Watling Academy
Milton Keynes, MK8 1EP · Milton Keynes · secondary school
Check the area around this school
1st of 14 secondary schools in Milton Keynes we can score, 15 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 895 of them, against 6.8/10 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5+ English & maths 2025/26 | 52.8 · 68 | 45% | 3.08 |
| Ofsted | 94 | 40% | 3.75 |
| Attainment 8 2025/26 | 49.1 · 66 | 15% | 0.99 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
Watling Academy overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 55.2% of pupils achieved Grade 5 or above in English and maths. Attainment 8 was 50.4, compared to the national median of 44.6. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in July 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (8.3 out of 10 against similar schools, 7.4 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
Pupils participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Junior NBA Competition, and cross-country events. Trips include the V & A Innovation Finals, Young Women in Stem, and a Climate conference. An after-school club is available.
Getting in
The published school roll is 1,767 pupils against a stated capacity of 2,250. 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 preparing for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award stages? What specific support is available for students aiming to enter competitions like the Junior NBA? How does the school maintain its Outstanding Ofsted rating in daily teaching practice?
What Ofsted said about Watling Academy
Overview
Watling Academy is a secondary academy where leaders hold "exceedingly high aspirations" for every pupil, ensuring background is not a barrier to success. The school fosters an inclusive environment underpinned by values of "respect, responsibility and kindness," resulting in excellent behaviour and a culture where pupils feel safe, happy, and valued as individuals.
Strengths
- The curriculum is described as "inspiring" and "highly inclusive," with leaders carefully sequencing learning to lay a firm foundation for future study.
- Teachers "inspire pupils to think deeply" and deliver lessons skilfully, ensuring pupils, including those with SEND, "achieve exceptionally well."
- There is a "strong culture of reading," with staff providing "very effective targeted support" for pupils who struggle.
- Relationships between pupils and staff are "exceptionally positive," reflecting the aim that "no pupil should be anonymous."
- Leaders place high value on wider development, offering a "well-considered careers programme" and a wide range of extra-curricular activities.
Areas to improve
The report identifies no significant areas for improvement.
Safeguarding
The arrangements for safeguarding are effective, with a "tangible culture of vigilance and care" and systems that are "extremely well organised and monitored."
Results over time
Attainment 8, the years we hold.
| Year | Attainment 8 |
|---|---|
| 2024/25 | 50.4 |
| 2025/26 | 49.1 |
| 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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