The Link Academy
Dudley, DY2 0PB · Dudley · secondary school
Check the area around this school
4th of 18 secondary schools in Dudley we can score, 19 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 schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 7.6/10 against 320 of them, against 5.2/10 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 | 84 | 35% | 2.94 |
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 48.0 · 58 | 30% | 1.74 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | -0.02 · 49 | 25% | 1.22 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 44.2 · 40 | 10% | 0.40 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Link Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 32.8% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 40.4, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was -0.02 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did slightly worse than peers nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (5.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 3.3 out of 10 against all schools). Ofsted inspected the school in May 2026 under the new framework, which grades areas separately without an overall grade.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,013 pupils against a stated capacity of 1,050. 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 score and the national median? What specific steps are taken to improve Progress 8 scores for students from similar backgrounds? How does the new Ofsted report card influence current teaching priorities?
What Ofsted said about The Link Academy
Overview
The Link Academy is described as an "ambitious and inclusive school" where pupils "flourish" and maintain "highly positive attitudes to learning." Leaders demonstrate a "precise understanding" of the school’s context, implementing effective strategies that ensure disadvantaged pupils and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) "benefit fully" from the provision.
Strengths
- Attendance and behaviour are rated at a "Strong standard," with a "calm and orderly" environment where bullying is "rare" and addressed "swiftly and effectively."
- Inclusion is rated at a "Strong standard," with SEND needs "accurately and swiftly identified" and "highly effective partnerships" with families and external agencies.
- Leadership and governance are rated at a "Strong standard," with leaders who are "highly ambitious" and staff who feel "valued and appreciated."
- Personal development is rated at a "Strong standard," featuring a "very well-thought-out programme" that prepares pupils for their "next steps" through careers advice and cultural events.
Areas to improve
- Leaders should ensure "highly effective teaching is embedded in each subject," with teachers using assessment to "precisely identify what and how to teach" to address learning gaps.
Safeguarding
The safeguarding standards are met, with leaders establishing an "open culture in which safeguarding is everyone's responsibility" and concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 39.8 |
| 2024/25 | 40.4 |
| 2025/26 | 44.2 |
| 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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