Isca Academy
Exeter, EX2 6AP · Devon · secondary school
Check the area around this school
10th of 40 secondary schools in Devon we can score, 41 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 7.0/10 against 801 of them, against 5.7/10 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% | 1.82 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 51.1 · 65 | 30% | 1.96 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.04 · 47 | 25% | 1.19 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 47.4 · 57 | 10% | 0.58 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Isca Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 46.8% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 46.4, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.04 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did slightly worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2022. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 5.3 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 860 pupils against a stated capacity of 950. 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 improve their Progress 8 scores? What specific support is available for students aiming to raise their Attainment 8 above the national median? How does the school maintain its Good Ofsted rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about Isca Academy
Overview
Isca Academy continues to be a good school, described as a "calm and purposeful place in which to learn." The report highlights an ambitious curriculum, positive relationships, and effective leadership, though it notes specific areas requiring refinement in teaching checks and parental communication.
Strengths
- The school fosters an inclusive environment where pupils from all backgrounds feel welcome and learn about "different faiths and cultures and the need for tolerance."
- Leaders prioritise reading, with a guided programme that is "increasing pupils’ literacy and vocabulary" and providing extra support for those who are not fluent.
- Staff demonstrate "strong subject knowledge" and enthusiasm, while well-established routines ensure pupils know what is expected and respond promptly to instructions.
- Pupils have a strong voice in school life, with leaders acting on their views, such as varying the enrichment curriculum in response to feedback.
- Leaders support wider personal development effectively, ensuring all pupils, including those with SEND or disadvantaged backgrounds, take part in extra-curricular activities and careers education.
Areas to improve
- Leaders must ensure checks on learning identify gaps for all pupils so that these can be closed, as some gaps currently persist because teachers do not always verify that all pupils have learned what was intended.
- Leaders need to improve communication with parents of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) to build greater confidence in the support provided, as some parents do not feel their child is well supported.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff being vigilant about pupil safety and leaders taking prompt action when concerns are reported.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 44.0 |
| 2024/25 | 46.4 |
| 2025/26 | 47.4 |
| 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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