Avon Valley Academy
Salisbury, SP4 8HH · Wiltshire · secondary school
Check the area around this school
25th of 27 secondary schools in Wiltshire we can score, 28 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 890 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.7/10 among them, against 1.6/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 18.8 · 3 | 46% | 0.13 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.18 · 36 | 38% | 1.39 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 35.8 · 7 | 15% | 0.10 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Avon Valley Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 18.2% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 34.8, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.18 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.6 out of 10 among them, against 1.6 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 517 pupils against a stated capacity of 925. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
With Progress 8 below 0, how does the school support students to improve their progress from their starting point? How does the curriculum address the gap between the school’s Attainment 8 and the national median?
What Ofsted said about Avon Valley Academy
Overview
Avon Valley Academy is described as an inclusive school that creates a "strong sense of belonging" for its diverse pupil population, including many who join mid-year. Following a period of change, the school now enjoys stability, with staff and pupils positively recognising well-implemented improvements. The report highlights high expectations, a calm environment, and effective leadership that values community relationships.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "carefully sequenced and ambitious," ensuring important knowledge is frequently revisited to help pupils progress well.
- Staff provide robust support for pupils with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as those speaking English as an additional language, using translation tools and adept tutors.
- Personal development is "thoughtfully mapped out," offering pupils experiences that introduce them to the world beyond school and a broad careers programme.
- The school maintains a "calm and orderly environment" with clear systems, leading to a rapid decrease in suspensions.
- Parents describe the school as "open and welcoming," appreciating the strong relationship with the community.
Areas to improve
- In some curriculum areas, adaptations to support learning are not enacted in a timely way, meaning some pupils achieve less well; staff need better embedded knowledge and skills to support all learners effectively.
- Attendance strategies have not yet reached all pupils who miss too much school; the school must persist in its work to ensure regular and punctual attendance for those remaining persistently absent.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 40.4 |
| 2024/25 | 34.8 |
| 2025/26 | 35.8 |
| England | 44.9 |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 3,682 state schools in England we hold a 2025/26 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2026
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2027
- Secondary application deadline31 Oct 2027
- Secondary National Offer Day1 Mar 2028
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