Sir Thomas Wharton Academy
Doncaster, DN12 1HH · Doncaster · secondary school
Check the area around this school
4th of 20 secondary schools in Doncaster 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 — 8.1/10 against 735 of them, against 6.6/10 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 | 85 | 35% | 2.99 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 61.1 · 83 | 30% | 2.48 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.07 · 45 | 25% | 1.12 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 49.2 · 67 | 10% | 0.67 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Sir Thomas Wharton Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 33.1% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 43.3, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.07 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 (4.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.4 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in March 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,226 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,266. 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 8 and the national median? What specific steps are taken to improve Progress 8 scores for students starting from similar backgrounds? How does the new Ofsted report-card framework influence current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about Sir Thomas Wharton Academy
Overview
The report describes a school where pupils "enjoy coming to school" and feel safe within a "respectful and tolerant environment." Leaders have established a culture of high expectations, resulting in "calm and focused learning environments" and positive behaviour. The school is praised for its innovative approach to personal development and inclusion, ensuring that vulnerable pupils thrive and belong.
Strengths
- Personal development is rated "Exceptional," with a "meticulously planned" programme including 'Life' lessons and an "impressive electives programme" that broadens horizons.
- Inclusion is described as the "golden thread" running through the school, with leaders "leaving no stone unturned" to remove barriers for pupils with special educational needs.
- Attendance has improved significantly, with a "notable improvement" particularly for disadvantaged pupils, driven by bespoke strategies.
- Staff benefit from a "highly effective professional learning programme" and leaders who consider workload and wellbeing.
- Pupils are "extremely well prepared" for their next steps through a comprehensive careers programme and meaningful pupil leadership roles.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure the post-16 curriculum is "consistently taught well" so that students achieve highly in all subjects.
- Leaders should continue work to ensure pupils achieve highly in national tests and examinations.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" ensuring pupils are made safer and feel safe.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 46.9 |
| 2024/25 | 43.3 |
| 2025/26 | 49.2 |
| 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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