Holyhead School vs The Friary School
A head-to-head comparison of two secondary schools in West Midlands, England, 22 km apart, using official English 2025 data. The better value in each row is highlighted.
Holyhead School
Birmingham · Academy secondary · Ages 11–18
1,257 students
The Friary School
Lichfield · Academy secondary · Ages 11–18
1,255 students
| Measure | Holyhead School Birmingham, West Midlands | The Friary School Lichfield, West Midlands |
|---|---|---|
| Success Index (England) | 31 Lower 50% | 83 Top 25% |
| Region rank | #324 of 493 | #38 of 493 |
| National rank | #2891 of 4,090 | #518 of 4,090 |
| Sector | Academy | Academy |
| Type | Secondary | Secondary |
| Year range | Ages 11–18 | Ages 11–18 |
| Students | 1,257 | 1,255 |
| Pupils on roll | 1,257 | 1,255 |
| Free school meals | 64.7% | 19% |
| Capacity filled | 100.6% | 100.4% |
| KS2 expected standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 higher standard (RWM) | – | – |
| KS2 reading progress | – | – |
| KS2 writing progress | – | – |
| KS2 maths progress | – | – |
| Attainment 8 | 43.2 | 57.8 |
| Progress 8 | – | – |
| Grade 5+ English & maths | 33.2% | 65.7% |
| Grade 4+ English & maths | 57.2% | 81.3% |
| EBacc average points | 3.79 | 5.07 |
| A level points per entry | 33.4 | 37.3 |
| town | Birmingham | Lichfield |
| region | West Midlands | West Midlands |
| Website | www.holyheadschool.org.uk/ | www.friaryschool.co.uk |
The verdict
- •The Friary School scores higher on the Success Index (England) (82.7 vs 31.3).
- •Holyhead School is the larger school with 1,257 students compared with 1,255.
The Success Index (England) summarises published results and context from official data. It does not measure teaching quality or fit. Methodology.
Free academic assessment
Torn between two schools? Start with your child.
Whichever you choose, a free Success Tutoring assessment shows exactly where your child is in English and Maths and how to get ahead before the next school year.
- Personalised learning plan mapped to the Australian Curriculum
- English & Maths from Kindergarten to Year 12
- Flexible memberships, no lock-in contracts
- Centres across NSW, VIC, QLD, WA, SA and ACT
Frequently asked questions
Is Holyhead School better than The Friary School?
On the Success Index (England), The Friary School ranks higher (82.7 vs 31.3 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 Holyhead School and The Friary School?
About 22 km in a straight line, between Birmingham and Lichfield in West Midlands.
Which has the better Pupils on roll?
Holyhead School: 1,257. The Friary School: 1,255. Number of pupils in the latest school census.
How do Holyhead School and The Friary School rank in West Midlands?
Holyhead School is 324th of 493 and The Friary School is 38th of 493 among secondary schools in West Midlands on the 2025 Success Index (England).