Phoenix is a ‘great’ school, with an ever-improving reputation within the West Midlands. As a school, staff follow the motto ‘Broadening Horizons to Aspire, Believe, Succeed’ to build on the strengths of our students to ensure that every student reaches their full potential, works towards their ambitions, and makes a positive contribution to society. We are one of the top-performing schools in Sandwell, with exceptional GCSE results over the past few years.

For Phoenix to continue its work towards being outstanding – currently, we are ‘good’ in every Ofsted area – staff will be looking at creating ever greater partnerships with parents/carers, as well as the whole community, including enhanced links with local businesses. Head teacher Mike Smith said: “I would encourage all members of the community, potential students, and parents/carers to visit the school during our September open events, to see our wonderful facilities and experience the special atmosphere here at Phoenix.”

Our population is approximately 1,950 and is genuinely comprehensive. Almost 50% of students come from ethnic minority groups. By placing your children with Phoenix, you are choosing an environment that mirrors, as closely as possible, the diverse society in which we live and work.

Facilities

The general facilities have improved tremendously and are now in state-of-the-art buildings fit for an ever-changing world. These include:

• General teaching rooms enhanced by specialist rooms
• 15 science laboratories
• 16 ICT suites
• Drama studios
• A hall with well-equipped retractable bleacher seating with sound and lighting systems
• A spacious sports hall plus two activity studios and a fully equipped dance studio
• 7 floodlit multi-use games areas
• 2 FA standard football pitches
• A refurbished all-weather running track and extensive playing fields.

Works are about to begin shortly on a new 3G all-weather pitch and a sports block with changing rooms, gym, clubroom and classroom.

Staffing

We have an exceptional team of teaching and support staff here at Phoenix who pride themselves on developing strong relationships with our students. We are a school which prides itself on high staff morale and very low staff turnover, as we invest heavily in their ongoing training and professional development.

Curriculum

Our curriculum offer here at Phoenix is broad and balanced. While many schools have cut back on the arts, sports, and vocational curriculum, this is something we continue to invest in. Our offer consists of a rich and varied extra-curricular programme that includes academic opportunities alongside a vast array of others, such as many sports and performing arts.

At Phoenix, we provide free music peripatetic lessons to our students. As part of our enrichment offer, we have the fastest growing Combined Cadet Force in the country, with a Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and Royal Marine section at the school. We also offer the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which gives our students many skills and attributes that the job market looks for. To support this, we deliver our Phoenix Challenge, which enables students to develop their character education through a certified programme.

Transition

We recognise that any transition can be an anxious time, and this is never truer than when starting a new school. At Phoenix, we aim to empower students to positively manage all transition phases by making sure that they are informed and have appropriate experiences before starting secondary school with us. For new students coming into Year 7, we work closely with their primary schools. We invite all students to a two-day transition event during July, along with their parents/carers. We have a dedicated primary transition transfer team of staff. You can contact this team by emailing transition@phoenix.sandwell.sch.uk.

We look forward to welcoming you to one of our Open events in September:

Open Events 2025

• Open Evening: Thursday 18th September, 4pm–7.00pm
• Open Mornings: Monday 22nd September to Friday 3rd October, 9am–11am (by appointment only)