parent Jan 20, 2023
1.0

"no sick bag"

I aksed for a sick bag like 30 mins ago and miss still hasnt given me yet i feel unwell and sick.
P
Parent
Parent Aug 31, 2022
5.0

"Small heath leadership academy"

I went to this school. One of the best schools across Birmingham. I think the school is under rated. It deserves more. The school use to be bad but the principle al ani took the school to the top. You wont know how good the school is unless you go there yourself. The teachers work so hard to make sure you get your grades and the safeguarding team is well trained as well as the teachers. These people mr dye, mr willshaw, miss delahaye, miss manzoor, mr elahi are working so hard to bring the school to the top. I think i wont be exaggerating if i say the school will soon be the top best school in birmingham if it continues to work as it is working.
Safety & Wellbeing 5/5
Teaching & Learning 5/5
Communication 4/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 4/5
Facilities 5/5
P
Parent
Parent May 9, 2022
5.0

"BEST SKWL EVER!!!!!!"

this skwl is shit. literally, yr 7s and yr8s been shitting all over the place, every building and door has shit on it and they dont clean it at all. absolute shit. my aunty came in for parents evening and smelled shit and had a heart attack. RIP. all the skwls fault. now i have family problems. my grandma wont stop shittin at home and now she has dirahhea and severe trauma, she doesnt even go to the skwl she juts smellled my aunty once. attrocious.
Safety & Wellbeing 5/5
Teaching & Learning 5/5
Communication 5/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 5/5
Facilities 5/5
P
Parent
Parent Mar 24, 2022
1.0

"Bad school"

This is gives us 2 for talking in the line and they treats the boys worse then a girl if you you’re black you get treated bad
Safety & Wellbeing 1/5
Teaching & Learning 1/5
Communication 1/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 1/5
Facilities 1/5
P
Parent
Parent Aug 12, 2021
5.0

"Thank You Small Heath Leadership Academy "

I am extremely happy with my results, thanks to all the staff and teachers at Small Heath Leadership Academy. I personally feel that the school has provided much help especially with GCSE student; the extra intervention sessions including Saturday school, as well as the revision tools provided including books and websites has helped with exams. Also the school had provided many leadership opportunities including planning assemblies and being a part of the cadets which has helped me to develop many leadership skills. Over the years the school itself has dramatically improved by having excellent resources and staff.
Safety & Wellbeing 5/5
Teaching & Learning 5/5
Communication 5/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 5/5
Facilities 5/5
P
Parent
Parent Aug 12, 2021
5.0

"Happy Times At Small Heath Leadership Academy "

I am very contended with my GSCE results. All the hard work put in by the staff at this school has truly helped; resources were given out, interventions were held after school, crammer sessions before the exams, interventions during holidays and Saturday schools helped improve lots of pupils knowledge. Extra curriculum activities were held such as cadets which improved my leadership skills along with teamworking skills. We were given the opportunity to plan our leavers assembly to make it more eventful. This school has improved since 2016 which is when I joined this school; the staff has improved along with the school system.
Safety & Wellbeing 5/5
Teaching & Learning 5/5
Communication 5/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 5/5
Facilities 5/5
P
Parent
Parent Aug 12, 2021
5.0

"Thank you Small Heath Leadership Academy "

Ever so grateful for the school in providing me with so much support in order to get the best grades possible. I am so thrilled to have been part of such an amazing and massively improved school which has changed so much into an excellent place to learn and achieve. The staff are amazing truly and always go that step to help and support students.
Safety & Wellbeing 5/5
Teaching & Learning 5/5
Communication 5/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 5/5
Facilities 5/5
P
Parent
Parent Aug 12, 2021
5.0

"Fantastic results from an OUSTANDING school"

I am so happy with the results obtained and to see how the school has improved ever so much over the years. The school has provided high quality equipment and teaching to it's learners since I joined in Year 7. The exam time tables provided was excellent allowing enough time to revise. I am so pleased to have been part of an excellent school and will definitely miss all my staff and peers.
Safety & Wellbeing 5/5
Teaching & Learning 5/5
Communication 5/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 5/5
Facilities 5/5
P
Parent
Parent Aug 12, 2021
5.0

"Happy results improved school!"

I am really really happy with my GCSE Results thanks to all the hard work and efforts put in by staff at the academy. I am really with all the opportunities they have provided in school and I am very grateful with how the school has improved over the years and is providing excellent opportunities for it's learners, a massive thanks!
Safety & Wellbeing 5/5
Teaching & Learning 5/5
Communication 5/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 5/5
Facilities 5/5
P
Parent
Parent Aug 12, 2021
5.0

"Amazing school"

I am very happy and impressed with Small Heath Leadership Academy with getting me the best possible GCSE results. I am so thankful for all the efforts that staff have put in and with how the school has changed massively over the year. I will really miss everyone.
Safety & Wellbeing 5/5
Teaching & Learning 5/5
Communication 5/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 5/5
Facilities 5/5
P
Parent
Parent Aug 12, 2021
5.0

"Amazing school and amazing GCSE results"

I am very impressed with my GCSE results from Small Heath Leadership Academy. The school has provided me with excellent opportunities in getting the best possible GCSE results that I could imagine. The staff have been very supportive in helping learners get the best possible results. I will really miss all my teachers and peers. I am now hoping to go on to complete A-levels at King Edwards college.
Safety & Wellbeing 5/5
Teaching & Learning 5/5
Communication 5/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 5/5
Facilities 5/5
P
Parent
Parent Jul 22, 2021
1.0

"Worst school"

This school has to be the worst
Safety & Wellbeing 1/5
Teaching & Learning 1/5
Communication 1/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 1/5
Facilities 1/5
P
Parent
Parent Apr 28, 2021
1.0

"Very shit school "

The school does not take notice of your child getting bully but when you be rude to the reception staff they call police on you what a shit school and when your phone in school they say the teachers going to phone you back but it’s been a day and I’ve still haven’t Heard back from them.How do you think your child is safe at school if I was you do not send them to school Absolute shit service
Safety & Wellbeing 1/5
Teaching & Learning 1/5
Communication 1/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 1/5
Facilities 1/5
P
Parent
Parent Feb 7, 2021
1.0

"Worst school ever"

The Covid pandemic is hard, yet this school do their best to make it even worse, online lessons from 8:40 till 4:10 and they even ask us to wear uniform at home (no chance.) I moved houses years ago and the school still can’t even get my address right, sending my letters to my old house. The food is so bland you’d think you have to cook it yourself as well as being expensive to the point where most children who have free school meals can’t afford a full meal. If you have an issue, the school tell you that there’s plenty of other schools, leave.
Safety & Wellbeing 1/5
Teaching & Learning 1/5
Communication 1/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 1/5
Facilities 1/5
P
Parent
Parent Jan 3, 2021
1.0

"Horrible"

the teachers makes favourites and have done nothing to stop the bullying against my daughter. In fact, she has been in more trouble than the bullies for standing up for herself.
Safety & Wellbeing 1/5
Teaching & Learning 1/5
Communication 1/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 1/5
Facilities 1/5
P
Parent
Parent Dec 1, 2020
3.0

"Small Heath School Student "

There are some committed teachers however there is room for major improvements and student behaviour can also be improved.
Safety & Wellbeing 3/5
Teaching & Learning 3/5
Communication 4/5
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing 3/5
Facilities 3/5

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