Kettering Science Academy
Kettering, NN15 7AA · North Northamptonshire · secondary school
Check the area around this school
14th of 19 secondary schools in North Northamptonshire we can score, 21 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 873 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.3/10 among them, against 2.1/10 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 | 28.8 · 14 | 30% | 0.40 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.2 · 35 | 25% | 0.87 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 35.3 · 6 | 10% | 0.06 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Kettering Science Academy overview
How it's doing
Ofsted rated the school Good in September 2023. In 2024/25, 28.0% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 37.3, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.2 in 2023/24, indicating pupils made less progress than peers nationally starting from the same point. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.3 out of 10 among them, against 2.1 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
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 close the gap between their Attainment 8 score and the national median? What specific strategies are used to improve Progress 8 scores for students from similar backgrounds? How does the school monitor individual progress during the year?
What Ofsted said about Kettering Science Academy
Overview
Leaders and the trust have "transformed" the school, delivering a "much better quality of education" compared to previous years. The curriculum is now "broad and ambitious," with a "knowledge-rich" approach that helps pupils build on prior learning. Pupils generally conduct themselves well, benefiting from clear behavioural expectations and a supportive environment.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "progressive," with subject leaders identifying core content to ensure pupils "build on what they know."
- Most teachers possess "expert subject knowledge" and use effective methods, such as visualisers and questioning, to deepen understanding.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) receive skilful adaptations, allowing them to "undertake the same learning as others."
- Sixth-form students receive an "ambitious curriculum" and report high attendance, describing the provision as "like a family."
- Early reading interventions and an "age-appropriate phonics curriculum" help pupils become better readers quickly.
Areas to improve
- Teachers must ensure activities are "closely matched to the intended learning" to prevent pupils from becoming off-task.
- Assessment and feedback need to be more "purposeful" and "precise" to help pupils embed knowledge further.
- Leaders must "engage with all stakeholders" and communicate more effectively to address negative views from a minority of parents.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are "effective," with staff being "vigilant and highly trained" to recognise risks and report concerns quickly.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 39.4 |
| 2024/25 | 37.3 |
| 2025/26 | 35.3 |
| 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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