Lift Clacton
Clacton on Sea, CO15 3JL · Essex · secondary school
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66th of 78 secondary schools in Essex we can score, 81 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 0.4/10 against 203 of them, against 0.3/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 14.9 · 1 | 30% | 0.04 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.83 · 5 | 25% | 0.13 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 29.6 · 1 | 10% | 0.01 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Lift Clacton overview
How it's doing
Ofsted rated the school Good in July 2024. In 2024/25, 15.0% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 30.0, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.83 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (0.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.3 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school provides a breakfast club and an after-school club.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,466 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,550. 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 close the gap between their current attainment and the national median? What specific strategies are used to improve Progress 8 scores? How are the breakfast and after-school clubs structured to support student wellbeing?
What Ofsted said about Lift Clacton
Overview
Clacton Coastal Academy is described as an "inclusive and rapidly improving school" that "shines brightly at the heart of its community." The report highlights a clear sense of ambition, with pupils benefiting from "high-quality teaching" and a carefully planned curriculum that reflects high expectations for all learners.
Strengths
- Pupils receive "high-quality teaching" where teachers present concepts clearly and address misunderstandings as they arise.
- The curriculum is "carefully planned," with strengths in key stage 3 subjects now reflected in others, and an increasing proportion of pupils studying for the English Baccalaureate.
- Sixth-form students benefit from "personalised support," building respectful relationships with staff and achieving grades for their chosen pathways.
- Behaviour has improved significantly, with most pupils behaving well and suspensions falling due to consistent application of rules.
- A wide range of enrichment activities, including sports, arts, and clubs, helps to "broaden their horizons" and extend learning.
Areas to improve
- Some pupils do not attend regularly enough, missing out on learning and pastoral support; the school must continue to improve attendance for these pupils.
- Teachers do not always adapt learning clearly enough for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), meaning some struggle to keep up; better training and resources are required.
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 | 30.3 |
| 2024/25 | 30.0 |
| 2025/26 | 29.6 |
| 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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