SchoolScoresManshead CofE Academy
Academy · Secondary, ages 11 to 19 · Mixed · Church of England · Sixth form
Part of DIOCESE OF ST ALBANS MULTI-ACADEMY TRUST
Dunstable Road, Caddington, Luton, LU1 4BB
01582 679400 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted report card from the inspection that started on 3 February 2026 , published 19 April 2026.
In short: 2 expected, 5 needs attention, 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. | Needs attention Fourth of five grades. Below the expected standard; the school needs to improve this. |
| Curriculum and teachingWhat pupils are taught and how well they are taught it. | Needs attention Fourth of five grades. Below the expected standard; the school needs to improve this. |
| AchievementHow well pupils learn and the results they get. | Needs attention Fourth of five grades. Below the expected standard; the school needs to improve this. |
| Attendance and behaviourWhether pupils come to school and how they behave. | Needs attention Fourth of five grades. Below the expected standard; the school needs to improve this. |
| Personal development and wellbeingPupils' wider development, character and wellbeing. | Expected standard Middle of five grades. Meets the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Post-16 provisionSixth form or other study after 16. | Expected standard Middle of five grades. Meets the standard Ofsted expects. |
| Leadership and governanceHow well leaders and governors run the school. | Needs attention Fourth of five grades. Below the expected standard; the school needs to improve this. |
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
194 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 10 November 2025 and 6 April 2026.
Luton comparisons use the 3 of its 14 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other 11 have no published Parent View results (Ofsted only publishes a survey once at least 10 parents answer) or used Ofsted's newer questions, which we don't compare with the older ones.
| Statement | This school | Luton | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school 3rd highest of 3 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Luton. Higher than 8% of 442 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 49% | 67% | 83% |
| My child feels safe at this school 3rd highest of 3 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Luton. Higher than 13% of 442 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 62% | 77% | 85% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved 3rd highest of 3 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Luton. Higher than 11% of 442 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 43% | 63% | 78% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 64 parents whose child had been bullied 2nd highest of 3 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Luton. Higher than 44% of 344 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 42% | 42% | 43% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 187 parents who had raised a concern 3rd highest of 3 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Luton. Higher than 7% of 431 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 39% | 56% | 74% |
| My child with SEND gets the support they needOf 66 parents of children with SEND 3rd highest of 3 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Luton. Higher than 15% of 356 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 36% | 51% | 63% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent 3rd highest of 3 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Luton. Higher than 13% of 442 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 56%said yes | 71% | 83% |
Parents choose whether to take part, so these answers may not represent all families (Ofsted puts the response rate at 17%). 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. Luton figures pool parents at the Luton schools compared, from each school's latest survey, so survey dates differ between 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
GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25
180 pupils in this year group.
37% — 4 points below the Central Bedfordshire average, and 8 points below the England average.
| Measure | This school | Central Bedfordshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 37% | 42% | 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. | 43 | 43.6 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 3.6 | 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.
192 pupils in this year group.
93% — about the same as the Central Bedfordshire average, and about the same as the England average.
| Measure | This school | Central Bedfordshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 93% | 93% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 34% | 43% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 2% | 2% | 13% |
| Further education college | 55% | 40% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 1% | 3% | 3% |
| Work | 1% | 3% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 88% | 93% |
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
66 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Central Bedfordshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | C- | C+ | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 12% | 20% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 27% | 45% | 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. | 27.4 | 32.7 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
18 subjects, 159 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology | 17 | 6% | 18% | 19% |
| Business Studies:Single | 16 | 0% | 0% | 16% |
| Mathematics | 16 | 6% | 19% | 40% |
| Economics | 14 | 0% | 14% | 26% |
| Sociology | 12 | 0% | 8% | 20% |
| Law | 11 | 0% | 18% | 17% |
| History | 10 | 0% | 0% | 23% |
| Physics | 10 | 0% | 0% | 31% |
| Biology | 9 | 22% | 33% | 27% |
| Geography | 8 | 0% | 0% | 23% |
| Religious Studies | 8 | 0% | 13% | 22% |
| Chemistry | 6 | 0% | 33% | 30% |
| Computer Studies / Computing | 6 | 0% | 0% | 24% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: English Literature, Art and Design (Fine Art), Government and Politics, Mathematics (Further), Spanish.
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.
61 students in this year group.
85% — 5 points above the Central Bedfordshire average, and 6 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Central Bedfordshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 85% | 80% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 5% | 6% | 7% |
| Work | 25% | 33% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 92% | 85% |
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.
49 students in this year group.
71% — 14 points above the Central Bedfordshire average, and 11 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Central Bedfordshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 71% | 57% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 27% | 14% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 85% | 71% |
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 Central Bedfordshire. The national closing date for secondary applications is 31 October, and offers are sent on 1 March.
How hard is it to get in?
For the September 2026 intake there were fewer first-choice applications than places.
| Places offered | 189 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 162 |
| Of those, offered a place | 162 (100%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 313 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 1.2 · 2025: 0.6 · 2026: 0.9
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 Church of England 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 a SEN unit with 12 places for autism. These places are usually allocated through the council's SEND team.
| Pupils | This school | Central Bedfordshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 13th highest of 14 state secondary schools in Luton. Higher than 30% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 19.9% | 16.4%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 1st highest of 14 state secondary schools in Luton. Higher than 87% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 5.2% | 4.7%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 8th highest of 14 state secondary schools in Luton. Higher than 32% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 11.4% | 11.9%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 14th highest of 14 state secondary schools in Luton. Higher than 67% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 19.9% | 7.8%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 14th lowest of 14 state secondary schools in Luton. Lower than 19% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 10.5% | 7.5%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 12th lowest of 14 state secondary schools in Luton. Lower than 17% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 31.1% | 20.1%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 14th lowest of 14 state secondary schools in Luton. Lower than 25% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 28.6 | 15.6 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 12th lowest of 14 state secondary schools in Luton. Lower than 23% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 10.8% | 5.9% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded5 pupils | 0.44% | 0.26% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher Joint 7th highest of 14 state secondary schools in Luton. Higher than 30% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 15.9 | 17.5 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 4th highest of 14 state secondary schools in Luton. Higher than 76% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 13.0 | 12.0 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 3rd highest of 14 state secondary schools in Luton. Higher than 71% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 17.5% | 13.1%* | 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
- Priory Academy 1.1 miles · Ofsted: Good (2017), confirmed 2023 · 50% grade 5+ English and maths
- Queensbury Academy 1.4 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2024) · 34% grade 5+ English and maths
- The Chalk Hills Academy 1.6 miles · Ofsted: Good (2014), confirmed 2023 · 45% grade 5+ English and maths
- Challney High School for Boys 1.9 miles · Ofsted: Outstanding (2023) · 54% grade 5+ English and maths
- All Saints Academy Dunstable 2.1 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2024) · 25% grade 5+ English and maths
- Challney High School for Girls 2.1 miles · Ofsted: Outstanding (2020), confirmed 2025 · 48% grade 5+ English and maths
- Al Hikmah Boys School 2.2 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Good (2023)
- King's House Moorlands 2.2 miles · Independent · Ofsted: Good (2024)
- The Stockwood Park Academy 2.6 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2024) · 21% grade 5+ English and maths
- Houstone School 2.8 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2025) · 56% grade 5+ English and maths
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is Manshead CofE Academy's Ofsted rating?
Manshead CofE Academy was inspected under Ofsted's report card format in 3 February 2026. Report cards grade each area on a five-point scale instead of giving one overall grade. Its grades were 2 expected, 5 needs attention, and safeguarding was met.
How did Manshead CofE Academy do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 37% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 8 points below the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend Manshead CofE Academy?
56% of the 194 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 10 November 2025 and 6 April 2026 said they would recommend Manshead CofE Academy to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is Manshead CofE Academy oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 162 families put Manshead CofE Academy as their first choice for 189 places: fewer first-choice applications than places. 162 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 144342.
- 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, 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.