Outwood Academy City
Sheffield, S13 8SS · Sheffield · secondary school
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19th of 29 secondary schools in Sheffield we can score, 30 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 — 5.4/10 against 454 of them, against 3.1/10 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 | 43.2 · 45 | 46% | 2.08 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.51 · 15 | 38% | 0.59 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 42.1 · 29 | 15% | 0.45 |
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 City overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 39.5% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 40.4, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.51 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 (4.8 out of 10 against similar schools, 2.7 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,138 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,200. 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 steps are taken to improve progress scores for students starting from similar backgrounds?
What Ofsted said about Outwood Academy City
Overview
Outwood Academy City is described as an "improving and inclusive school" where pupils are "safe and well cared for" due to high-quality pastoral care. While the quality of education, personal development, and leadership are judged as Good, behaviour and attitudes require improvement. The report highlights that new leaders are transforming the school culture, with many pupils rising to high expectations, though inconsistencies in curriculum delivery and attendance remain challenges.
Strengths
- Pupils learn an "ambitious curriculum" that is "carefully sequenced" and taught well by subject specialists, particularly where the '5 pillars of learning' are implemented effectively.
- The school provides effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), ensuring they "learn the curriculum well" through tailored support plans.
- Reading is prioritised, with effective programmes helping pupils to "catch up and become fluent and confident readers," alongside dedicated time for listening skills.
- Leaders share "high ambitions for pupils" and support staff professional development, with a renewed focus on workload and well-being.
Areas to improve
- The school must strengthen work to ensure pupils, especially disadvantaged pupils, attend regularly, as "too many pupils are persistently absent."
- Conduct at social times needs improvement to reduce discomfort for some pupils, and low-level disruption in lessons must be reduced.
- Curriculum delivery requires greater consistency across all subjects to ensure pupils "know more, remember more" and address knowledge gaps effectively.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 38.8 |
| 2024/25 | 40.4 |
| 2025/26 | 42.1 |
| 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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