North Cambridge Academy
Cambridge, CB4 2JF · Cambridgeshire · secondary school
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22nd of 34 secondary schools in Cambridgeshire we can score, 35 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 — 7.8/10 against 315 of them, against 5.2/10 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 | 40.2 · 38 | 30% | 1.14 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.19 · 64 | 25% | 1.60 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 48.6 · 63 | 10% | 0.63 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
North Cambridge Academy overview
How it's doing
The school was rated Good by Ofsted in March 2025. In 2024/25, 35.2% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 43.9, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.19 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 (6.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 4.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join History Club, Poetry Pod, Drama Intervention, Band, Set Design, Lasertag, Gymnastics, NCA Singers, Basketball, Football, Ballers League, Crochet Club, Short Story Club, Orchestra, Pottery Club, and Dungeons and Dragons. Breakfast and after-school clubs are available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 687 pupils against a stated capacity of 750. 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 Attainment 8 scores to meet the national median? What specific support is available for students aiming to raise their Progress 8 scores?
What Ofsted said about North Cambridge Academy
Overview
North Cambridge Academy has “taken effective action to maintain the standards identified at the previous inspection.” The school is described as a “welcoming and diverse community” where staff support pupils well by “reducing barriers and raising aspirations.” Despite challenges such as ongoing building work, leaders have worked effectively to ensure pupils achieve well and behave respectfully.
Strengths
- The curriculum is “ambitious, inclusive and relevant,” with a rising number of pupils taking English Baccalaureate subjects and engaging in purposeful trips.
- Teachers have “good subject knowledge” and “ably monitor what pupils understand,” effectively closing gaps in learning.
- Staff provide effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), including through the ‘Hub’.
- A “well-considered programme” helps pupils who find reading challenging to catch up with their peers.
- Strong links with local businesses and universities enable pupils to access opportunities that help them “aim high.”
Areas to improve
- Teaching is not always consistently adapted to meet the varying needs of all pupils, meaning some do not learn as well as they should in certain circumstances.
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 | 46.7 |
| 2024/25 | 43.9 |
| 2025/26 | 48.6 |
| 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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