Droylsden Academy
Manchester, M43 6QD · Tameside · secondary school
Check the area around this school
5th of 16 secondary schools in Tameside 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 — 8.0/10 against 534 of them, against 6.1/10 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 | 50.3 · 63 | 30% | 1.89 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.14 · 60 | 25% | 1.50 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 47.7 · 59 | 10% | 0.59 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Droylsden Academy overview
How it's doing
Ofsted rated the school Good in October 2022. In 2024/25, 49.1% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 47.7, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.14 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 (8.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join football, table tennis, volleyball, boicca, netball, fitness, and dance academy clubs.
Getting in
The published school roll is 926 pupils against a stated capacity of 930. 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
How does the school support pupils to maintain progress in English and maths? What specific support is available for students aiming to raise their Attainment 8 scores? How are the 4 remaining places allocated for the next academic year?
What Ofsted said about Droylsden Academy
Overview
Droylsden Academy continues to be a good school, where pupils are proud to attend and model values of "politeness and hard work." The report highlights a "broad, balanced and ambitious" curriculum and high expectations for behaviour and academic achievement, ensuring pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain.
Strengths
- Leaders have designed a curriculum with subject content in a "logical order," with governors successfully holding leaders to account for learning outcomes.
- Teachers "think deeply about their subject curriculums" and effectively address gaps in knowledge, helping pupils deepen their understanding and remember more over time.
- There has been significant improvement in supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), with leaders accurately identifying needs and teachers using effective adaptation strategies.
- Pupils benefit from an extensive range of extra-curricular activities, including the Combined Cadet Force and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, fostering character and confidence.
- Staff appreciate the consideration leaders give to their workload and well-being, contributing to a positive school environment.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must widen and develop the range of support for a minority of pupils struggling with reading, as current provisions are "underdeveloped" and hinder these pupils from catching up quickly.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, underpinned by a "strong culture of safeguarding" created through regular staff training, clear reporting systems, and proactive leadership working closely with families and external agencies.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 46.9 |
| 2024/25 | 47.7 |
| 2025/26 | 47.7 |
| 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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