Chiltern Academy
Luton, LU1 3GF · Luton · secondary school
Check the area around this school
4th of 13 secondary schools in Luton we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 9.3/10 against 575 of them, against 8.1/10 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 | 52 | 35% | 1.84 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 62.8 · 85 | 30% | 2.54 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.38 · 78 | 25% | 1.95 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 52.4 · 79 | 10% | 0.79 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Chiltern Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 48.1% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 49.5, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.38 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.9 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in March 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the Pupil Council and Pupil Leadership. Music provision includes peripatetic tuition, informal and formal concerts, a house music competition, and the London Musical Theatre Orchestra. An art showcase is also held.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,203 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,200. 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 support is available for pupils aiming to improve their Progress 8 scores? How are peripatetic music lessons scheduled alongside the core curriculum?
What Ofsted said about Chiltern Academy
Overview
Chiltern Academy is described as an "inclusive and respectful place in which to learn" where pupils are "proud to be part of the school." The report highlights that pupils are safe, bullying is not tolerated, and lessons are typically "settled and purposeful." Leaders have designed an "ambitious curriculum" with high aspirations, resulting in pupils who are "confident, resilient individuals" with high aspirations for their futures.
Strengths
- Personal development is rated Outstanding, with pupils developing "high aspirations" and a strong awareness of "tolerance, respect and diversity" through a well-planned PSHE curriculum.
- The curriculum is ambitious and inclusive, offering a wide choice of subjects including engineering, with specific support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Reading is prioritised across the curriculum, with leaders quickly identifying and supporting pupils who struggle to ensure they "catch up with their peers."
- Behaviour is excellent, with learning "rarely disrupted" and pupils demonstrating "maturity in their attitude towards their learning."
- Staff enjoy working at the school, valuing the focus on professional development and efforts to manage workload and well-being.
Areas to improve
- Some teachers do not routinely check how well pupils have remembered and understood key knowledge, meaning "gaps and misconceptions are not routinely identified."
- Leaders must ensure a consistent approach to checking understanding to quickly address gaps, ensuring all pupils have "firm foundations on which to build their knowledge."
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with robust systems for reporting concerns and staff who are well-trained and aware of potential risks.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 49.6 |
| 2024/25 | 49.5 |
| 2025/26 | 52.4 |
| 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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