The Farnley Academy
Leeds, LS12 5EU · Leeds · secondary school
Check the area around this school
17th of 45 secondary schools in Leeds 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 649 of them, against 6.4/10 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 | 94 | 35% | 3.29 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 44.9 · 50 | 30% | 1.49 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.53 · 85 | 25% | 2.12 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 46.7 · 54 | 10% | 0.54 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Farnley Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 50.9% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 49.1, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.53 in 2023/24, indicating better progress than pupils nationally starting from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.9 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.4 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in October 2023.
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join Eco-club and Farnley Files, participate in rowing, karate, and volleyball, and visit Hornsea.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,492 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,210. 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
With the roll exceeding capacity by 282, how does the school manage class sizes for new entrants? How does the Progress 8 score of +0.53 translate into support for individual subject choices? What specific support is available for pupils aiming to raise their Attainment 8 above the national median?
What Ofsted said about The Farnley Academy
Overview
The Farnley Academy is described as an “aspirational and visionary school” where pupils are “well supported to achieve the high expectations” set by leaders. The report highlights a “calm learning environment” driven by “exemplary” behaviour and a curriculum that ensures all pupils, including those with special educational needs, make “rapid progress.”
Strengths
- Leaders have designed a “highly effective curriculum” with frequent opportunities for pupils to revisit prior learning, ensuring knowledge is retained.
- Teachers use clear strategies, such as “iterative starters” and the “Purple Zone” for self-assessment, to help pupils understand new concepts and receive personalised support.
- Reading is prioritised through weekly lessons and “forensic reading” activities, helping pupils analyse texts and build fluency, particularly for those at early stages.
- Pupils demonstrate a “deep understanding of diversity” and equality, contributing to a positive culture where they are “happy and safe.”
- An extensive careers programme, including “job of the week,” skilfully weaves professional information into lessons to broaden pupils’ horizons.
Areas to improve
- The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with pupils confident that adults would act swiftly to help them and bullying incidents being addressed effectively.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 49.3 |
| 2024/25 | 49.1 |
| 2025/26 | 46.7 |
| 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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