Samuel Ward Academy
Haverhill, CB9 0LD · Suffolk · secondary school
Check the area around this school
28th of 43 secondary schools in Suffolk we can score. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to the 860 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.4/10 among them, against 2.3/10 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 | 32.0 · 18 | 30% | 0.55 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.23 · 32 | 25% | 0.81 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 38.2 · 13 | 10% | 0.13 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Samuel Ward Academy overview
How it's doing
Ofsted rated the school Good in 2022. In 2024/25, 42.1% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 43.8, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.23 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than peers nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 1.5 out of 10 among them, against 4.0 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,076 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,250. 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 Progress 8 scores? What specific steps are taken to raise Attainment 8 to the national median?
What Ofsted said about Samuel Ward Academy
Overview
Samuel Ward Academy is described as a "warm, welcoming school" where staff care deeply for pupils and students. Leaders have effectively addressed previous issues, resulting in a "good" school where pupils make good progress and behaviour continues to improve.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "ambitious for all pupils," including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, with knowledge arranged in a "logical order."
- Pupils are "kept safe," with bullying dealt with quickly and prejudicial language not tolerated; pupils actively "call this out."
- Staff receive "high-quality professional development," ensuring they understand their subjects well and routinely check for gaps in pupil understanding.
- The personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) curriculum and "enrichment programme" contribute well to pupils’ wider development and understanding of diversity.
- Leaders and governors work closely together, holding leaders to account to ensure decisions are in the "best interests of pupils."
Areas to improve
- Some teachers do not always use accurate information about the needs of pupils with SEND well enough, meaning they do not select the most appropriate adaptations.
- Consequently, a small number of pupils with SEND do not achieve as well as their peers; leaders must ensure all staff have the right knowledge and training to support these pupils successfully.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with staff well trained to spot risks and leaders taking "prompt and appropriate actions" based on clear records.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 43.2 |
| 2024/25 | 43.8 |
| 2025/26 | 38.2 |
| 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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