Outwood Academy Acklam
Middlesbrough, TS5 7JY · Middlesbrough · secondary school
Check the area around this school
3rd of 8 secondary schools in Middlesbrough 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 — 5.7/10 against 201 of them, against 3.5/10 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
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 40.8 · 39 | 46% | 1.82 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.23 · 32 | 38% | 1.25 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 41.7 · 27 | 15% | 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.
Outwood Academy Acklam overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 47.1% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 42.9, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.23 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse 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, 4.5 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,201 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,350. 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
With a Progress 8 score of -0.23, what specific support is available for pupils who are falling behind in core subjects? How does the school monitor individual progress to ensure students reach their potential? What are the current entry criteria for the next academic year?
What Ofsted said about Outwood Academy Acklam
Overview
Outwood Academy Acklam is a well-led school where staff maintain "high expectations" of pupil achievement and conduct. The report highlights that "behaviour and attendance at the school have improved of late," with "high quality" pastoral care nurturing vulnerable pupils. While the curriculum is "broad and ambitious," some pupils still underperform compared to national peers, and challenges remain regarding persistent absence and suspensions for a minority.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "broad and ambitious," with careful consideration given to the "most important knowledge and skills pupils need to learn."
- Staff effectively support pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and those speaking English as an additional language, ensuring they "learn the same curriculum as their peers."
- "Enrichment opportunities" such as residential visits and trips to the House of Lords "enhance pupils’ educational experiences."
- Leaders prioritise the "well-being of both pupils and staff," and professional development for staff is "effective."
- Pupils are "confident and communicate well," with the school developing the "skills and character traits pupils will need for future success."
Areas to improve
- Strategies to improve attendance are "not effective for a minority of pupils," causing them to miss education; the school should "further refine its actions in this area."
- A small group of pupils continue to be suspended regularly, missing important learning; the school should "review its approach to supporting these pupils" to engage them more fully.
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 | 41.3 |
| 2024/25 | 42.9 |
| 2025/26 | 41.7 |
| 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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