Barr Beacon School vs Fortis Academy
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in West Midlands, England, 2.0 km apart, using official English 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Barr Beacon School
Walsall · Academy secondary · Ages 11–18
1,469 students
Fortis Academy
Birmingham · Academy secondary · Ages 11–18
1,210 students
| Measure | Barr Beacon School Walsall, West Midlands | Fortis Academy Birmingham, West Midlands |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (England) | 70 Top 25% | 20 Lower 50% |
| Region rank | #81 of 493 | #419 of 493 |
| National rank | #1035 of 4,090 | #3577 of 4,090 |
| Sector | Academy | Academy |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | Ages 11–18 | Ages 11–18 |
| Students | 1,469 | 1,210 |
| Pupils on roll | 1,469 | 1,210 |
| Free school meals | 23.1% | 54.6% |
| Capacity filled | 98.8% | 57% |
| KS2 expected standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 higher standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 reading progress | – | – |
| KS2 writing progress | – | – |
| KS2 maths progress | – | – |
| Attainment 8 | 51.0 | 37.9 |
| Progress 8 | – | – |
| Grade 5+ English & maths | 62.1% | 27.1% |
| Grade 4+ English & maths | 76.6% | 49.1% |
| EBacc average points | 4.99 | 3.14 |
| A level points per entry | 33.0 | 30.6 |
| town | Walsall | Birmingham |
| region | West Midlands | West Midlands |
| Website | www.barrbeaconschool.co.uk/ | fortisacademy.org.uk/ |
The verdict
- •Barr Beacon School scores higher on the Success Index (England) (69.7 vs 19.6).
- •Barr Beacon School is the larger school with 1,469 students compared with 1,210.
The Success Index (England) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Barr Beacon School better than Fortis Academy?
On the Success Index (England), Barr Beacon School ranks higher (69.7 vs 19.6 out of 100). The index is built from published results and context data, not from teaching quality or fit, so visit both schools before deciding.
How far apart are Barr Beacon School and Fortis Academy?
About 2.0 km in a straight line, between Walsall and Birmingham in West Midlands.
Which has the better Pupils on roll?
Barr Beacon School: 1,469. Fortis Academy: 1,210. Number of pupils in the latest school census.
How do Barr Beacon School and Fortis Academy rank in West Midlands?
Barr Beacon School is 81st of 493 and Fortis Academy is 419th of 493 among secondary schools in West Midlands on the 2025 Success Index (England).