The John Wallis CofE Academy
Academy · All-through, ages 0 to 19 · Mixed · Church of England · Nursery class · Sixth form
Part of THE JOHN WALLIS CHURCH OF ENGLAND ACADEMY, ASHFORD
Millbank Road, Kingsnorth, Ashford, TN23 3HG
01233 623465 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
Ofsted rated this school Good at the inspection that started on 31 January 2024.
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 | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
| Personal development | Good |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Early years | Good |
| Sixth form | Good |
| Safeguarding | Effective |
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
237 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 1 January 2024 and 6 January 2025.
| Statement | This school | Ashford (Kent) | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school 5th highest of 5 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Ashford (Kent). Higher than 9% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 58% | 83% | 88% |
| My child feels safe at this school 5th highest of 5 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Ashford (Kent). Higher than 6% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 58% | 85% | 90% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved 5th highest of 5 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Ashford (Kent). Higher than 14% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 54% | 82% | 84% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 136 parents whose child had been bullied 5th highest of 5 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Ashford (Kent). Higher than 6% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 27% | 43% | 50% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 206 parents who had raised a concern 5th highest of 5 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Ashford (Kent). Higher than 9% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 43% | 72% | 76% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent 5th highest of 5 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Ashford (Kent). Higher than 10% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 49%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. Ashford (Kent) figures pool parents at the Ashford (Kent) 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
Key stage 2 (SATs, age 11), 2024/25
59 pupils in this year group.
61% — about the same as the Kent average, and about the same as the England average.
| Measure | This school | Kent | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths | 61% | 62% | 62% |
| Reached the higher standard in reading, writing and maths | 8% | 10% | 8% |
| Met the expected standard in reading | 71% | 75% | 75% |
| Met the expected standard in writing | 73% | 74% | 72% |
| Met the expected standard in maths | 73% | 71% | 74% |
| Average reading scoreScaled score from 80 to 120; 100 is the expected standard. | 104 | 106 | 106 |
| Average maths scoreScaled score from 80 to 120; 100 is the expected standard. | 105 | 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
229 pupils in this year group.
21% — 26 points below the Kent average, and 24 points below the England average.
| Measure | This school | Kent | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 21% | 47% | 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. | 30.6 | 46.7 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 2.6 | 4.2 | 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.
206 pupils in this year group.
90% — 3 points below the Kent average, and 2 points below the England average.
| Measure | This school | Kent | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 90% | 93% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 29% | 56% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 0% | – | 13% |
| Further education college | 56% | 28% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 1% | 3% | 3% |
| Work | 3% | 2% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 85% | 90% |
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
49 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Kent | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | D+ | C+ | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 1% | 26% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 17% | 53% | 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. | 21.9 | 34.9 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
13 subjects, 103 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 14 | 0% | 0% | 40% |
| Sociology | 13 | 0% | 8% | 20% |
| English Language and Literature | 11 | 0% | 0% | 16% |
| Psychology | 11 | 0% | 0% | 19% |
| Biology | 8 | 0% | 0% | 27% |
| Art and Design | 7 | 0% | 0% | 34% |
| Chemistry | 7 | 0% | 0% | 30% |
| Government and Politics | 7 | 0% | 0% | 26% |
| Media/Film/Tv Studies | 7 | 0% | 0% | 14% |
| Geography | 6 | 0% | 0% | 23% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Computer Studies / Computing, History, Physics.
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.
64 students in this year group.
86% — 6 points above the Kent average, and 7 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Kent | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 86% | 80% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 11% | 6% | 7% |
| Work | 33% | 30% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 88% | 86% |
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.
75 students in this year group.
57% — about the same as the Kent average, and 3 points below the England average.
| Measure | This school | Kent | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 57% | 58% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 4% | 20% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 74% | 57% |
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 Kent. 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 fewer first-choice applications than places.
| Places offered | 215 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 138 |
| Of those, offered a place | 138 (100%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 401 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 0.9 · 2025: 0.7 · 2026: 0.6
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.
How hard is it to get in (Reception)?
For the September 2026 intake there were about one first-choice application for every place.
| Places offered | 43 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 41 |
| Of those, offered a place | 41 (100%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 62 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 0.9 · 2025: 0.9 · 2026: 1.0
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
| Pupils | This school | Kent | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 1st highest of 5 state secondary schools in Ashford (Kent). Higher than 79% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 41.7% | 25.1%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 2nd highest of 5 state secondary schools in Ashford (Kent). Higher than 40% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 2.5% | 2.8%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 1st highest of 5 state secondary schools in Ashford (Kent). Higher than 81% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 18.4% | 11.5%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 2nd highest of 5 state secondary schools in Ashford (Kent). Higher than 70% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 22.3% | 12.7%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 5th lowest of 5 state secondary schools in Ashford (Kent). Lower than 22% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 10.2% | 8.0%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 4th lowest of 5 state secondary schools in Ashford (Kent). Lower than 21% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 29.6% | 22.9%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 5th lowest of 5 state secondary schools in Ashford (Kent). Lower than 3% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 89.5 | 13.6 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 5th lowest of 5 state secondary schools in Ashford (Kent). Lower than 9% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 15.8% | 6.0% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded1 pupil | 0.06% | 0.03% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher 5th highest of 5 state secondary schools in Ashford (Kent). Higher than 11% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 14.5 | 16.9 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 5th highest of 5 state secondary schools in Ashford (Kent). Higher than 6% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 9.2 | 12.0 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 1st highest of 5 state secondary schools in Ashford (Kent). Higher than 82% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 20.5% | 13.6%* | 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
- Chilmington Green School 1.7 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 4 strong, 2 expected
- The North School 1.7 miles · Ofsted: Good (2017, before conversion), confirmed 2024 · 40% grade 5+ English and maths
- Ashford School 1.8 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 38% A*/A at A level
- Highworth Grammar School 1.9 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2025) · 95% grade 5+ English and maths
- The Norton Knatchbull School 2.0 miles · Ofsted: Good (2023) · 91% grade 5+ English and maths
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is The John Wallis CofE Academy's Ofsted rating?
The John Wallis CofE Academy was rated Good by Ofsted at its inspection in 31 January 2024.
How did The John Wallis CofE Academy do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 21% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 24 points below the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend The John Wallis CofE Academy?
49% of the 237 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 1 January 2024 and 6 January 2025 said they would recommend The John Wallis CofE Academy to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is The John Wallis CofE Academy oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 138 families put The John Wallis CofE Academy as their first choice for 215 places: fewer first-choice applications than places. 138 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 136197.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Parent views: Ofsted Parent View, 1 January 2024 to 6 January 2025.
- 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.