Solihull School

Executive head: Since 2023, Charles Fillingham, previously headmaster at Francis Holland School, London. Whilst but a fledging at Nailsea School in Somerset, this ambitious scholar considered his future career as either Prime Minister or a headmaster

Academically selective. Around 500 applicants are assessed in English, maths, VR and NVR (with report from current school) for 144 year 7 places. Usually, half overall intake come from prep, then remainder from over 40 schools, a mix of independent

All but 10 per cent stay on at sixth form, the rest going to independents or grammars. Over 90 per cent to university, 60 per cent to Russell Group. Exeter, Birmingham, Nottingham, Liverpool and Cardiff popular choices. Full-time director of futures

In 2024, 78 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 51 per cent A*/A at A level (80 per cent A*-B).

Parents prolific on pace of teaching. ‘It’s academically strong – I’d be lying if I said pupils don’t feel some pressure, but they’re not weighed down by it.’ Another warned, ‘Be prepared, the school day moves at speed – it teaches pupils to get

Three full- and three part-time curriculum and learning support staff include qualified SENCo with level 7 dyslexia assessor qualification, plus EAL co-ordinator, all of whom work across five dedicated classrooms. Most frequent assistance is with

The mellifluous vocal harmonies of Pie Jesus waft from windows as we approach the light and bright music building, home to ‘countless’ ensembles including chamber choir, orchestra and rock band. We tap our feet to flute choir’s chirpy performance of

Pupils proud of the sporting tradition. ‘We are really up there across all sports,’ a first team cricketer declared, ‘and we literally have A to F teams.’ Director of sport adds, ‘Everyone who wants to compete can – from development through to elite.

‘The pastoral commitment shines through,’ said a parent. Another, whose son had struggled, told us, ‘He couldn’t strike up an affinity with anyone, but school addressed it really tactfully and worked with him on strategies to explore friendships.

A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.

Pupils are confident, articulate and good at putting their heads above the parapet. Most parents are professionals, ‘working our socks off to pay fees’. Draw is wide, with ‘huge contingent’ from Edgbaston and Sutton Coldfield. Usual PTA and WhatsApp

Scholarship fee remission of 10 per cent, with 12 academic at year 7, plus art, music, performing art and sport. Up to 20 scholarships at sixth form (academic, sport, art, music, performing arts). Exhibitions offer access to the scholarship coaching

Academic, yes, but with a holistic approach to wellbeing, arts and enrichment to take some of the weight off pupils’ shoulders. One parent summed it up perfectly: ‘Wholesome, well balanced, but my god they work hard.'