Swindon Academy
Swindon, SN2 1JR · Swindon · all-through school
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3rd of 14 secondary schools in Swindon 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 — 9.0/10 against 575 of them, against 7.7/10 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 | 21 | 35% | 0.73 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 54.3 · 72 | 30% | 2.15 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.61 · 88 | 25% | 2.21 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 48.3 · 62 | 10% | 0.62 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Swindon Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 57.4% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 50.2, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.61 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.4 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.1 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in May 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,820 pupils against a stated capacity of 2,243. 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 new Ofsted grading structure affect day-to-day teaching priorities? How does the school support pupils to maintain the progress seen in the 2023/24 data?
What Ofsted said about Swindon Academy
Overview
Swindon Academy is described as a school where leaders have a "precise understanding" of strengths and areas for development, driving improvements with support from the trust. The report highlights a "strong standard" in early years and leadership, with pupils achieving "impressive outcomes" at key stage 4, though primary phase results remain below national averages.
Strengths
- Early years provision is rated "Strong standard," with children benefiting from "warm and caring relationships" and a "language-rich environment" that builds secure foundations.
- Leadership and governance are rated "Strong standard," with governors who "hold leaders to account" and a "notable strength" in professional learning for staff.
- Personal development is rated "Strong standard," featuring an "ambitious personal development programme" that prepares pupils for life in modern Britain and ensures an "impressive wider offer" for all.
- Secondary teaching is "particularly effective," with teachers providing clear explanations and helping pupils build knowledge over time.
- Post-16 students are "well-prepared for the next steps," benefiting from high-quality careers advice and a curriculum matched to their aspirations.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should strengthen work to address "gaps in writing knowledge across all phases," including transcription skills for younger pupils and technical accuracy for older students.
- Oversight of academic provision for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities needs strengthening, ensuring curriculum adaptations are "precisely matched to pupils' needs."
- Attendance remains "high for disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities," requiring continued focus to reduce persistent absence.
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 | 48.7 |
| 2024/25 | 50.2 |
| 2025/26 | 48.3 |
| 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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