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Oulton Academy

Leeds, LS26 8EX · Leeds · secondary school

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Ofsted: Outstanding · 2024 Inspected 2 years ago Mixed Secondary
8.2/10 Well above average

10th of 45 secondary schools in Leeds we can score. 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 — 8.7/10 against 799 of them, against 7.5/10 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
MeasurePercentileWeightAdds
Ofsted 94 35% 3.29
Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 55.6 · 74 30% 2.23
Progress 8 2023/24 0.43 · 81 25% 2.01
Attainment 8 2025/26 48.4 · 62 10% 0.62

Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.

Oulton Academy overview

How it's doing

In 2024/25, 52.4% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 44.9, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.43 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 (8.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.0 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in May 2024.

Beyond the classroom

Pupils can join Creative Writing, STEM, Debate, Spanish Culture, Hegarty Maths & Homework, History, Cooking, and Creativity in Art clubs. Sports include football, rugby, basketball, trampoline, gymnastics, tennis, cricket, and netball. Arts and music options comprise choir, Jazz band, and keyboard. An after-school club is available.

Getting in

The published school roll is 1,132 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,016. 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

What support is available for pupils who need extra help in maths? How accessible are the various clubs for students with tight tim

AI-assisted overview based on this school's published results, inspection record and official website. Sources and dates are shown throughout this page. Verify information that could change directly with the school.

What Ofsted said about Oulton Academy

Inspection report dated 3 May 2024

Overview

Oulton Academy is described as a “vibrant and positive place to learn” where pupils are “happy, well-qualified and confident young adults.” The report highlights an “ambitious curriculum” and “exceptionally high expectations” that drive strong academic achievement and excellent communication skills. Leaders are praised for their “improvement journey” and commitment to securing the “very best possible life chances” for pupils.

Strengths

  • The curriculum is “expertly designed” with careful progression, ensuring a “seamless start” for Year 7 pupils and smooth transitions to post-16 education.
  • Teaching is of “consistently high quality,” featuring a ‘gold zone’ for independent thinking and frequent revisiting of prior learning to aid retention.
  • Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) “achieve very well” due to accurate support identification and “no barriers to their learning.”
  • There is a strong focus on oracy, reading, and personal development, with pupils engaging in leadership roles and community activities like visiting care homes.
  • Staff feel supported in their workload and well-being, united in the “pursuit of excellence.”

Areas to improve

  • Attendance remains a concern, as “too many [pupils] are persistently absent,” requiring continued focus from leaders.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective.”

This is an AI-assisted summary of the official Ofsted report, not a statement written by Ofsted. Check the full official report before making a decision.
Progress 8
+0.43
2023/24
Attainment 8
48.4
2025/26
Demand
×0.88
1st prefs per place, 2026/27
Free school meals
31%
vs 30% across England

Results over time

Attainment 8, the years we hold.

46.9 2023/24
44.9 2024/25
48.4 2025/26
44.9 England
Attainment 8 for Oulton Academy
YearAttainment 8
2023/2446.9
2024/2544.9
2025/2648.4
England44.9

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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