The Lea Valley Academy
Enfield, EN3 6TW · Enfield · secondary school
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19th of 21 secondary schools in Enfield 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 — 1.1/10 against 255 of them, against 0.5/10 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 | 18.6 · 3 | 30% | 0.08 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.68 · 9 | 25% | 0.22 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 34.4 · 5 | 10% | 0.05 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Lea Valley Academy overview
How it's doing
The school is rated Good by Ofsted, following an inspection in 2022. In 2024/25, 20.4% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 33.3, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.68 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 (1.5 out of 10 against similar schools, 0.6 out of 10 against all schools).
Getting in
The published school roll is 830 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,400. 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 current attainment and the national median? What specific steps are taken to improve progress scores for students from similar backgrounds? How does the school plan to maintain its Good rating following the 2022 inspection?
What Ofsted said about The Lea Valley Academy
Overview
The Lea Valley Academy is described as an inclusive community where pupils are "friendly and respectful" and develop into "confident young adults." Leaders have established a "broad and ambitious curriculum" that supports high aspirations for all students, including those with special educational needs. The school fosters a positive culture where staff are valued and pupils feel safe and supported in their learning journey.
Strengths
- The curriculum is "well sequenced," helping pupils acquire knowledge and deepen understanding over time, with a wide range of subjects available at GCSE and sixth form.
- Staff demonstrate "high expectations" and a clear approach to behaviour management, ensuring "low-level disruption in lessons is quite rare."
- Leaders prioritise personal development through an "extensive programme" including enrichment days, trips, and leadership roles for older students.
- Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) "complete the same work as other pupils" while receiving specific, targeted support.
- Teachers possess "good subject knowledge" and use effective strategies, such as homework and lesson starters, to help pupils retain learning.
Areas to improve
- Some teachers do not adapt their teaching effectively based on pupil responses, failing to address gaps in knowledge before moving on to more complex tasks.
- Leaders should ensure teachers receive training and development to better adapt their teaching to meet individual pupil needs.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with leaders creating a "strong culture of safeguarding" where staff are alert to concerns and work effectively with external agencies.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 33.1 |
| 2024/25 | 33.3 |
| 2025/26 | 34.4 |
| 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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