Malcolm Arnold Academy
Northampton, NN2 6JW · West Northamptonshire · secondary school
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9th of 22 secondary schools in West Northamptonshire we can score, 24 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 — 5.6/10 against 886 of them, against 5.0/10 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 | 45.0 · 50 | 30% | 1.50 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.04 · 53 | 25% | 1.33 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 44.4 · 41 | 10% | 0.41 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Malcolm Arnold Academy overview
How it's doing
The school is rated Good by Ofsted following a December 2023 inspection. In 2024/25, 37.8% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 41.4, compared with the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.04 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Its position is much the same whether compared with all schools or only those whose pupils have similar backgrounds (4.0 out of 10 either way).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Big Band, Brass Ensemble, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Girls' Choir, School Choir, and Chamber Choir. Sports include Rugby and Hockey, while arts opportunities feature Young Voices, RCM Sparks, and the Nevill Holt Festival. Trips include the Commonwealth Games, and an after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,278 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,450. 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 Attainment 8 and the national median? What specific support is available for students aiming to progress in music ensembles?
What Ofsted said about Malcolm Arnold Academy
Overview
Malcolm Arnold Academy continues to be a good school, maintaining high expectations for all pupils. The report highlights a purposeful atmosphere where students are considerate and work diligently, supported by an ambitious curriculum and effective leadership.
Strengths
- Pupils are “considerate, polite and courteous” and understand the ambition of ‘The Malcolm Arnold Way’.
- The curriculum is “ambitious and well-sequenced,” offering breadth and richness, including for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Personal development is prioritised “exceptionally well,” with a “rich and diverse” extra-curricular programme and effective careers guidance.
- Staff feel “trusted and well supported,” valuing professional development opportunities and the consideration given to their well-being.
- Leaders and governors “know this school well” and effectively review and develop all aspects of provision.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, teachers do not consistently check that pupils understand what has been learned or what they can remember, leading to gaps in knowledge. The school must ensure all teachers “consistently check pupils’ understanding and recall at regular points” and adapt teaching accordingly.
Safeguarding
The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” noting a robust focus on keeping pupils safe and an open culture that puts their interests first.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 44.2 |
| 2024/25 | 41.4 |
| 2025/26 | 44.4 |
| 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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