The Vale Academy
Brigg, DN20 8AR · North Lincolnshire · secondary school
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2nd of 14 secondary schools in North 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 — 8.9/10 against 888 of them, against 7.8/10 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 | 58.7 · 80 | 30% | 2.39 |
| Progress 8 2023/24 | 0.45 · 82 | 25% | 2.04 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 48.1 · 61 | 10% | 0.61 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
The Vale Academy overview
How it's doing
The school is rated Good by Ofsted, last inspected in 2023. In 2024/25, 64.5% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 51.6, compared to the national median of 44.6. Progress 8 was +0.45 in 2023/24, indicating pupils did better than those nationally who started from the same place. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (9.2 out of 10 against similar schools, 8.3 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils can join photography, humanities, art, Young Engineers, Enterprise Challenge, cookery, and textiles clubs. Sports include Delta Games and Sports Day. Music offers woodwind, string, brass, junior brass, samba, belleplates, rock, and taiko ensembles. Trips include WW1 Battlefields, Conisbrough Castle, a pantomime, a Music Tour to France, and visits to the Deep and Corus. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 627 pupils against a stated capacity of 806. 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 in the final year to maintain their progress? What specific support is available for
What Ofsted said about The Vale Academy
Overview
The Vale Academy continues to be a good school, offering a "welcoming, ambitious and supportive environment" where relationships are built on positive foundations. Leaders have created a broad and aspirational curriculum that prepares pupils well for their next steps, with effective support for those with special educational needs and disabilities.
Strengths
- Pupils benefit from a "broad and ambitious curriculum" with equal opportunities for all, including those with SEND.
- Teachers prioritise reading across subjects, helping pupils develop knowledge and receive effective support to improve.
- Sixth-form students act as "positive role models," supporting younger pupils and engaging fully in school life.
- Enrichment activities, such as clubs and trips, keep pupils "enthusiastic and motivated."
- Safeguarding arrangements are effective, with staff receiving regular training and concerns being "swiftly followed up."
Areas to improve
- Leaders must implement effective strategies to support a minority of pupils who fail to behave according to the code of conduct, leading to increased suspensions.
- The school needs to provide more opportunities for pupils to learn about the world of work through greater employer engagement and work experience.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective," noting that staff understand local risks, report concerns appropriately, and work with external agencies to support pupils.
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2023/24 | 51.1 |
| 2024/25 | 51.6 |
| 2025/26 | 48.1 |
| 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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