The Barnes Wallis Academy
Lincoln, LN4 4PN · Lincolnshire · secondary school
Check the area around this school
40th of 54 secondary schools in Lincolnshire 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 — 2.0/10 against 485 of them, against 1.2/10 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 | 27.8 · 12 | 30% | 0.35 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.58 · 12 | 25% | 0.31 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 39.0 · 15 | 10% | 0.15 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Barnes Wallis Academy overview
How it's doing
The school is rated Good by Ofsted, last inspected in 2023. In 2024/25, 26.9% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 39.1, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.58 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 (2.1 out of 10 against similar schools, 1.3 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join the Interact Club, Luncheon club, and school choir. Sports include football, rugby, rowing, netball, cricket, athletics, and rounders. The school also organises residential trips to Paris.
Getting in
The published school roll is 483 pupils against a stated capacity of 560. 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 Attainment 8 and the national median? What specific support is available for students aiming to improve their Progress 8 scores?
What Ofsted said about The Barnes Wallis Academy
Overview
The Barnes Wallis Academy continues to be a good school, where leaders and staff are determined that pupils will succeed. Despite the absence of the headteacher, strong interim leadership has ensured the school operates well, with an ambitious curriculum and effective safeguarding arrangements in place.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "well planned" and "ambitious," setting out key knowledge and skills, with lessons following a consistent pattern.
- Teachers have "good subject knowledge," work closely together, and receive good support, including consideration of workload.
- The school is a "harmonious community" where bullying is rare, and behaviour rarely disrupts lessons.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities are "well supported" by knowledgeable staff using targeted strategies.
- Leaders provide a wide range of after-school activities and enrichment opportunities, such as trips to the Royal Opera House.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure the planned curriculum is delivered effectively in all lessons, as teachers sometimes move pupils on before they have "fully understood new learning."
- Leaders should develop strategies to engage with parents and carers, as some are not clear about how school systems support their children, particularly regarding behaviour and SEND.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with "thorough and robust systems" for reporting concerns, comprehensive staff training, and pupils feeling safe and knowing whom to talk to.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 38.8 |
| 2024/25 | 39.1 |
| 2025/26 | 39.0 |
| 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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