SchoolScoresKettering Buccleuch Academy
Academy · All-through, ages 4 to 18 · Mixed · Christian · Sixth form
Part of UNITED LEARNING TRUST
Weekley Glebe Road, Kettering, NN16 9NS
01536 515644 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted report card from the inspection that started on 10 February 2026 , published 19 April 2026.
In short: 2 strong, 6 expected, and safeguarding met.
Since November 2025 Ofsted grades each area on a five-point scale instead of giving one overall grade. How report cards work.
| Area | Grade |
|---|---|
| SafeguardingWhether pupils are kept safe. Met or not met. | Met |
| InclusionHow well the school supports disadvantaged pupils and pupils with special educational needs. | Expected standard Middle of five grades. Meets the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Curriculum and teachingWhat pupils are taught and how well they are taught it. | Expected standard Middle of five grades. Meets the standard Ofsted expects. |
| AchievementHow well pupils learn and the results they get. | Expected standard Middle of five grades. Meets the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Attendance and behaviourWhether pupils come to school and how they behave. | Expected standard Middle of five grades. Meets the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Personal development and wellbeingPupils' wider development, character and wellbeing. | Expected standard Middle of five grades. Meets the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Early yearsNursery and reception classes. | Strong standard Second of five grades. Better than the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Post-16 provisionSixth form or other study after 16. | Strong standard Second of five grades. Better than the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Leadership and governanceHow well leaders and governors run the school. | Expected standard Middle of five grades. Meets the standard Ofsted expects. |
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
141 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 10 November 2025 and 6 April 2026.
| Statement | This school | England |
|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school Higher than 36% of 442 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 73% | 83% |
| My child feels safe at this school Higher than 39% of 442 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 78% | 85% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved Higher than 30% of 442 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 64% | 78% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 41 parents whose child had been bullied Higher than 34% of 344 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 37% | 43% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 131 parents who had raised a concern Higher than 47% of 431 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 69% | 74% |
| My child with SEND gets the support they needOf 43 parents of children with SEND Higher than 47% of 356 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 58% | 63% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent Higher than 33% of 442 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 72%said yes | 83% |
Parents choose whether to take part, so these answers may not represent all families (Ofsted puts the response rate at 8%). Figures are the share who agree or strongly agree. England figures are all parents answering the same questions over the same period, for state-funded schools. The scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) agreement, and the dot marks this school among state schools of the same phase that used the same survey questions. The third it falls in is coloured: green for the top third, amber the middle, red the bottom. Source: Ofsted Parent View management information.
Results
Key stage 2 (SATs, age 11), 2024/25
60 pupils in this year group.
65% — 6 points above the North Northamptonshire average, and 3 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | North Northamptonshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths | 65% | 59% | 62% |
| Reached the higher standard in reading, writing and maths | 0% | 5% | 8% |
| Met the expected standard in reading | 75% | 72% | 75% |
| Met the expected standard in writing | 70% | 71% | 72% |
| Met the expected standard in maths | 73% | 71% | 74% |
| Average reading scoreScaled score from 80 to 120; 100 is the expected standard. | 105 | 104 | 106 |
| Average maths scoreScaled score from 80 to 120; 100 is the expected standard. | 102 | 104 | 105 |
Source: DfE key stage 2 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25
240 pupils in this year group.
45% — 7 points above the North Northamptonshire average, and about the same as the England average.
| Measure | This school | North Northamptonshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 45% | 38% | 45% |
| Attainment 8 scoreAverage of each pupil's grades across 8 GCSE-level subjects, with English and maths counted twice. Around 50 means grade 5s on average. | 48.3 | 42.9 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 4.6 | 3.8 | 4.1 |
Progress 8 isn't shown. DfE didn't publish it for 2024/25 because this year group's key stage 2 tests in 2020 were cancelled, and older progress scores aren't comparable.
Source: DfE key stage 4 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After Year 11
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
234 pupils in this year group.
88% — 3 points below the North Northamptonshire average, and 4 points below the England average.
| Measure | This school | North Northamptonshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 88% | 91% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 53% | 40% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | Not published | – | 13% |
| Further education college | 29% | 44% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 2% | 3% | 3% |
| Work | 4% | 3% | 3% |
"Not published": Not published (DfE code SP).
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 92% | 88% |
Source: DfE key stage 4 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
A levels (16 to 18), 2024/25
110 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | North Northamptonshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | C+ | C+ | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 20% | 20% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 51% | 46% | 53% |
| Average points per A level entryAn A* is 60 points, an A is 50, a B is 40, and so on down to 10 for an E. | 34.8 | 32.7 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
24 subjects, 273 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 33 | 0% | 30% | 40% |
| Physics | 22 | 0% | 9% | 31% |
| Psychology | 21 | 5% | 14% | 19% |
| History | 19 | 0% | 16% | 23% |
| Biology | 17 | 6% | 35% | 27% |
| Law | 17 | 12% | 18% | 17% |
| Geography | 15 | 13% | 20% | 23% |
| Business Studies:Single | 14 | 0% | 36% | 16% |
| Sociology | 13 | 8% | 23% | 20% |
| Chemistry | 12 | 0% | 25% | 30% |
| Computer Studies / Computing | 12 | 0% | 8% | 24% |
| Media/Film/Tv Studies | 12 | 8% | 25% | 14% |
| Physical Education / Sports Studies | 12 | 0% | 17% | 17% |
| Art and Design (Fine Art) | 8 | 38% | 50% | 38% |
| English Language and Literature | 8 | 13% | 13% | 16% |
| Religious Studies | 7 | 0% | 0% | 22% |
| Mathematics (Further) | 6 | 0% | 0% | 59% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Drama and Theatre Studies, Economics, English Literature, Government and Politics, Spanish, Polish, German.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 qualification and subject data, 2024/25.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After sixth form
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
129 students in this year group.
91% — about the same as the North Northamptonshire average, and 12 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | North Northamptonshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 91% | 90% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 6% | 5% | 7% |
| Work | 18% | 26% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 90% | 91% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Going on to university
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
113 students in this year group.
68% — 2 points below the North Northamptonshire average, and 8 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | North Northamptonshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 68% | 70% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 23% | 21% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 65% | 68% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 progression to higher education or training, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Admissions
Apply through the council where you live, even if the school is in a different council area. This school is in North Northamptonshire. The national closing date for secondary applications is 31 October, and offers are sent on 1 March.
How hard is it to get in (Year 7)?
For the September 2026 intake there were about 1.5 first-choice applications for every place.
| Places offered | 180 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 264 |
| Of those, offered a place | 167 (63%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 661 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 2.0 · 2025: 1.5 · 2026: 1.5
This isn't your chance of getting a place. That depends on the school's admissions rules (for example siblings, distance or faith) and where you live. Source: DfE applications and offers, September 2026 intake.
How hard is it to get in (Reception)?
For the September 2026 intake there were about 1.5 first-choice applications for every place.
| Places offered | 60 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 75 |
| Of those, offered a place | 60 (80%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 155 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 1.1 · 2025: 1.1 · 2026: 1.3
This isn't your chance of getting a place. That depends on the school's admissions rules (for example siblings, distance or faith) and where you live. Source: DfE applications and offers, September 2026 intake.
This is a Christian school. When it has more applicants than places it can give priority to families of the faith, for example those who can show regular worship. Check the school's admissions policy to see how places are allocated.
Pupils, staff and SEND
Specialist SEND provision: this school has resourced provision with 14 places. These places are usually allocated through the council's SEND team.
| Pupils | This school | North Northamptonshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 3rd highest of 6 state secondary schools in Kettering. Higher than 48% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 26.2% | 23.3%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 2nd highest of 6 state secondary schools in Kettering. Higher than 57% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 3.2% | 2.9%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 2nd highest of 6 state secondary schools in Kettering. Higher than 79% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 18.0% | 12.9%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 2nd highest of 6 state secondary schools in Kettering. Higher than 60% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 16.0% | 16.7%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 2nd lowest of 6 state secondary schools in Kettering. Lower than 71% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 7.1% | 8.5%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 2nd lowest of 6 state secondary schools in Kettering. Lower than 76% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 17.8% | 23.0%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 3rd lowest of 5 state secondary schools in Kettering. Lower than 45% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 16.6 | 30.1 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 3rd lowest of 5 state secondary schools in Kettering. Lower than 54% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 6.2% | 9.4% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded4 pupils | 0.22% | 0.37% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher 2nd highest of 5 state secondary schools in Kettering. Higher than 91% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 19.4 | 17.5 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 3rd highest of 5 state secondary schools in Kettering. Higher than 76% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 13.0 | 12.3 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 1st highest of 6 state secondary schools in Kettering. Higher than 89% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 24.1% | 16.2%* | 14.2%* |
Comparisons are with secondary schools. Scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) figures. For absence and suspensions lower is better, so their scales run green to red; blue scales describe the school's pupils and staff and aren't good or bad. * Calculated by SchoolScores from the council's or England's schools, weighted by pupils (or teachers, for turnover); other figures are published by DfE. Sources: DfE school census 2024/25; DfE pupil absence 2024/25; DfE suspensions and permanent exclusions 2024/25; DfE school workforce census 2025/26; DfE teacher turnover 2024/25.
SEND provision: Get Information about Schools (DfE).
Nearby secondary schools
- Youth Works Community College 0.8 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Good (2023)
- Kettering Science Academy 1.0 miles · Ofsted: Good (2023) · 28% grade 5+ English and maths
- Southfield School for Girls 1.8 miles · Ofsted: Good (2023) · 46% grade 5+ English and maths
- Bishop Stopford School 1.9 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2025) · 66% grade 5+ English and maths
- The Latimer Arts College 2.2 miles · Ofsted: Good (2014), confirmed 2023 · 40% grade 5+ English and maths
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is Kettering Buccleuch Academy's Ofsted rating?
Kettering Buccleuch Academy was inspected under Ofsted's report card format in 10 February 2026. Report cards grade each area on a five-point scale instead of giving one overall grade. Its grades were 2 strong, 6 expected, and safeguarding was met.
How did Kettering Buccleuch Academy do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 45% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, about the same as the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend Kettering Buccleuch Academy?
72% of the 141 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 10 November 2025 and 6 April 2026 said they would recommend Kettering Buccleuch Academy to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is Kettering Buccleuch Academy oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 264 families put Kettering Buccleuch Academy as their first choice for 180 places: about 1.5 first-choice applications for every place. 167 of those families were offered a place. Whether you get a place depends on the school's admissions rules and where you live.
Sources
- School details: Get Information about Schools (DfE), 26 September 2026. URN 135966.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Parent views: Ofsted Parent View, 10 November 2025 to 6 April 2026.
- Results: DfE school performance tables, Key stage 2 2024/25, GCSEs 2024/25, After Year 11 2024/25, A levels 2024/25, After sixth form 2024/25, Going on to university 2024/25.
Spotted a mistake? Report it and we'll check it against the source.
Page updated 26 September 2026.