Sybil Andrews Academy
Bury St. Edmunds, IP32 7QB · Suffolk · secondary school
Check the area around this school
4th 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 734 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 5.4/10 among them, against 7.3/10 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 | 60.3 · 82 | 30% | 2.45 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.15 · 60 | 25% | 1.51 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 52.6 · 79 | 10% | 0.79 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Sybil Andrews Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 55.9% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 49.5, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.15 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 4.7 out of 10 among them, against 6.9 out of 10 nationally. Ofsted rated the school Good in November 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Orchestra, Dance Fit, Student Council, and Peer Mentors. Music provision includes Piano, Brass, Woodwind, String, and Guitar. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 657 pupils against a stated capacity of 780. 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 relative to similar-intake schools? What specific support is available for students aiming to raise their Attainment 8? How does the after-school club integrate with the music and arts curriculum?
What Ofsted said about Sybil Andrews Academy
Overview
Sybil Andrews Academy has improved considerably since its previous inspection, with leaders demonstrating a clear vision for continued progress. Pupils enjoy a broad curriculum that prepares them well for future study or work, supported by knowledgeable teachers and logical content sequencing. The school fosters an environment where pupils feel safe, respected, and well cared for.
Strengths
- Pupils achieve well in a wide range of subjects, benefiting from carefully planned lessons and a focus on key vocabulary.
- Behaviour has improved, with most pupils respecting staff and following clear routines both in and out of lessons.
- The needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) are identified accurately, with teachers adapting instruction effectively.
- The school provides high-quality careers guidance and opportunities for personal development, including mental health support and leadership roles.
- Trust leaders provide effective challenge and support, ensuring staff have the expertise needed to fulfil their roles.
Areas to improve
- Teachers do not always check thoroughly enough that pupils understand what they have been taught, leading to gaps in learning.
- A small number of pupils do not meet the school’s high expectations for behaviour, sometimes disrupting lessons.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 47.5 |
| 2024/25 | 49.5 |
| 2025/26 | 52.6 |
| 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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