SchoolScoresNorthampton Academy
Academy · Secondary, ages 11 to 18 · Mixed · Christian · Sixth form
Part of UNITED LEARNING TRUST
Wellingborough Road, Northampton, NN3 8NH
01604 210017 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted rated this school Outstanding at the inspection that started on 21 March 2023.
This inspection used Ofsted's older format with four grades: Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement and Inadequate. Newer inspections use report cards. What changed.
| Area | Grade |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Outstanding |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Outstanding |
| Personal development | Outstanding |
| Leadership and management | Outstanding |
| Sixth form | Outstanding |
| Safeguarding | Effective |
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
102 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 2 April 2024 and 7 April 2025.
Northampton comparisons use the 9 of its 16 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other 7 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 | Northampton | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school 2nd highest of 9 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Northampton. Higher than 86% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 93% | 85% | 89% |
| My child feels safe at this school Joint 3rd highest of 9 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Northampton. Higher than 71% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 91% | 87% | 90% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved 3rd highest of 9 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Northampton. Higher than 86% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 92% | 81% | 84% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 43 parents whose child had been bullied 4th highest of 9 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Northampton. Higher than 69% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 56% | 55% | 51% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 66 parents who had raised a concern 4th highest of 9 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Northampton. Higher than 65% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 76% | 71% | 76% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent 2nd highest of 9 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Northampton. Higher than 85% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 92%said yes | 81% | 84% |
Parents choose whether to take part, so these answers may not represent all families. 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. Northampton figures pool parents at the Northampton 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. This survey used Ofsted's previous Parent View questions, which changed in November 2025. Source: Ofsted Parent View management information.
Results
GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25
295 pupils in this year group.
56% — 14 points above the West Northamptonshire average, and 11 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | West Northamptonshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 56% | 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. | 52.1 | 44.7 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 4.6 | 4.0 | 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.
267 pupils in this year group.
94% — 2 points above the West Northamptonshire average, and 2 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | West Northamptonshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 94% | 92% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 38% | 42% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 0% | – | 13% |
| Further education college | 55% | 42% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 0% | 3% | 3% |
| Work | 2% | 3% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 89% | 94% |
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
109 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | West Northamptonshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | B | C+ | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 37% | 22% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 69% | 49% | 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. | 40.3 | 34.1 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
15 subjects, 295 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 63 | 14% | 48% | 40% |
| Biology | 35 | 6% | 26% | 27% |
| Sociology | 29 | 24% | 52% | 20% |
| Psychology | 28 | 25% | 46% | 19% |
| Chemistry | 27 | 0% | 33% | 30% |
| Computer Studies / Computing | 23 | 4% | 13% | 24% |
| Physics | 19 | 11% | 26% | 31% |
| Government and Politics | 15 | 13% | 33% | 26% |
| History | 14 | 0% | 21% | 23% |
| Mathematics (Further) | 13 | 38% | 62% | 59% |
| English Literature | 10 | 10% | 10% | 23% |
| Geography | 10 | 20% | 40% | 23% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Religious Studies, Art and Design (Fine Art), Italian.
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.
121 students in this year group.
95% — 14 points above the West Northamptonshire average, and 16 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | West 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. | 95% | 81% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 4% | 6% | 7% |
| Work | 12% | 33% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 84% | 95% |
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.
103 students in this year group.
83% — 26 points above the West Northamptonshire average, and 23 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | West Northamptonshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 83% | 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 |
|---|---|
| 92% | 83% |
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 West 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?
For the September 2026 intake there were about 1.5 first-choice applications for every place.
| Places offered | 283 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 459 |
| Of those, offered a place | 264 (58%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 1,065 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 1.5 · 2025: 1.5 · 2026: 1.6
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
| Pupils | This school | West Northamptonshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 5th highest of 16 state secondary schools in Northampton. Higher than 46% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 25.4% | 20.1%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 2nd highest of 16 state secondary schools in Northampton. Higher than 50% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 3.0% | 2.2%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 8th highest of 16 state secondary schools in Northampton. Higher than 43% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 12.7% | 13.1%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 4th highest of 16 state secondary schools in Northampton. Higher than 84% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 35.1% | 19.9%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 7th lowest of 16 state secondary schools in Northampton. Lower than 67% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 7.4% | 8.1%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 7th lowest of 16 state secondary schools in Northampton. Lower than 77% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 17.7% | 21.0%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 5th lowest of 16 state secondary schools in Northampton. Lower than 66% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 9.2 | 21.5 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 4th lowest of 16 state secondary schools in Northampton. Lower than 80% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 3.3% | 7.3% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded5 pupils | 0.29% | 0.18% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher Joint 5th highest of 16 state secondary schools in Northampton. Higher than 90% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 19.3 | 18.2 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 9th highest of 16 state secondary schools in Northampton. Higher than 82% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 13.4 | 13.1 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 6th highest of 16 state secondary schools in Northampton. Higher than 71% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 17.5% | 16.3%* | 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.
Nearby secondary schools
- Weston Favell Academy 0.6 miles · Ofsted: Good (2024) · 31% grade 5+ English and maths
- Oneschool Global Uk, Northampton Campus 1.1 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI
- St Thomas Becket Catholic School 1.4 miles · Ofsted: Good (2022) · 32% grade 5+ English and maths
- Northampton School for Girls 1.8 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 6 strong, 1 expected · 53% grade 5+ English and maths
- Northampton School 1.8 miles · Ofsted: No graded inspection
- Northampton School for Boys 1.9 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2025) · 72% grade 5+ English and maths
- Moulton School and Science College 2.3 miles · Ofsted: Good (2023) · 44% grade 5+ English and maths
- Kingsthorpe College 2.4 miles · Ofsted: Good (2019), confirmed 2025 · 30% grade 5+ English and maths
- Malcolm Arnold Academy 2.4 miles · Ofsted: Good (2018), confirmed 2023 · 38% grade 5+ English and maths
- Bosworth Independent School 2.8 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 20% A*/A at A level
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is Northampton Academy's Ofsted rating?
Northampton Academy was rated Outstanding by Ofsted at its inspection in 21 March 2023.
How did Northampton Academy do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 56% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 11 points above the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend Northampton Academy?
92% of the 102 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 2 April 2024 and 7 April 2025 said they would recommend Northampton Academy to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is Northampton Academy oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 459 families put Northampton Academy as their first choice for 283 places: about 1.5 first-choice applications for every place. 264 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 134814.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Parent views: Ofsted Parent View, 2 April 2024 to 7 April 2025.
- 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.