Staffordshire University Academy
Cannock, WS12 4JH · Staffordshire · secondary school
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46th of 56 secondary schools in Staffordshire we can score, 70 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Its results hold up when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — 0.5/10 against 449 of them, against 0.4/10 nationally. So this is not simply a reflection of who attends. 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 | 12.1 · 1 | 30% | 0.02 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.74 · 7 | 25% | 0.18 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 33.3 · 4 | 10% | 0.04 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Staffordshire University Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 9.9% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 32.9, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.74 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did worse than those nationally who started from the same place. Its results are much the same when the comparison narrows to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds, so the gap is not explained by intake (0.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.3 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2023.
Getting in
The published school roll is 709 pupils against a stated capacity of 900. 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 strategies are in place to improve Progress 8 scores for students starting from similar backgrounds? How does the school ensure that the Good Ofsted rating translates into consistent daily teaching quality across all year groups?
What Ofsted said about Staffordshire University Academy
Overview
Staffordshire University Academy is described as a “caring school” where pupils “enjoy attending” and feel “happy and safe.” Following previous challenges, leaders have driven “significant improvements” in the curriculum, behaviour, and attendance, resulting in a positive community spirit and high expectations for pupil conduct.
Strengths
- Pupils are “respectful and well mannered,” with the school providing targeted support such as workshops for “self-esteem, anger management and managing emotions.”
- The curriculum is “well-sequenced,” ensuring key concepts are “frequently revisited” so pupils can “recall their previous learning and make links to new knowledge.”
- Reading is a clear priority; staff adapt lessons to ensure access, and pupils are encouraged to “read widely and often,” including creative writing opportunities.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) study the “same ambitious curriculum as their peers” and “progress well” due to personalised strategies.
- A comprehensive “character curriculum” and careers programme prepare pupils for future steps, incorporating relevant topics like “healthy relationships” and work experience.
Areas to improve
- The number of pupils studying languages is low; the school must “raise the profile of languages” to increase the proportion achieving the English Baccalaureate.
- There are inconsistencies in checking pupil understanding; the school must ensure assessment is used effectively to confirm pupils have “secured their understanding before moving on to new knowledge.”
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 | 35.8 |
| 2024/25 | 32.9 |
| 2025/26 | 33.3 |
| 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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