Belfairs Academy
Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 3TG · Southend-on-Sea · secondary school
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9th of 12 secondary schools in Southend-on-Sea we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 895 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 2.9/10 among them, against 3.5/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ofsted | 5 | 35% | 0.19 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 39.9 · 37 | 30% | 1.12 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.31 · 26 | 25% | 0.66 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 45.9 · 49 | 10% | 0.49 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Belfairs Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 44.7% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 45.5, compared with the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.31 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (3.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.2 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Requires improvement in October 2024.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils take part in trips including a Science Trip to Disneyland Paris, a Ski Trip to New Hampshire, a Hospitality Trip to Sorrento, an MFL Trip to Paris, a Harry Potter Studio Tour, and an Acorn Adventure Trip.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,558 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,440. 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
What specific actions are being taken to address the 'Requires improvement' rating? How do the recent Progress 8 scores compare to previous years?
What Ofsted said about Belfairs Academy
Overview
Belfairs Academy is a school where pupils feel safe and enjoy a "welcoming start to the day" through initiatives like the breakfast club. While behaviour and personal development are rated as good, the overall effectiveness and quality of education require improvement due to inconsistencies in teaching and assessment across Years 7 to 11.
Strengths
- Pupils exhibit good behaviour, with bullying being "rare" and incidents dealt with "swiftly".
- The curriculum is "broad" and "at least as ambitious as the national curriculum" for Years 7 to 9.
- Sixth-form provision is strong, offering a "broad range of academic and vocational courses".
- Leaders provide a robust enrichment programme, including clubs, educational visits, and ambassador roles that develop character.
- Support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) is effective, with resources adapted well to meet individual needs.
Areas to improve
- Teaching in Years 7 to 11 must focus more sharply on key knowledge, as some lessons lack clarity and do not help pupils grasp ideas correctly.
- Staff need to use effective assessment to identify and rectify gaps in pupils’ understanding, preventing them from repeating mistakes.
- Governance and leadership must improve their evaluation of the quality of education to accurately identify issues and challenge the school on raising outcomes.
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 | 43.3 |
| 2024/25 | 45.5 |
| 2025/26 | 45.9 |
| 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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