The JCB Academy
Rocester, ST14 5JX · Staffordshire · secondary school
Check the area around this school
31st 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.
Narrow the comparison to the 756 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.5/10 among them, against 2.9/10 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 | 39.2 · 35 | 30% | 1.06 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.46 · 18 | 25% | 0.44 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 43.5 · 36 | 10% | 0.36 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The JCB Academy overview
How it's doing
The school was rated Good by Ofsted in 2024. In 2024/25, 38.4% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 41.6, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.46 in 2023/24, indicating pupils made less progress than those nationally starting from the same point. Narrow the comparison to the schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds — a tougher field — and it places 0.3 out of 10 among them, against 2.8 out of 10 nationally.
Getting in
The published school roll is 781 pupils against a stated capacity of 728. 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
What support is available for pupils whose Progress 8 scores are below the national benchmark? How does the school ensure equitable access to extracurricular activities for all students?
What Ofsted said about The JCB Academy
Overview
The JCB Academy is a university technical college where pupils enjoy a "caring and supportive environment" and demonstrate a "can do, will do attitude." The school offers an "ambitious and flexible curriculum" centred on engineering and business specialisms, with strong links to high-calibre employers that enhance learning and career pathways.
Strengths
- Pupils thrive in a positive culture, behaving well and showing respect to staff and visitors.
- The curriculum is enriched by "credible industry partners" who help develop subject content and provide real-world insights, such as visits to the London Eye.
- Sixth-form students act as "excellent ambassadors," serving as effective role models and benefiting from wide enrichment opportunities.
- Staff build positive relationships with pupils, and trustees provide "highly effective challenge and support" to leaders.
- Careers education is central, with meaningful work experience and high-quality encounters with the world of work preparing pupils for successful transitions.
Areas to improve
- In some subjects, particularly English and mathematics, curriculum planning is not detailed enough, and assessment is not precise, allowing "gaps in knowledge" to persist.
- Some teachers do not always adapt lessons to meet the individual needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
- The personal development curriculum is not sufficiently well developed in all areas, and some staff lack the knowledge to deliver it effectively, limiting pupils' deep understanding of key topics.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 42.5 |
| 2024/25 | 41.6 |
| 2025/26 | 43.5 |
| 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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