Shireland Collegiate Academy has received the Silver Sutton Trust Fair School Admissions Award, highlighting its dedication to fair and transparent admissions. The award recognises schools that ensure all children, whatever their background, have an equal chance of joining the school.
The Sutton Trust, a leading social mobility charity based in the UK, introduced the Fair School Admissions Awards to shine a light on schools working to make the admissions process more inclusive. Since March 2024, 80 schools across the country have been recognised for their efforts.
Part of Shireland Collegiate Academy Trust, Shireland Collegiate Academy was commended for its long-standing use of fair banding, a system designed to make sure that students of all abilities are admitted. Under the scheme, children applying for Year 7 sit a short reasoning test and are placed into one of five equal bands. School places are then allocated equally from each band, ensuring the intake reflects the full range of abilities within the community.
School leaders say this approach has helped to create a socially mixed and diverse community, where students learn alongside others from a variety of backgrounds.
Thomas Daly, Principal at Shireland Collegiate Academy, commented: “We are delighted to receive this recognition from the Sutton Trust. At Shireland, we believe every child should have an equal opportunity to access a high-quality education, and that our school reflects and serves our wider local community,
“Fair banding ensures students from all backgrounds can join us on equal footing, and this award affirms that fairness and opportunity are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to see these values acknowledged.”
Applications for parents applying for secondary school places through Sandwell are now open online. Parents of children moving into Year 7 can apply for a place via their local authority.
Families from all local authorities are welcome to apply. A guide to applications can be found here: Admissions – Shireland Collegiate Academy
To find out more about Shireland Collegiate Academy, please call 0121 558 8086, email info@sca.shirelandcat.net or visit the website.
