DS1 is now in Y9, and DS2 Y7. Like you, DS2 had the choice of KEA, HGS or BV (from the W/L), but having had DS1 there for 2 years we were extremely happy for DS2 to go there too (and it was also his 1st choice).
No, Handsworth may not be the best area, but this never arises when people talk about the girl’s school which is literally down the road. The bus stops are close and many boys walk around the area. Mine have never had an issue walking to the girl’s school to catch the Green Bus - well, only from dodgy drivers

but not from being approached by people or being threatened.
I think the Ofsted was last year, and I can say that there has been a change in English (not that it was bad before). They have a mixture of lessons - split between English and Literacy. DS1 has been doing The Lady of Shalott, Stormbreaker and has just moved to Macbeth, and in Y9 DS2 has done To Kill a Mocking Bird, Great Expectations and is now onto Of Mice and Men.
They do 2 language in Y7 and Y8, and then drop one for Y9 when they start the GCSE syllabus. This has really helped as by the time they come to Y11 a lot of the content has already been covered and a lot will be recapping.
I like the fact that they only ask for a £30 donation at the start of the year (which is considerably less than other schools), and then anything they make (DT, cooking etc) is covered. Also, although they have a uniform, there is no issue buying the trousers and shirts from M&S or Asda as they are not logo’d. You can also buy the badge to sew on yourself to a blazer if you so choose.
The mix of boys has changed since DS1 started - think there were 5 or 6 white boys in his year, whereas now there are 5 or 6 per class. I believe they still have a higher than average (for a GS) intake of PP as this was also picked up on the Ofsted report.
I for one would not hesitate to recommend the school or send another child (if I had anymore) there, but would urge you to visit. Once you have, if you have any specific questions please feel free to ask.